The "Ideal Public Official" Learned from Yi Sun-sin's Life

Former Prosecutor General Kim Osu Publishes 'Public Official Chungmugong'
Portrays Thorough 'Human Management' Expert Image

Attorney Kim Osu published 'Public Official Chungmugong - The Path of a Civil Servant Learned from the Life of Yi Sun-sin'.

A former Prosecutor General and legal professional has attracted attention by publishing a book that reflects on the life journey of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a 'national hero' from over 430 years ago, and presents the ideal 'public official' for our times.

Kim Oh-soo, who served as the 44th Prosecutor General and the 61st Deputy Minister of Justice, recently released Public Official Admiral Yi Sun-sin ? The Path of a Civil Servant Learned from Yi Sun-sin's Life (published by Dongasia).

This book contains Kim’s reflections on his own public service career as he follows the life journey of the 'public official Yi Sun-sin,' a figure revered almost as a sacred symbol.

Having admired Admiral Yi since childhood through reading the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary), Kim looks back on his public service career through the lens of Yi Sun-sin because he has long regarded this outstanding figure as a great milestone throughout his extensive career in public office. For example, when assigned to the branch office near Chungmusa Shrine in Gogeumdo, Gangjin, he visited the shrine with fellow public officials to pay respects, hung plaques inscribed with Admiral Yi’s writings, and displayed a model of the Turtle Ship in the Prosecutor General’s office corridor, leaving behind various anecdotes related to Admiral Yi.

Kim stated, “Facing the footsteps of Admiral Yi made the path that public officials should take feel much clearer,” and added, “I began writing because I hoped not only myself but many public officials would share this feeling.”

Another reason Kim published this book is his concern over the recent tense relations with Japan.

Kim pointed out, “Japan is the country that caused the greatest pain and suffering to our people,” and criticized, “Yet, to this day, without a proper apology, Japan frequently distorts history and criticizes our country, causing controversies.” He expressed concern that “as of 2024, the government’s stance toward Japan is unsettling,” and emphasized, “Now is the time to remember our history’s greatest public official, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who defended the people against Japan’s ruthless invasion.”

The book covers topics such as △Admiral Yi’s public service △Signs of the Japanese invasion and radical personnel changes △Appointment as Jeolla Left Naval Commander by fate △Outbreak and progression of the Imjin War △Role as Commander of the Three Provinces Navy △Capture, imprisonment, and voluntary retirement △Reappointment as Commander of the Three Provinces Navy and the Battle of Myeongnyang △Rebuilding the navy and the Battle of Noryang.

Kim said, “Since childhood, I have had a strong interest in history, and after becoming a public official, I always regarded Admiral Yi as the epitome of a public servant,” adding, “Based on my 30 years of public service experience, I wrote this book to talk about Admiral Yi, my spiritual mentor whom I wanted to learn from and follow.”

Meanwhile, Kim was born in Hongnong-eup, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, where he completed elementary and middle school. He graduated from Daedong High School in Gwangju and Seoul National University’s College of Law, passed the bar exam, and entered public service as the 20th Judicial Research and Training Institute trainee.

After serving as a military legal officer in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, he was commissioned as a prosecutor at Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office in 1994 and worked in various locations including Jangheung, Seoul, Busan, Suwon, Gwangju, Wonju, Seongnam, Cheongju, Sejong, Jincheon, and Gwacheon. He held positions such as prosecutor, chief prosecutor, deputy chief prosecutor, branch office chief, chief prosecutor, head of the Judicial Research and Training Institute, Deputy Minister of Justice, and Prosecutor General.