Report on the Death of Admiral Yi Sun-sin: The Final Moments of the Battle of Noryang

The Hero’s Sacrifice and Lingering Historical Questions

Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the revered commander of the Joseon navy, died heroically in the Battle of Noryang, which marked the conclusion of the Imjin War. His death brought both the joy of victory and profound sorrow to Joseon society.

Today, we take a deep dive into the final battle situation of Admiral Yi, the course of his death, the various historical controversies surrounding it, and the impact on later generations.

1. Summary of the Battle Situation at Noryang

From the night of November 18 to the early morning of November 19, 1598 (lunar calendar), in the Noryang Strait off Namhae, Gyeongsang Province, the combined Joseon and Ming fleets fiercely engaged the Japanese navy.

About 500 allied Joseon-Ming ships and approximately 500 Japanese vessels participated, making it the largest naval battle of the Imjin War.

Following Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s death, the Japanese attempted to withdraw. Admiral Yi Sun-sin of Joseon and Ming naval commander Chen Lin led the allied fleet to block their retreat. After a night-long battle, the allied forces launched a fierce attack on the concentrated Japanese fleet, achieving a decisive victory. The Battle of Noryang effectively ended the seven-year Imjin War.

The Japanese lost hundreds of ships sunk or captured and failed to retreat. The Joseon-Ming alliance also suffered casualties. Notably, Joseon’s Three Provinces Naval Commander Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Garipo Commander Lee Young-nam, and Nakang County Magistrate Bang Deok-ryong died, with 100–300 Joseon soldiers killed or wounded. Ming generals including Deng Zilong also perished, with around 500 casualties. Despite losses, the allied forces prevented the Japanese retreat and secured victory. The Battle of Noryang was the final naval battle of the Imjin War and the scene of Admiral Yi’s heroic death.

2. Cause and Course of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Death

In the early dawn of November 19, 1598, during the height of the battle, Admiral Yi led the vanguard of the allied fleet. He encouraged his soldiers by beating the drum and fought fiercely, shooting arrows at the enemy. Suddenly, he was struck in the left chest by a Japanese arquebus bullet and collapsed.

This fatal wound caused him to lose consciousness immediately on board, and he soon died. (Some accounts claim Yi was not wearing armor, allowing the bullet to penetrate his chest. Other records say the bullet pierced through thick armor from front to back, so there is disagreement about whether he wore armor.)

Yi’s soldiers nearby were shocked. His son (Yi Hoe) and nephew (Yi Bun), who were on the ship, tried to cry out, and the troops were greatly unsettled. At this moment, a military officer named Lee Moon-wook (Son Moon-wook), serving as an interpreter aboard, quickly covered Yi’s body with cloth to conceal the corpse, calmed the son and nephew, and continued to beat the drum to carry on the command.

Thanks to this, the soldiers on board did not realize their commander had fallen and maintained morale as usual. The allied forces held their position and secured victory. Yi’s death was kept secret for several hours until the battle ended. Soldiers fought bravely, believing “Yi Sun-sin was still alive.” It is said that even after his death, the result was as if “the dead Yi Sun-sin defeated the living Japanese.”

Only after the battle ended was the news of Yi’s death conveyed to the troops. The shocking news caused widespread mourning throughout Honam Province, with even the elderly and children weeping bitterly. Yi’s death was accepted as a great sorrow alongside the joy of victory.

Yi’s last words vary in accounts, but generally, he is said to have instructed, “Do not reveal my death as the battle is urgent.” Official records do not directly quote his final statement, but the actions of his subordinates to conceal his death and continue fighting show Yi’s concern to prevent morale collapse and complete the mission. His self-sacrifice and unwavering spirit were decisive factors in the victory, making his death both the cause of his martyrdom and a key element of triumph.

