Guess who is the most respected historical figure in Korea? In every survey about the most admirable historical figure, Koreans always select this great man: Yi Sun-sin. Undoubtedly, Yi is the most respected figure in Korea’s 5000 years of history. During the Joseon Dynasty, he fought in 23 battles against the invading forces of Japan and won every battle, a miraculous record in the world’s naval battle history.
Fifty million Koreans respect him not just because he won all battles against all odds, but also because he sacrificed himself for our country and people. Even when he didn’t have full support from the government, he dedicated his best efforts to save the country and the people. We hope our hero will inspire people around the world to have courage and hope in the face of challenges. Yi’s spirit and leadership will be a great inspiration for all children and youth around the world.
Unfortunately, textbooks in the United States and other countries have little or not mention of Yi Sun-sin. Even the limited few that mention him contain misguided information. Some American textbooks describe the Imjin War from a perspective that Korea had no means to defend itself against Japanese troops, armed with advanced firearms; Japan retreated only after Ming China sent its troops. This perspective attributes Joseon’s victory to China’s support, with no regard to Yi Sun-sin, his turtle ships, and the Korean Navy.
However, there are some Americans who recognize and promote Yi Sun-sin and his accomplishments to the world. They include a U.S. battalion, an American comic book writer, and an American non-profit military institute.
The 837th Transportation Battalion: a U.S. Battalion with a Turtle Ship Symbol
The United States Armed Forces are stationed across the world. Among them, there is a battalion that uses a turtle ship, Geobukseon in Korean, as its symbol. Geobukseon is a great naval battleship built and used by Yi Sun-sin. The battalion that adopted Geobukseon as its symbol is the 837thTransportation Battalion at Busan, Korea. This battalion transports military supplies to U.S. military bases in the Pacific. It manages port operations in cooperation with Korean forces.
Using a host country’s historical symbol is rare for U.S. battalions. How did the battalion end up choosing a Korean historical symbol over an American symbol? When the 837thTransportation Battalion was created during a 1997 U.S. military restructuring, a civilian employee suggested Geobukseon for its symbol. In an interview, its designer, Guy Campbell, said he wanted to create a symbol that shows a connection between Korea and the United States. He explained that Geobukseon was an obvious choice because it is a symbol of Korean naval history. Due to his interest in naval history, he studied extensively about Yi Sun-sin and came to respect him as the greatest admiral in history.
Onrie Kompan: an American Comic Book Writer of Yi Soon Shin
I wonder if you know about an American comic book writer that wrote a series about Yi Sun-sin – Yi Soon Shin is an alternate spelling used by this writer. After majoring in fiction writing at a college in Chicago, a 32-year-old American named OnrieKompan chose Yi Sun-sin as the topic of his first comic book. He believes that Yi Sun-sin is a hero comparable to American war hero Douglas MacArthur or Alexander the Great.
How did he first learn about Admiral Yi Sun-sin? He happened to watch the Korean drama “Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin” on a cable channel. Because he was used to superhuman heroes like Superman, he was intrigued by a different kind of hero. Unlike usual comic book heroes, Yi was an ordinary man with limited resources, but he overcame challenges with tremendous efforts. In such endeavors, he created innovative weaponry like turtle ships. Also, unlike American superhuman heroes, he was mortal like us humans. Kompan was deeply touched when Yi gave his last words “Don’t let anyone know my death” with his dying breath.
He began to read books about Yi Sun-sin that were translated into English. Soon, he was convinced that Yi’s story would inspire people around the world, not just Koreans. He decided to create a comic book series about Yi Sun-sin to let more people know about Yi’s heroism. Afterwards, Kompan spent over four years to publish his first comic book series: Yi Soon Shin. After its publication in 2009, this series gained popularity and sold over 45,000 copies. It was sold out at 14 comic book conventions. Check out his work “Yi Soon Shin: Warrior and Defender” at www.yisoonshin.com.
What made this American man so inspired to create a comic book series about a Korean hero?
In many interviews with Korean media, he explained the reason. He was impressed by Yi’s victory in all of his battles, despite many disadvantages he had compared to his enemies. Yi is a great character because he was a real person who overcame real challenges. Unlike American fictional superhuman heroes, such as Superman, Batman, and Iron man, Yi was a real historical figure who saved a country in a war. Because it was real, Yi’s story appeals more to the audience than regular fiction. It doesn’t matter whether he was Korean or American.
Geobukseon: One of the Greatest Warships of All Time
I wonder if you know that Geobukseoon was voted one of the seven greatest warships of all time. On April 6, 2016, the United States Naval Institute (USNI) released a survey result after receiving 26,000 votes from its news readers. USNI news readers recognized the significance of the Korean Geobukseon or turtle ship for its role in defeating Japanese troops in the 16th century. The news described Geobukseon as “a turtle ship whose convex-covered decks resembled a turtle shell” and “[being] not only virtually impenetrable, but also fast and maneuverable.” It also noted that “[its] smoke-spewing dragon’s head at the bow [was] a powerful psychological weapon.” USNI readers viewed the turtle ships with high regard particularly because “the ships played a decisive role in defeating regent ToyotomiHideyoshi’s numerically-superior fleet during Japan’s invasion of the Korean peninsula of the Imjin War of 1592-1598. The ramifications of the defeat still resonate to this day.”
Other greatest warships included the USS Constitution, America’s oldest commissioned warship; the HMS Dreadnought, Britain’s naval battleship that started the generation of dreadnoughts; the SMS Emden, Germany’s light cruiser that tormented the Allied Forces in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific during World War I.
Now, it is your turn to spread Yi’s story and inspire others!