What was Jo Gwang-jo thinking as he died?

Jo Gwang-jo was not just another conventional Sarim scholar or literatus.
He was an established nobleman who sought compromise and dreamed of national progress and reform, and his ideas surprisingly gained the support of young scholars.
As powerful officials like Sim Jeong and Nam Gon were cornered, Sim Jeong devised a cunning scheme.
"We will smear honey on leaves to form characters.
Jucho Wi Wang... 走肖爲王
Combining 'Ju' (走) and 'Cho' (肖) means a person named 'Jo' will become king.
The foolish King Jungjong falls for such a frame-up."
This happened because he had ascended to the throne via a military coup and was always insecure.
King Jungjong reigned for as long as 38 years.
He had no significant achievements, spending his time idling away and seeking mere contentment in poverty.
After Jungjong died, the young King Myeongjong ascended, and Queen Munjeong of the Papyeong Yun clan—Jungjong's widow and Myeongjong's mother—ruled through regency.
Her younger brother, Yun Won-hyeong, and his concubine, Jeong Nan-jeong, plundered the nation.
Myeongjong died young, and a collateral branch member, Seonjo, ascended the throne.
As Joseon fell into ruin, Japan invaded, leading to the Imjin War in 1592.
Because Queen Munjeong and the Papyeong Yun clan had plundered so much, Joseon had nothing left.
While people say Seonjo was incompetent, the truth is there was nothing he could actually do.