Yi Sun-sin

Yi Sun-sin (1545–1598) was the Joseon admiral undefeated in at least twenty-three Imjin War sea battles against Japan. Born in Seoul to an uninfluential family, he passed the military exam in 1576. Jealous superiors had him cashiered and tortured, but he returned, taking naval command at Yeosu in 1591 and building the turtle ship.

When Hideyoshi's invasion reached Seoul in nineteen days, Yi won early victories. At Hansan Island in August 1592 his ‘crane wing’ enclosed the Japanese and destroyed or captured 59 ships. In 1597 intrigue had him arrested and demoted, and his successor lost the fleet at Chilcheollyang.

With only 13 ships, Yi lured the enemy into Myeongnyang Strait and routed over 130 warships without loss. Hit by a stray bullet at Noryang on 16 December 1598, he ordered his death hidden until victory. His diary, the Nanjung Ilgi, joined UNESCO's Memory of the World.