Yi Sun-sin

Yi Sun-sin was a Korean naval commander and national hero whose naval victories were instrumental in repelling Japanese invasions of Korea in the 1590s. He is regarded as one of the greatest naval commanders in history, with commentators praising his strategic vision, intelligence, innovations, and personality. He is celebrated as a national hero in Korea, with multiple landmarks, awards and towns named after him, as well as numerous films and documentaries centered on his exploits. His personal diaries, Nanjung Ilgi, covering a seven year period, are listed as part of UNESCO's Memory of the World. Yi was born in Seoul, Korea into an aristocratic family that belonged to the Deoksu Yi clan, under the rule of the Joseon Dynasty. He spent his adolescence and early adulthood period in Asan where his mother's relatives lived and where a shrine to him now stands. He passed the government examinations to become a military officer in 1576 and served at various army and navy posts. He was twice discharged from his positions due to false accusations by his jealous rivals, but he was later reinstated and promoted. Yi became the naval commander of the Left Jeolla Province in 1591 and began to prepare for the impending Japanese invasion. He devised the turtle ship, a heavily armed and armored warship that could withstand enemy fire and ram into enemy vessels. He also trained his sailors and marines in naval tactics and gunnery. He foresaw the importance of controlling the sea lanes and securing supply routes for the Korean and Chinese forces. In 1592, the Japanese invasion began and Yi led his fleet to a series of victories against the Japanese navy, which was superior in numbers and equipment. He won the battles of Okpo, Sacheon, Dangpo, Danghangpo, Hansan Island, Busan, and many others, destroying hundreds of Japanese ships and disrupting their supply lines. He was wounded and nearly captured at the battle of Chilcheollyang, where his fleet was ambushed and decimated by a Japanese sneak attack. He managed to escape with only 12 ships and regrouped his forces at a strait called Myeongnyang. There, he faced a Japanese fleet of 333 ships with only 13 of his own. He used the strong currents and his superior tactics to his advantage and managed to disable or destroy 31 Japanese warships without losing a single ship of his own. This was his most famous victory and a turning point in the war. The Japanese navy was demoralized and retreated, while the Korean navy regained its confidence and momentum. Yi continued to harass and attack the Japanese navy until the end of the war in 1598. He died from a gunshot wound at the battle of Noryang, the closing battle of the war, where he joined forces with the Chinese navy to annihilate the remaining Japanese fleet. His last words were reported to be "The battle is at its height...beat my war drums...do not announce my death." He was posthumously honored with the title of Chungmugong (Lord of Loyal Valor) and his portrait was enshrined in the Jongmyo Shrine.