Yi Ŏkki
Korean admiral (1561 - 1597)
Yi Ŏkki (Korean: 이억기; Hanja: 李億祺; 3 September 1561 – 27 August 1597) was the commander of the Korean Eastern Jeolla Fleet and later came to be the commander of the Western Jeolla Fleet. At age 32, despite being 15 years younger than Supreme Naval Commander Yi Sun-sin, Yi Ŏkki became his most trusted commander and companion during the Imjin War. Yi Ŏkki was eventually killed in the devastating Battle of Chilcheollyang Strait while assisting Wŏn Kyun, the Naval Commander of the entire Korean navy at that time while Yi Sun-sin was imprisoned as a result of a plot.
Early life
Yi Ŏkki was born in Hansong, which is nowadays Seoul. He was a great warrior from his youth. Yi fought against the Jurchens from the North where he made a great contribution.
Early campaigns
Yi led a flotilla of 40 ships alongside Yi Sun Sin and Wŏn Kyun during the Battle of Tanghangpo, Battle of Hansan-do, Battle of Angolpo, the First Battle of Busan Harbor (1592), and the Battle of Unchong. He received a promotion and special recognition for having a major role in the destruction of a Japanese flotilla during the Battle of Hansan-do.
Battle of Chilcheollyang Strait and death
The order to attack the Japanese near Busan originated from King Seonjo himself. The attack on an entrenched Japanese force was viewed by the Korean navy and even some within the government as a suicide mission—in fact, Yi Sun Sin was removed largely for defying this attack order.
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