A Tragic Hero, Admiral Yi Sun-shin

In this series of oil paintings, we look beyond the myth of Yi Sun-shin (April 28, 1545-December 16, 1598) and illustrate the life story and the inner world of the human being. When we examine Yi’s life more closely, we meet a human being whose mind was clouded with a deeply meditative melancholy and who in solitude struggled with his wrath. 

The great Korean commander of the late sixteenth century, Admiral Yi Sun-shin, is among the great generals of world history. Yi is remembered for his numerous victories fighting against Japan during the Imjin War, Japan’s invasion of Korea from 1592-1598. During the war, he fought 23 battles, and he never lost.

One cannot speak of Admiral Yi without mentioning the Kobukson, known in English as the Turtle Ship, which he designed. It was the world’s first ironclad warship. 

He was famous not only as a unique and extraordinary war hero but also as an unparalleled patriot and a filial son. In peacetime, he was known as a poet and for his philosophical thought and inward contemplation.

His military success made enemies in the royal court. He was twice arrested, accused falsely by the king and courtiers who were jealous and insecure due to his popularity among the common people. 

During his last battle, the Battle of Noryang, sensing that his wound by an enemy’s bullet would be fatal, the Admiral uttered this statement and died moments later:

   “ The battle is at its height;   

  Do not announce my death”.

Even centuries after his death, Yi won the admiration and respect of military historians around the world. Admiral Tetsu Sato of the Imperial Japanese navy mentioned Korean Admiral Yi Sun-shin in his book published in 1908, 

A Military History of the Empire:

  

     “Throughout history there have been a few generals accomplished at the tactics of frontal attacks, sudden attacks, concentration and dilation. Napoleon, who mastered the art of conquering, can be held to have been such a general, and among admirals, two further tactical geniuses may be named: in the East, Yi Sun-shin of Korea and in the West, Horato Nelson of England. Undoubtedly, Yi is a supreme naval commander even on the basis of the limited literature of the [Imjin War], and despite the fact that his bravery and brilliance are not known to the West since he had the misfortune

to be born in the Joseon Dynasty.” 

Admiral Sato was not the only one to draw the parallel to Nelson. The Royal Navy officer and historian Admiral Ballard commented, “It is very difficult for me as an Englishman to admit there is a person compared to  Admiral Nelson, but if there is a person admitted he is the only and the great Eastern Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who was never defeated in battle.” (Korean Naval Academy Website).

Yi Sun-shin and Horatio Nelson share more differences than similarities.

While Yi struggled with adverse circumstances, relatively speaking, Nelson fought in favorable conditions.

  While Nelson could rely upon the veteran sailors of the Royal Navy, the strong tradition of British seamanship, and the backing of a modern government committed to war against France, Yi had to fight with an ad-hoc, poorly trained navy, nearly always outnumbered, while dealing with with dissension and disunion among the other officers. The royal government had limited ability to provide resources, and, threatened by Yi’s popularity, was hesitant to give what little they had. Therefore, it was up to Admiral Yi to raise, equip, and supply his navy and recruit his own sailors.

The greatest difference between Admirals Yi and Nelson, however, lies in how they were treated after their deaths. In the years following the Imjin War, Yi’s achievements were barely recognized by the royal court. What honors he was given were met with further criticisms and denunciations. It was only centuries later that the Korean government gave him the recognition he deserved. 

By comparison, Nelson’s martyrdom immediately made him a national symbol and icon. Moreover, his reputation spread worldwide, his stories carried to distant lands by the Empire he helped defend. Korea has never had any empire to spread the legends of its national heroes.