3. Analysis of Questions and Controversies Surrounding Yi Sun-sin’s Death

While the story of Yi’s death is dramatic, it has sparked several questions and debates over time. Various theories have emerged in academia and popular discourse, mainly due to minor discrepancies in records and political speculation. Below is a summary of major theories, their bases, and historians’ interpretations.

3.1 Official Record and Accepted Theory: Death in Battle

The accepted view is that Yi died in battle, struck by enemy fire during the Battle of Noryang. This is supported by testimonies of many Joseon and Ming soldiers and official records.

For example, the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (Seonjo Sillok), dated November 27, 1598, describes Yi’s death in detail: “Yi personally shot arrows and advanced fiercely in battle but was hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and collapsed on the ship.” The term used is ‘중흉적환(中胸適丸)’, meaning a bullet struck the chest fatally.

The Annals and other records also agree that Yi’s subordinates concealed his death and continued fighting to victory, leaving no doubt he died during combat.

This theory interprets Yi’s death as a tragic accident caused by a “blind bullet” without conspiracy. Despite Yi’s tactical skill and bravery, the unpredictability of war led to this fatal hit. Most modern historians and military experts accept this official account as historical fact, evaluating Yi’s death as a heroic martyrdom. The dramatic nature of his death has, however, spawned various speculative legends, mainly three: suicide theory, assassination (friendly fire) theory, and survival/retirement theory.

3.2 Suicide Theory: No Armor and Political Martyrdom Hypothesis

The suicide theory claims Yi intentionally chose death. It dates back to the late 17th century when scholar Lee Min-seo proposed it and has been intermittently discussed since.

The main basis is that Yi did not wear armor in his final battle. Some later commentators argue that had he worn armor, the fatal chest wound would not have occurred, suggesting Yi deliberately went unarmored to invite death.

Proponents explain Yi’s political situation: despite his victories and popular support, he faced court suspicion and factional strife. Previously, he was unjustly removed and imprisoned due to slander but returned triumphantly. Near war’s end, he clashed strategically with Commander-in-Chief Kwon Yul and led the Battle of Noryang against Kwon’s advice, possibly anticipating political backlash. Yi’s powerful navy presence was also a potential threat to King Seonjo.

Thus, the suicide theory posits Yi chose death to avoid becoming a victim of political purges after the war, akin to the fate of militia leader Kim Deok-ryeong, who was falsely accused and executed. Yi supposedly preferred honorable death over disgrace.

However, this theory faces skepticism. Confucian values of the time would not condone a national hero’s suicide out of fear. Historian Jang Hak-geun argues it is unlikely that Yi, the embodiment of loyalty, would take his own life. Also, the armor-wearing claim is uncertain; Ryu Seong-ryong’s “Jingbirok” states the bullet pierced thick armor, implying Yi wore it. Thus, the suicide theory lacks decisive evidence and is not widely accepted. Still, many historians agree that factional strife contributed to Yi’s tragic end. The saying “Yi was killed not only by enemy bullets but also by court factionalism” reflects this view.

3.3 Assassination Theory: Friendly Fire and Conspiracy Suspicions

Contrary to suicide theory, the assassination theory claims Yi was killed by friendly fire or internal conspiracy. This includes assassination plots or accidental shooting by Joseon forces. Modern works like Jang Han-sik’s “Yi Sun-sin Rescue Project” (2009) have raised this possibility.

There are two main branches: intentional assassination and accidental friendly fire. Both agree Yi was hit by a bullet from his own side. Several subtle clues in records are cited:

First, Yi’s nephew Yi Bun’s “Record of Admiral Yi” states Yi was hit by a “suddenly flying bullet” without specifying it was an enemy bullet. Unlike the Annals that clearly say “enemy bullet,” Yi Bun’s vague wording raises questions. Supporters argue this ambiguity suggests the bullet might not have been Japanese.

Second, Ryu Seong-ryong’s “Jingbirok” says the bullet pierced thick armor from chest to back. Given the limited power of Japanese arquebuses at range, this suggests the shot was fired at very close range, possibly from inside Yi’s ship, implying suspicious circumstances.

