[Limelight] Connecting a Bold Spirit with Grand Ambitions

Movie 'Hansan: The Emergence of the Dragon' Wakiisaka Yasuharu Role by Byeon Yo-han
Thorough Study of 'Wakiisaka Ki' Detailing the Battle of Hansando
"Actions That Seem Sly May Have Been Their Conviction"

Wakisaka Yasuharu (1554?1612) was a key general who led the Japanese navy during the Imjin War. His life trajectory can be traced through the "Wakisakaki," which details his rise to prominence and various anecdotes. It also includes accounts of the Battle of Hansan Island and other events from the Imjin War. As one of the few Japanese sources on naval battles of that time, it holds significant value.

Kim Si-deok, an HK research professor at Korea University's Japan Research Center, evaluated in his 2012 academic paper "Wakisakaki (Part 1)" as follows: "The 1592 Battle of Hansan Island, where the Japanese side was defeated by the Joseon navy led by Yi Sun-sin, is described in detail. This is unusual considering that early literature related to the Imjin War generally tends to emphasize the protagonist's victory."

The names of Joseon commanders do not appear. The real name Yi Sun-sin might have been unknown, but the bravery of the opposing naval commander and the unique shape of the turtle ship could have been passed down orally. The film Hansan: Rising Dragon excludes that possibility and begins by portraying Yi Sun-sin (played by Park Hae-il) and Wakisaka (played by Byun Yo-han) as rivals, giving them equal weight.

The scenes devoted to the latter symbolize the Japanese army's ambitious desires. A representative example is the scene where Wakisaka tries to outshine Kato Yoshiaki (played by Kim Sung-kyun) and claim all the credit. When Kobayakawa Hideaki's messenger arrives to report that a land attack is being prepared, Wakisaka declares, "We will sortie at midnight tonight." Kato, sitting beside him, jumps up and shouts, "What are you saying now? Tonight without any consultation?" "We must strike before the typhoon comes."

The tension escalates with Byun Yo-han's acting in this critical moment. He stares straight ahead without flinching. Even with a sword at his throat, he does not blink. Instead, he calmly raises his left hand and commands the sword-wielding subordinates to "stop." Director Kim Han-min highlights this immovable posture with three bust shots, varying the angle slightly from half-profile, front, and side views at similar heights. He emphasizes the unwavering nature and accentuates the soaring spirit.

To connect such a bold spirit with immense ambition requires acting beyond intense expression. Byun Yo-han gained weight up to 87 kg and diligently memorized Japanese lines. He delivered almost all his lines with deliberate emphasis, becoming a vessel to convey the narrative. Most actors focus on embedding their character's emotions and thoughts within their performance. Byun took a slightly different approach. He thoroughly read the "Wakisakaki" and added depth to his portrayal.

"At first, I read the 'Nanjung Ilgi' (War Diary), but it didn't help me understand Wakisaka. As I thoroughly read the 'Wakisakaki,' I gradually saw the path I needed to take. At the end of that path stood a man burning with ambition."

This relentless determination is confirmed in records of defending against a concentrated attack by the Joseon navy at Ungcheon Port in 1593. The Japanese planned to seize the panokseon, a large ship that was not very maneuverable. The operation involved multiple small fast boats tying the enemy ship with long ropes to immobilize it. In this cooperative situation, Wakisaka and Kuki Yoshitaka quarreled over who had thrown the rope first.

The Joseon navy took advantage of this gap to shower arrows, and Wakisaka lost subordinates such as Kumagai Isuke. Even after seizing the ship, the heated debate continued. Each sent reports to Japan claiming they had attacked first. Wakisaka even sent a retainer as an envoy to report the series of events in detail. Toyotomi Hideyoshi replied as follows: "I heard our forces seized two enemy ships, and you claim to have seized one of them. This is truly remarkable as a result of your utmost effort."

Byun Yo-han explained, "It may seem petty, but for Wakisaka, it could have been a firm conviction." "Looking into his background growing up under Toyotomi in the Chihon-sho, ambition was openly expressed during the Sengoku period. For Wakisaka, that was his sense of righteousness (義). I felt that portraying him attractively without glorification would create a character rich in emotional depth. He serves as a lens to observe the historical hero Yi Sun-sin and as another character who captivates the audience's hearts..."