[If You Know] Shimazu Who Survived and Withstood Attacks on the Edo Shogunate (Part 2)

Jinlin Following the Funeral Procession to Asan, His Grave Also
Toyotomi's Son Meets Tragic End at Osaka Castle
Shimazu Clan Overthrows Edo Shogunate and Advocates Jeonghanron
Europeans Unanimously Name Yi Sun-sin as Asia's Maritime Hero

'If you know', it delivers useful information in a disorganized manner. It is a tip for enjoying movies more interestingly.

*Following <Why Yi Sun-sin Did Not Use 'Outboxing' at Noryang (Part 2)>

*Upon hearing the news of Yi Sun-sin's death, the residents of nearby islands including Gogeumdo in Wando wept loudly. The rumor spread instantly, and even the people of Gangjin, Haenam, and Jindo nearby lamented to the heavens. Jin Lin also rolled on the ground wailing, "I thought the elder came to save me, but what is this?"

*Yi Sun-sin's funeral was held on Gogeumdo, where the last Samdosugun Control Office was located. The people of the southern provinces all wore white clothes and refrained from eating meat. About 20 days later, the body was moved to Asan, where his family lived. Wherever the funeral procession moved from Gogeumdo in Wando to Asan, the people's wailing continued. Many people clung to the cart and cried, preventing the procession from moving forward.

*Ryu Seong-ryong wrote in the national treasure No. 132, "Jingbirok," about Yi Sun-sin's death as follows: "Yi Sun-sin personally fought bravely, risking arrows and stones in this battle, but was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet. His aides hurriedly supported him into the warship. At that moment, Yi Sun-sin quietly opened his mouth and said, 'The battle is urgent now, so do not say that I have died,' and sadly passed away. Yi Sun-sin's nephew, Yi Wan, was originally a person of tact and magnanimity. Following Yi Sun-sin's words, he did not reveal his death and encouraged the fight under Yi Sun-sin's orders, so the troops did not notice his death. When Jin Lin's ship was surrounded by the enemy, Yi Wan steered the ship to break through and rescue him. Jin Lin, who thought Yi Sun-sin would save him, sent people to express gratitude but only then heard the news of his death. He sat on a chair, then threw himself to the ground, crying loudly, 'I thought the commander came to save me, but he has passed away. What is this?' The troops all cried out loud, creating a sea of tears. The wailing echoed in the bay. (...) Upon hearing the news of Yi Sun-sin's death, our soldiers and Ming soldiers' war camps were filled with wailing, unable to overcome the grief as if they had lost their own parents. Wherever the funeral procession passed, the people prepared offerings and followed, crying. 'You saved us, but now you abandon us and where are you going?' they cried, holding the cart, blocking the path so the funeral procession could not proceed. Everyone on the road shed tears. The court posthumously promoted Yi Sun-sin to Uijeongbu Uuijeong. Hyunggae suggested building a shrine by the sea to honor his loyal spirit, but when this was not realized, the coastal people discussed and built a shrine called 'Minchungsa' to hold memorial services. Merchants and fishing boats reportedly always pay respects when passing by."

*Lee Deok-hyeong wrote in a "Jangje" (Memorial Report): "Even the ignorant elderly and children came out in large numbers and cried, so how could it be a coincidence that he gained such sympathy from the people?"

*Jin Lin, who followed Yi Sun-sin's funeral procession all the way to Asan, met Yi Sun-sin's eldest son Yi Hoe, clasped both hands, and wept while consoling him. Jin Lin entrusted the burial site to Dosachung, a geomancer who accompanied the Joseon expedition. The remains were buried under Geumseongsan in Asan as designated by Dosachung. However, 15 years later, the family relocated the tomb to Eorasan in Asan.

*History expert Hwang Hyun-pil wrote in his book "Yi Sun-sin's Sea," "Have you ever visited General Yi Sun-sin's tomb? Every time I went, I was always alone. Japan's Yasukuni Shrine is crowded even on weekdays. However, the Hyeonchungsa Shrine is peaceful. That is sad," he described.