Third, King Seonjo’s cold reaction to Yi’s death news is noted. Records show Seonjo responded with a terse “I understand” when informed, without emotion. Some speculate the king already knew through secret channels.

Fourth, suspicion falls on Son Moon-wook, a low-ranking officer who had been a Japanese prisoner and was aboard Yi’s ship that day. He quickly covered Yi’s body, calmed mourners, and took over command, later receiving rapid promotion. Some suspect he was involved in a plot, given his timely actions.

There is also a softer version suggesting accidental friendly fire amid battlefield confusion, with no malicious intent.

Historians remain cautious, viewing these as speculative conspiracy theories lacking concrete evidence. While intriguing, these theories have not overturned the official narrative. Nonetheless, they highlight political tensions and mysteries surrounding Yi’s death.

3.4 Survival Theory: Death Fabrication and Retirement Hypothesis

The survival theory claims Yi did not die at Noryang but escaped and lived in hiding afterward. This is a variant of the suicide theory but imagines a dramatic escape.

Proponents note that Yi’s family—his eldest son Yi Hoe and nephews Yi Wan and Yi Bun—were present at the battle and were the only witnesses to his shooting. They helped conceal his death for hours, suggesting possible collusion.

They also point to the relocation of Yi’s tomb 16 years later in 1614, arguing it is unusual for a national hero’s grave to be moved so long after burial. They interpret 1614 as the actual year of Yi’s death, implying he faked death in 1598 and died later in hiding.

However, this theory is widely dismissed as imaginative. Yi’s loyalty and fighting spirit make it unlikely he would flee. No direct evidence supports survival, and alternative explanations exist for grave relocation (e.g., geomancy, political turmoil). Many scholars consider this theory disrespectful to Yi’s legacy.

In summary, the main alternative theories are the no-armor suicide theory, friendly fire assassination theory, and survival theory. These arise from reinterpretations of minor record discrepancies and political context. While not accepted by mainstream history, they show how Yi’s death has remained a subject of mystery and debate. Overall, the evidence strongly supports that Admiral Yi died heroically in battle from enemy fire, though his extraordinary life and death continue to inspire reinterpretation.

Various primary sources document Yi’s death, including his own “Nanjung Ilgi” (War Diary), the royal secretariat’s “Seungjeongwon Ilgi”, the official “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” (Seonjo Sillok), and writings by relatives and contemporaries such as Yi Bun’s “Record of Admiral Yi” and Ryu Seong-ryong’s “Jingbirok.” Later compilations like “Nanjung Japrok” and “Yeollyeosilgisul” also provide supplementary information.

“Nanjung Ilgi”

Yi’s personal diary covers his military life from January 1, 1592, to November 17, 1598, but lacks entries for the day of the Battle of Noryang (Nov 18–19). Thus, it does not directly mention his death. The diary shows his daily struggles with injuries, worries about family and troops, and steadfast resolve, offering insight into his mindset before his final battle.

“Seungjeongwon Ilgi”

The daily records of the royal secretariat include the first official report of the victory and Yi’s death on November 23, 1598. The report states the fleet defeated the enemy at Noryang but Yi was killed by a bullet. King Seonjo’s brief response, “I understand,” is recorded. Subsequent entries detail royal orders to honor Yi, provide funeral support, and appoint his sons to official positions.

“Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” (Seonjo Sillok)

The official chronicle describes the battle and Yi’s death vividly: Yi was shooting arrows and fighting when hit in the chest by an enemy bullet and collapsed. His son tried to cry, but officer Lee Moon-wook calmed everyone, covered Yi’s body, and continued the attack. Soldiers believed Yi was alive, leading to victory. The people said, “The dead Yi Sun-sin defeated the living enemy.”

The Annals also record the nation’s mourning and posthumous honors, showing the state’s recognition of Yi’s sacrifice.

