In an historic peace iniative, Gorkon sought the help of the Federation after the devastating ecological and economic fallout from the destruction of the Klingon moon Praxis.
Gorkon's assassination took place aboard the Klingon battle cruiser Kronos One in interstellar space and was masterminded by Klingon General Chang and Starfleet Admiral Cartwright. Clutching his hopes for peace to the end, his last words were "Don't let it end this way." Captain James T. Kirk and Doctor Leonard McCoy were framed and sentenced for the crime but later exonerated.
Gorkon was famillar with the works of William Shakespeare, quoting Hamlet. In contrast with the rugged fashion customarily warn in Klingon society, Gorkon wore rich blacks and reds accented with silver jewelry, giving him a regal stature. Due to Gorkon's accomplishments and the honor he is regarded with, he is most likely thought of as having joined Kahless in Sto-Vo-Kor.
Azetbur, his daughter, succeeded him as Chancellor.