水軍統制使 李舜臣과 右議政 鄭琢

Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and Vice Prime minister Jung Tak

Admiral Yi Sun-Sin experienced career crises and finally faced a life sentence due to negligence of King s order in 1597. His suspected crime included distorted report regarding fire attack on Japanese garrison in Busan, and Spy scandal initiated by Japanese dual spy Yosira. The first crime was evident because his subordinates exaggerate their reconnaissance results. However, the second crime was fabricated by Japanese forces and his rival faction used it for political strife. Since Admiral Yi was deliberate and smart person he found out enemy s intention. Accordingly, he couldn t obey the order to interdict Japanese fleet maneuvered to seduce. King Sunjo was upset and wanted to kill Adm. Yi because the king s position was not safe due to poor performance as a king during wartime. The king should be jealous of the great admiral as people wanted hero in crisis. In that critical situation, Vice Prime minister Jung Tak made a history to save the life of Adm. Yi. It was bold and brave action to ask the king to stop torture and release Adm. Yi for a future sea battle. Thanks to Jung s heartbreaking letter, the king finally pardoned Adm. Yi. Without Vice Prime minister Jung s action, our national hero might be executed before saving country. Since Vice Prime minister Jung was neutral and fair person, he was able to compromise political dispute between faction and made suggestion for king to forgive Adm. Yi. His logic was comprising personal guarantee for generals and admirals, elite theory, and king s generosity . Releasing from jail, Adm. Yi reconstructed Korean fleet from ashes and defeated Japanese fleet twice and saved his country with his life. But moral hazard was so severe during Imjin war that it became a hinderance to overcome national catastrophe. Adm. Yi was victim of moral hazard, fortunately saved by Vice Prime minister Jung and sacrificed himself for his country.