Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Yi Sun-sin (1545. April 28 – 1598. December 16)
A renowned military leader and national hero of Joseon in the late 16th century, he served as the admiral who commanded the Joseon Navy during the Imjin War and the Jungyu War. His posthumous title is Chungmugong.
Today, countless citizens of the Republic of Korea hold him in high regard and admiration, and his very existence instills patriotism and pride in them, making him a representative national hero in Korean history. Alongside King Sejong the Great, he is considered one of the most prominent figures in Korean history, boasting a high status and reputation. He is the subject of a large statue erected in Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea.
Even when examining globally, renowned military leaders like Horatio Nelson all received substantial government support and achieved victory in wars. However, Yi Sun-sin received no support from the government or external sources. Instead, he was burdened with the responsibility of providing the government and the Ming Dynasty army with food, weapons, paper, fans, matchlock guns, and various other supplies and tributes. Furthermore, he had to personally take care of the livelihood of the flood of refugees, facing arduous and lonely challenges in waging war. Even in the face of the direst circumstances, such as the army under Kwon Yul's command, without permission, repeatedly pillaging the provisions meticulously prepared by Yi Sun-sin for the navy and arbitrarily withdrawing naval forces to be incorporated into the army, he never despaired. Through his own efforts, he ensured self-sufficiency. During a truce, despite a severe outbreak of infectious diseases at naval bases that resulted in significant troop losses, he persevered with his frail body and relentlessly expanded his military arsenal, culminating in the creation of the most formidable naval fleet. As a result, over seven years, he commanded the navy, exhibiting exceptional tactical prowess and bravery, and achieved victory in every battle. He secured an unparalleled feat, the legend of 23 victories in 23 battles without a single loss of a warship—an unprecedented miracle in history.
By securing command of the sea, Yi Sun-sin completely cut off enemy supply lines, a crucial factor in war, thereby altering the course of the war and saving a nation on the brink of ruin. He was an unparalleled military leader. Notably, during the second deployment at the beginning of the Imjin War, in the first naval battle, the Sacheon naval battle, while commanding the battle, he suffered a severe injury when struck by an enemy bullet that pierced his left shoulder. Despite the severity of the wound, causing blood to flow down to his heels, he showed no signs of pain and calmly continued to command the troops, ultimately annihilating the enemy fleet. It is said that he then removed the embedded bullet with his own knife and engaged in casual conversation with his subordinates as if nothing had happened. In the final battle of the Imjin War, the Battle of Noryang, he, alongside Chen Lin, the Ming Navy Admiral, confronted 500 retreating Japanese warships, deploying a fire attack strategy to destroy 200 and capture 100 others, which were then burned. This resulted in the annihilation of tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers, a great victory. However, as dawn approached, he was fatally struck by an enemy bullet, meeting a glorious end.
Do not blame your humble origins. I was born into a declining family and grew up in poverty at my maternal grandfather's home.
Do not say you are unintelligent. I failed my first examination and only passed the civil service exam at the late age of 32.
Do not complain about not having a good position. I spent 14 years as a low-ranking garrison officer in remote and desolate border areas.
Do not worry about being frail. I suffered from chronic stomach problems and infectious diseases throughout my life.
Do not complain that you are not given opportunities. I became an admiral at the age of 47 when the nation was in peril due to an enemy invasion.
Do not despair at having no resources. I faced 133 enemy ships with 12 old ships on a battlefield where I returned empty-handed.
Those who cannot control themselves cannot control others.
Throughout life, sorrow grows and joy diminishes. Nevertheless, do not choose sorrow.
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