At irregular intervals there were revolts, and under the pressure of violent acts temporary relief would be afforded; then things would go on as before.
While such was the perennial condition of political unrest, a rebellion of a different sort broke out at Seoul in 1885--an anti-foreign rebellion--which had for its purpose the expulsion of all the foreign legations.

This led to negotiations between China and Japan having an important bearing upon subsequent events.

Li Hung Chang, representing China, and Marquis Ito, the Japanese Foreign Minister, held a conference (1885) at Tien-tsin, which resulted in what is known as the "Li-Ito treaty." In view of the disorders existing, it was agreed that their respective governments should hold a joint control in Korea, each having the right to dispatch troops to the peninsula if required.

This agreement was later expanded into a joint occupation until reform should be established insuring security and order.

These negotiations left Korea as before an independent state, although tributary to China.
The Koreans attributed their calamities to their Queen, a woman of intelligence and craft, who managed to keep her own family in the highest positions and also, by intriguing with China, to thwart Japanese reforms.