Imjin War - Japanese Invasion of Korea 1592-1598 - 4K DOCUMENTARY

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The tale of Admiral Yi is nothing short of superhuman, and yet at the same time a tragedy. Other men would have turned their back or defected after being treated the way he was. But he cared more for his nation than himself, even when the leadership of that nation betrayed him time and time again for their own selfish ambition. But he fought not for the government, but the nation itself. True patriotism.

Admiral Togo, the Japanese admiral who won the decisive naval battle at the Tsushima straits was once compared to Yi and Nelson. Togo was taken aback by this and said: “It may be proper to compare me with Nelson, but not with Korea's Yi Sun-sin, for he has no equal.”

Put yourself into Yi's shoes: The selfish and incompetent boss (King Seonjo), jealous and unqualified coworkers who makes things worse (Won Kyun), all his subordinates inexperienced and cowardish, and your job is to fight against 10 times the numbers of invaders who are battle-hardened veterans with full support and advanced firearms.

People need to know that YI had no support from his country. He raised money himself, built the ships himself, made the first musket for korea, made the first ironclad turtleship, fed his people from starvation and saved korea from Japan. He is a Saint of saints in Korea along with King Sejong

One of the most amazing thing about Yi Sun Shin was that all his prior military experience prior to the Imjin War was in the army, and he only started studying naval warfare after he was appointed the commander in Cholla shortly before the war started. All his subsequent naval brilliance was self-taught.

'Diplomatic failures provoked Hideyoshi to launch a Second Invasion' That is an understatement. His Daimyo came up with a scheme to pretend the Ming were surrendering while also telling the Ming that Hideyoshi was acquiescing to their demands. It went so far as Hideyoshi wearing what he thought was a gifted 'Emperor's robe' but actually signified becominga 'Vassal King' under the Ming. This all came unglued when Hideyoshi's Monk(who could read the documents) told Hideyoshi their true meaning and Hideyoshi flew into a rage demanding blood.

I used to have lunch sat by the statue of Yi Sun Sin in Gwanghwamun square and wonder how I'd never heard of him before I moved to Korea. I'm so glad he gets love from your channel because his is one of the most incredible stories in military history.

That's truly amazing. I've never seen an English video that describes the Imjin War in such detail and accuracy. Thank you for your effort.

There’s a lot of amazing things about Admiral Yi. One of them was his repeated ability to adapt his tactics to defeat his enemy even after his enemy repeatedly adapted their tactics to account for Yi’s previous successes.

Interesting fact: When Yi was dying he told to his son and his nephew: "We are going to win this war. Keep beating the drum. Do not announce my death". And then both his son and nephew took his armour and pretended they were the admiral and kept fighting. It wouldnt be until tge end of the battle that Yi's death would be known. The admiral had quite a life. He was mistreeated by corrupt officials, almost sentenced to death for being blamed and ended it as a hero to his people. He didnt see the end of the war but his legacy lives on as one of, if not, THE best admiral in history

Yi Sun Shin was a genius tactician with an unmatched record of naval victories. It's no wonder Koreans are the best StarCraft players.

I teach history and I'm not Korean so I never heard about Yi before today. Naturally, I went to read up on him and while some events certainly seem tainted by later Korean propaganda, this guy was definitely right up there with some of the more famous admirals in history, quite possibly surpassing even people like Themistocles, Nelson and Nimitz. It seems that few if any were as good at exploiting the enemy's weaknesses as Yi was. Rightfully deserves his place as one of the greatest national heroes of Korea.

After the devastating defeat of Won Gyun, Joseon court planned to merge the remaining navy into the army. However, general Yi said to the king, "There are 12 battle ships left, the numbers are insufficient, but with this humble man still alive, enemy will not covet our seas." And comes the famous battle of Myeong yang, where general Yi defeated the 200 Japanese ships with 13 battle ships(one ship joined later). General Yi had lost his mother when he was demoted (his mother was 83 years old and was on the sail to meet her demoted son when she passed away on a ship). And general Yi's most beloved son died while fighting the Japanese forces. Such a shame that a man of such accomplishment and devotion had to go through all that personal tragedy...

The story of Admiral Yi is absolutely insane, and we'd all believe it to be a story of fiction if it weren't for corroborated reports from Korea's enemy in this conflict, Japan. Furthermore, the accounts from the Chinese side are glowing as well. This was an uncommon man, put squarely in position, by sheer chance or divine intervention, to save a people and their nation. Just incredible.

Admiral Yi is one of the greatest millitary minds of all time. He makes Nelson look like a first year in the Naval academy. While his life may have been a tragedy in many ways at the end he wins over those who wronged for he is remembered today as one of the greatest admirals of all time, Saviour of Korea and Marshal lord of Loyalty.

If you ever visit Korea, within Seoul is the Royal Palace of Joseon knwon as Gyeongbok-gung. In front of that palace is a huge road with a park in the middle which has two statues. The one that is sitting down is King Sejeong (inventor of the Korean Language) and the one standing with a sword in his hand is Admiral Yi. The two are the most individuals in Korea.

Rarely comment on youtube, but this was one of the most interesting and exciting videos you have ever uploaded. With each passing video your team seem to get better and better with the research you do and the cinematic presentation of history. Honestly, hats off to all involved! Keep em coming.

Hideyoshi had united Japan, but he was surrounded by samurai armies which had swelled in number over the years of Japan's internal conflicts. They needed to be culled in order to ensure stability of the realm. Not willing to give up their swords he sent them to Korea. Many minor and great clans were extinguished as their leaders and men fell on the battlefield. Those that did not die in battle found themselves accused for cowardice or punished for failure in the Korea campaign. Often ending with them losing their heads and their estates being confiscated by Hideyoshi.

1:25:50 When the admiral was minutes before passing away, he told his navy officers not to tell the soldiers that he was dead in order to keep the fighting spirit among his men.