@article{ART003219736},
author={Lee Cheolhui},
title={A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin},
journal={military history},
issn={1598-317X},
year={2025},
number={135},
pages={39-78}
TY - JOUR
AU - Lee Cheolhui
TI - A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin
JO - military history
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 135
PB - Military History Institute, MND
SP - 39
EP - 78
SN - 1598-317X
AB - This study examines the career of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin of Joseon, focusing on changes in his bureaucratic rank (Pumgye).
It has been believed that his career was marked by repeated promotions and demotions. He was appointed Manho (4th rank) in 1580 and 1586, yet historical sources place him at the 6-8th rank before and after his tenure as Manho. This appears inconsistent, as abrupt changes in rank were not permitted within Joseon’s bureaucratic system.
As young military officers often served in the role of Manho under the title of Gwongwan, it is suggested that Yi held the position of Gwongwan, acting Manho. It is highly unlikely that he held the 4th rank at that time. Additionally, his appointment as a regional magistrate (6th rank) should not be interpreted as a demotion. Many magistrates held ranks higher than 6th, and such a post was a prerequisite for further advancement. Finally, the recent claim that Yi was demoted again in 1597 is found to be unsupported by historical evidence.
This study concludes that Admiral Yi likely did not suffer any demotion throughout his career. Rather, he appears to have been consistently promoted based on his competence and merit. These findings contribute to a revised understanding of Joseon’s military personnel policy.
KW - Yi Sun-Shin;Manho;Gwongwan;Magistrate;Japanese invasions of Korea
DO -
UR -
ER -
Lee Cheolhui. (2025). A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin. military history, 135, 39-78.
Lee Cheolhui. 2025, "A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin", military history, no.135, pp.39-78.
Lee Cheolhui "A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin" military history 135 pp.39-78 (2025) : 39.
Lee Cheolhui. A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin. 2025; 135 : 39-78.
Lee Cheolhui. "A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin" military history no.135(2025) : 39-78.
Lee Cheolhui. A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin. military history, 135, 39-78.
Lee Cheolhui. A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin. military history. 2025; 135 39-78.
Lee Cheolhui. A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin. 2025; 135 : 39-78.
Lee Cheolhui. "A re-examination of the military career of Yi Sun-Shin" military history no.135(2025) : 39-78.