Yi Bun’s “Record of Admiral Yi”

Written by Yi’s nephew, this family account describes Yi being hit by a “suddenly flying bullet” without specifying it was enemy fire, a subtle difference that has fueled speculation.

Ryu Seong-ryong’s “Jingbirok”

Ryu, a close ally and key official, praises Yi’s bravery and laments his death. He notes the bullet pierced thick armor from chest to back, implying close-range shooting. His writings contributed to Yi’s heroic image and left hints for later debate.

Other Sources

Later historical and anecdotal collections add details and folklore, including mentions of political intrigue and royal regrets. While interesting, these require careful evaluation for historical accuracy.

Together, these sources confirm the core facts: Yi died from a bullet wound at Noryang, his death was concealed during battle, and his passing caused national mourning. Differences in emphasis and detail have led to alternative theories, but cross-examination supports the official narrative.

5. Impact on Joseon Society and Historical Evaluation

Although Yi’s death coincided with victory, it deeply shocked and saddened Joseon society. News of the victory and Yi’s death spread, causing widespread mourning. The Annals record that people across Honam Province wept, including elderly women and children.

Yi was already revered as a national hero, so his death was seen as a noble sacrifice. The court responded with unprecedented honors. King Seonjo ordered state funeral support, posthumously promoted Yi to the highest government post of Chief State Councillor, and commanded a shrine be built by the sea to honor him as a guardian spirit.

Yi’s family members were appointed to official positions, and his remains were temporarily placed on Geogeum Island before being moved to his hometown near Asan’s Hyeonchungsa Shrine. These ceremonies symbolized the nation’s gratitude.

Yi’s death left a military and moral void, but the victory at Noryang effectively ended the war, preventing further losses. The court recognized the importance of retaining such talent in the future. King Seonjo reportedly lamented, “If only I had Yi Sun-sin, how could I have worried?”

Over time, Yi’s reputation grew. During the reigns of Gwanghaegun and Injo, amid new invasions, people recalled Yi’s heroism. In 1643, King Injo bestowed the posthumous title “Chungmugong” (Loyal and Martial Duke), the highest honor for a military man, elevating Yi’s status further.

The government continued to honor Yi. In 1659, a monument was erected near the Noryang battlefield. In 1706, the state rebuilt Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan to enshrine Yi’s spirit, where kings performed memorial rites. In the late 18th century, King Jeongjo commissioned the “Complete Works of Admiral Yi Sun-sin”, compiling his diaries, official documents, and writings, with Jeongjo’s own preface praising Yi’s loyalty and achievements.

Yi’s death had two major effects: immediate mourning and morale loss, and the institutionalization of his legacy as a national symbol of loyalty and patriotism. His name inspired courage and unity during later national crises, including Japanese colonial rule and the Korean War. Today, statues and naval vessels named after him attest to his enduring legacy.

Historically, Yi’s death is seen as a tragedy that accompanied a great victory. Many historians suggest that had he survived, political strife might have undone him. His heroic death at the peak of triumph immortalized him as an eternal hero. His life and death decisively shaped Joseon and Korean history, and his sacrifice was a driving force behind the war’s end and the dynasty’s survival.

The stories surrounding Yi’s death encompass themes of sacrifice, loyalty, political intrigue, record interpretation, and hero-making. His final moments in the smoke of Noryang continue to teach lessons centuries later. With his last instruction, “Do not reveal my death,” Yi Sun-sin remains forever alive in history, inspiring ongoing debate and research. His life and death stand as eternal examples and mysteries, remembered for generations.

References and sources for this report include the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” (Seonjo Sillok), “Seungjeongwon Ilgi,” “Nanjung Ilgi,” Ryu Seong-ryong’s “Jingbirok,” and explanatory materials from the Korean Encyclopedia of National Culture and KBS WORLD, compiled to present an accurate and objective account of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s death and related issues.