*In Kyoto, Japan, there is also Ichongdo. It is the place where the noses and ears of Joseon soldiers and civilians cut off by the Japanese army during the Imjin War were buried.

*The story that Yi Sun-sin died in the Battle of Noryang is accepted as established fact by numerous records. The controversy lies in which part of his body was shot and who commanded the flagship immediately after his death. "Yi Sun-sin was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and collapsed on the ship. Son Mun-ok prevented his son Yi Hoe from crying, covered the body with clothes, and beat the drum while continuing to fight (Annals of King Seonjo)." "Sun-sin was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet. Yi Sun-sin's nephew Wan urged the fight, so the troops did not know of Sun-sin's death (Revised Annals of King Seonjo)." "The flying bullet hit his chest and exited through his back. Yi Sun-sin's cousin Yi Wan encouraged the fight (Jingbirok)." "The bullet hit Hee-rip's armor and helmet. Yi Sun-sin was very surprised and was about to stand up when he was shot under the armpit. His son Hoe tried to wail, but Hee-rip covered Hoe's mouth to prevent crying. Then he took off the general's armor and helmet, took the drum, and fought alone to drive away the enemy (Eunbong Yasa Byeollok)."

*In Jin Lin's "Jei Tongje Mun," there is a sentence that makes one think Yi Sun-sin might have chosen death himself at the last moment: "He used to say to people, 'Those who disgrace the country, only death remains for them,' but now that the land has been reclaimed and the great enemy avenged, why should he fulfill his usual oath? Alas, Commander!" Later, Ryu Hyeong, who became the Samdosugun Commander, recorded Yi Sun-sin's words: "A general who seeks recognition for his achievements cannot preserve his life. Therefore, I will die on the day the enemy retreats to avoid regrets." Lee Min-seo, who served as Daesehak during King Sukjong's reign, said: "When the righteous army leader Kim Deok-ryeong died in prison, the commanders and everyone thought they could not preserve their lives. Gwak Jae-woo finally left his military post, and Yi Sun-sin took off his armor and helmet during the battle and died from enemy bullets." Prime Minister Lee Yeo-do of the Sukjong era said similarly: "People say Yi Sun-sin could have avoided death but knew that his great achievements would not be accepted, so he finally killed himself on the battlefield. The general's death was predetermined. Oh, how sad."

*While the Joseon-Ming allied forces fiercely fought the Japanese combined fleet in the Noryang sea, Konishi of Suncheon Japanese Castle secretly fled. It was an act of betrayal against his own forces who came to save him. Because of this, Konishi was heavily criticized later in Japan. Even his subordinate commanders were disappointed, causing significant defections among his followers. Shimazu, who was severely defeated by Yi Sun-sin at Noryang, barely survived but suffered enormous losses.

*At that time, Japan was in the midst of the Sekigahara battle after Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death. The Western Army included Ishida Mitsunari, Konishi Yukinaga, and Shimazu Yoshihiro, who supported Toyotomi's son Hideyori. The Eastern Army, supporting Tokugawa Ieyasu, defeated them and established the Edo Shogunate.

*Toyotomi Hideyori was born in 1593 as the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After Hideyoshi's first son died, he had appointed his nephew Toyotomi Hidetsugu as successor. However, after Hideyori was born, Hidetsugu was forced to commit seppuku. Hideyoshi's last will requested Tokugawa Ieyasu and others to support his son Hideyori. However, after winning the Sekigahara battle, Tokugawa only granted Hideyori part of Osaka. Dissatisfied with the continued presence of the Toyotomi family, the Tokugawa Shogunate mobilized government scholars Hayashi Razan to justify war, then besieged and attacked Osaka Castle twice in the winter of 1614 and summer of the following year. Eventually, Hideyori and his mother Yodogimi committed suicide. The people of Osaka, lamenting the tragic end, created legends that generals like Sanada Yukimura continued to resist the Shogunate forces or that Hideyori escaped through secret passages to Kagoshima in Kyushu.

