The clan was a prominent
yangban family during Korea's late
Joseon dynasty. Five
Jongmyo scholars, and 2
Prime Ministers, Cho Hyŏnmyŏng and Cho Inyŏng, were produced. A Crown Princess who was posthumously honored as Queen,
Queen Hyosun (the wife of
Crown Prince Hyojang) and another Crown Princess who was posthumously honored as Queen Dowager,
Queen Sinjeong (the wife of
Crown Prince Hyomyeong). Princess Consort Uichun (Prince Bongan's wife) and Princess Consort Muncheon (Prince Yangwon's wife), as well as two Royal Consorts, Royal Consort Gwi-in (a concubine of
King Yeongjo) and
Royal Consort Gwi-in (a concubine of
King Cheoljong) were members of the royal family. In 1834, the Cho clan seized control over the royal court from the
Andong Kim clan. The clan rose to prominence, pushing out the
Andong Kim clan that had wielded power since the
King Sunjo regime. However, with the death of the clan leader
Jo Man-yeong in 1846, control of the kingdom once again fell into the hands of the Andong Kim clan. Anti-Catholic in nature, the Cho clan dominated the court when
King Heonjeong blamed the Kim clan for being soft on Catholics and launched a persecution, killing hundreds of Catholics, including three French missionary priests.
Queen Sinjeong eventually took power as regent when her son
Heonjong became king following the untimely death of
Crown Prince Hyomyeong. The Pungyang Cho clan saw that
Yi Myeong-bok (later
Emperor Gojong) was only twelve years old and would not be able to rule in his own name until he came of age, and that they could easily influence
Yi Ha-eung, who would be acting as regent for the future king. As soon as news of
Cheoljong's death reached Yi Ha-eung through his intricate network of spies in the palace, he and the Pungyang Cho clan took the hereditary royal seal — an object that was considered necessary for a legitimate reign to take place and aristocratic recognition to be received — effectively giving her absolute power to select the successor to the throne. By the time Cheoljong's death had become a known fact, the Andong Kim clan was powerless according to Royal law as the seal lay in the hands of the Grand Royal Dowager Queen Sinjeong. When the Grand Queen Dowager stepped down from regency, Grand Internal
Prince Heungseon had driven out the influence of the Cho clan. Which eventually brought in
Queen Min's intervention as she became involved in Royal politics. Thus bringing down the power of the king's father and his supporters, and bringing in her family's power, the
Yeoheung Min clan. == Notable people ==