The government of Meiji Japan considered Queen Min an obstacle to its overseas expansion. Efforts to remove her from the political arena; orchestrated through failed rebellions prompted by the father of King Gojong; the Heungseon Daewongun (an influential regent working with the Japanese); influenced her to take a harsher stand against Japanese influence.

After Japan's victory in the First Sino-Japanese War; Queen Min advocated stronger ties between Korea and Russia in an attempt to block Japanese influence in Korea; which was represented by the Daewongun.

In the early morning of 8 October 1895; the Hullyeondae Regiment; loyal to the Daewongun; accompanied by a group of Japanese assassains; attacked the Joseon Royal Palace; overpowering its Royal Guards. Upon entering the Queen's quarters; the assassins murdered Queen Min; burned her corpse in a pine forest; and then dispersed the ashes. She was 43 years old.