*One reason for the Western Army's defeat at Sekigahara was the weakening of Konishi and Shimazu forces. The supposedly most valiant Shimazu army had only about 2,000 troops participating, playing a minor role. Having suffered tremendous losses clashing with Yi Sun-sin at Noryang, this was inevitable. The retreat of the small Shimazu force breaking through the numerically superior Eastern Army to their base in Satsuma domain in southwestern Kyushu is still often depicted in Japanese films and dramas. The Edo Shogunate attacked Shimazu until the end, but Shimazu ultimately held out.

*Shimazu Yoshihiro was the 17th head of the Shimazu family. By 1585, he had succeeded in conquering most of Kyushu. However, the following year, he surrendered to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who attacked Kyushu. In 1600, he allied with Ishida Mitsunari and rebelled but was defeated at Sekigahara and barely escaped. The Shimazu retainers, numbering 300, fought fiercely through the enemy lines, with only 80 surviving to retreat, protecting their lord Yoshihiro from Tokugawa forces. This case is often cited when explaining the importance of tactics during retreat in battle.

*The Edo Shogunate claimed to be anti-invasion during the Imjin War and sought trade with Joseon. Joseon dispatched communication envoys when the Shogunate requested, and King Gwanghaegun concluded the Giyu Treaty (1609). A Waegwan (Japanese trading post) was established in Busanpo, allowing trade with Japan.

*So Yoshitoshi, who participated in the Battle of Noryang, was the 20th lord of the So family’s Tsushima domain. In 1587, he visited Toyotomi Hideyoshi's camp attacking Kyushu to confirm his rule over Tsushima and was ordered to negotiate with Joseon. He married Maria, daughter of Konishi Yukinaga, becoming a Catholic daimyo. He tried to prevent the outbreak of the Imjin War but failed and served as a guide for the Japanese army during the war, leveraging his experience with Joseon. After Tokugawa Ieyasu's victory at Sekigahara in 1600, he devoted himself to restoring diplomatic relations between Joseon and Japan under Ieyasu's orders. However, during the normalization process, a tense dispute arose over which side would send the first letter of state, as sending first was perceived as conceding. Therefore, the Tsushima domain falsely reported to the Shogunate that Joseon requested the resumption of relations first and, after receiving the letter, altered some phrases to make it appear the Shogunate sent the first letter, sending it to Joseon. Joseon, suspicious of the letter's content and form, still sent a reply to Japan. Then Tsushima forged Joseon's letter to make it seem Joseon was eager to normalize relations first. This series of events was uncovered by the Shogunate in 1635 after disputes between So Sam-mun and his vassal Yanagawa family following So Yoshitoshi's death.

*Later, the Shimazu family's Satsuma domain allied with the Choshu domain to overthrow the Edo Shogunate. They led the Meiji Restoration and became the forefront of the Jeonghanron (Korean Peninsula conquest and continental expansion), signing the Treaty of Ganghwa (1876). Even today, they show the most extreme right-wing tendencies in Japan.

*The Ming dynasty suffered financial difficulties while aiding Joseon during the Imjin War. The Wanli Emperor (Ming Shenzong), who did not provide relief to his people, donated his own wealth to Joseon. Thanks to this, many Joseon people escaped starvation. Under Song Si-yeol's leadership, Joseon built the Mandongmyo (a shrine for the Wanli Emperor) at Hwayang Seowon in Goesan, Chungbuk, to commemorate him. Meanwhile, the Chinese remember this with anger and desecrated the tomb during the Cultural Revolution.

*The descendants of Jin Lin, who served as a Ming admiral in Joseon, formed a brotherhood with Yi Sun-sin and returned, refusing to live under Qing barbarian rule. They migrated en masse to Joseon, settling in Gogeumdo where Yi Sun-sin and Jin Lin were together, and nearby Haenam, becoming the Gwangdong Jin clan. Even today, there is a Gwangdong Jin clan village in Haenam.

*Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned in a 2014 special lecture at Seoul National University, "Ming general Deng Zilong and General Yi Sun-sin died together at the Battle of Noryang, and the descendants of Ming general Jin Lin still live in Korea today," referring to the Korea-China history during the Jeongyu War.

*Around 1705, the monk Seiki published "Joseon Military Records" and author Baba Shin published "Joseon Taepyeonggi," which used the 17th-century Japanese-imported "Jingbirok" to extensively revise Joseon-related articles in Japanese documents such as "Daikoki" and Ming documents like "Yangjo Pyeongyangrok" and "Mubiji." One representative example is the article on the Battle of Noryang. Before "Jingbirok" was introduced, "Yangjo Pyeongyangrok" was the main Japanese source on the battle, where the central figure was Ming admiral Jin Lin, and Yi Sun-sin appeared only as an anonymous extra called "Joseon Itongje." Although Yi Sun-sin's name appears elsewhere in "Yangjo Pyeongyangrok," within it, Yi Sun-sin and Joseon Itongje were not recognized as the same person. However, in "Joseon Military Records" and "Joseon Taepyeonggi," the title "Joseon Itongje" was changed to "Joseon Commander Yi Sun-sin." Furthermore, his heroic death with the words "The battle is urgent now, so do not say that I have died," and Jin Lin's lament "I thought Sun-sin saved me, but how could we lose such a hero?" were introduced, and Yi Sun-sin's heroic life was extensively highlighted.

*"Ehon Daikoki," which inherited the Noryang article from "Joseon Military Records" and "Joseon Taepyeonggi," emphasizes Yi Sun-sin's wisdom, stating that he predicted Jin Lin's crisis and sent a relief force with the words, "Foolish Jin Lin, you will be defeated and find no retreat. I will send a surprise attack unit to save the army," thus rescuing the Ming army led by Jin Lin and driving away the Japanese. In short, from the 17th to 18th century, the status of Ming's Jin Lin and Joseon's Yi Sun-sin was reversed.

*Europeans, including the British who are interested in naval power, unanimously regard Yi Sun-sin as Asia's maritime hero. Joseph Henry Longford, a British diplomat and East Asia expert in the early 1900s, evaluated Yi Sun-sin as "There is no more prominent historical example in a maritime nation of the influence of naval power and the ability to save a country." Ian Bowers, a professor at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute, cited British military historian Ballard's works at the international academic seminar "Yi Sun-sin in the World" held in Seoul in April 2017, saying, "The British are reluctant to compare Nelson's achievements with others, but Yi Sun-sin, who never lost a naval battle and died from enemy bullets, deserves comparison with Nelson." Japanese Defense Force professor Inoue Yasushi, who was present, said, "Admiral Togo Heihachiro, who won the Russo-Japanese War in 1904, said his victory could be compared to Nelson's but not to Yi Sun-sin," placing Yi Sun-sin a level above.

Reference materials: Hwang Hyun-pil, author and publisher Yeokbayeon, "Yi Sun-sin's Sea (2021)"; Ryu Seong-ryong, author, Lee Min-su, translator, publisher Eulyu Munhwasa, "Jingbirok (2014)"; Yi Sun-sin, author, Noh Seung-seok, translator, publisher Yeohye, "Easy-to-See War Diary (2022)"; Yi Sun-sin History Research Association, author, publisher Bibong Publishing, "Yi Sun-sin and the Imjin War 4 (2006)"; Ahn Young-bae, author, Park Young-cheol, photographer, publisher Dong-A Ilbo, "Forgotten War Jeongyu War (2018)"; Sato Tetsutaro, Sekiko Sei, Ogasawara Naganari, authors, Kim Hae-kyung, translator, publisher Gagyanal, "Yi Sun-sin Alone Saved Joseon (2019)"; Kim Si-duk, author, publisher Hakgojae, "The Imjin War as Seen by Them (2012)" etc.