Sat, Jan 1, 2005
When Yi Il recklessly tries to stop the nomads on his own, Soon-shin goes to him on his knees and tells him that there is no shame in asking for help, but there is shame in losing your men and your friends. He pleads with him to seek help of the central army. Yi Il puts Soon-shin in charge of strategy against the nomads. At last, the central army is called, and Soon-shin executes a flawless strategy to capture the enemy leader alive.
Sun, Jan 2, 2005
With unification of entire Japan in front of him, Toyotomi Hideyoshi sends another envoy to Chosun demanding Sonjo to come before him, but Sonjo pays no attention. Consequently, Japanese envoys So Yoshitoshi and Genzo go to Prince Kwang-hae and Sung-ryong and show them a musket. Witnessing the great power of handheld guns, Kwang-hae asks Sung-ryong to make a request for an envoy to be sent to Japan. While Japan is preparing an invasion, the royal court of Chosun is caught in a political dog fight centered around Chung Yuh-rip's attempted overthrow, and even the military officers including Yi Il are running around hustling to save their own head between the two factions. While the Purge of 1589 is in progress, Soon-shin is put in charge of the King's safety as a Royal Bodyguard and Messenger.
Sat, Jan 8, 2005
When Chung Unshin is exiled and Chung Chul is named new prosecutor for the Trials of 1589, Westerners see this as an opportunity to purge the Easterners and accuse Yu Sung-ryong and Yi San-hae of conspiring with Chung Yuh-rip. But their plan backfires when King Sonjo orders the arrest of those who falsely accused the two men and makes Sung-ryong the new Minister of Personnel. Meanwhile, Soon-shin carefully studies the references in the Ministry of Military's library to investigate the possibility of Japanese invasion, but when he finds that there are insufficient materials about Japan to draw a conclusion, he goes to Han Ho for help. Fearing the increasing strength of Japan, Sung-ryong pleads with the king to send an envoy. The king replies that he would consider it if Japan sends back Sahwadong who had acted as their guide in the invasion of 1587 and returns the hostages.
Sun, Jan 9, 2005
Both the Eastern and Western factions are looking for a talented military officer with Soon-shin and Won Kyun as candidates. Sung-ryong is forced to choose between the two friends who risked their lives to protect the borders for over twenty years. Sung-ryong tries to send Soon-shin to Cholla Province to protect the southern coast. But his colleagues oppose saying Soon-shin will become the Westerners' target, and Yoon Dusu warns Sung-ryong saying that Soon-shin's backer was traitor Chung Unshin. To protect his friend from the party strife, Sung-ryong recommends Soon-shin as the magistrate of Jung-eup. Meanwhile, Japan sends back Sahwadong as requested, and Mijin's daughter Cho-hee who was taken in 1587 is returned as well.
Sat, Jan 15, 2005
When Japanese spies that were being tracked disappears near Jung-eup, Captain of Nokdo Chung Oon suspects the returned prisoners in the area named Gong Taewon is working with the Japanese and interrogates him. Soon-shin intervenes and proves Chung Oon wrong by capturing the spies in Bup-sung Port. The spies were trying to figure out a supply route from the southern coast to Seoul, which confirms that the Japanese are indeed planning an invasion. Gong Taewon is freed thanks to Soon-shin, but he does not open up to Soon-shin who probes for information about Japan. Slowly, the royal court realizes the need to have a capable military leader in the southern coast, and Yoon Dusu sets his eyes on Won Kyun.
Sun, Jan 16, 2005
Cho-hee is abandoned by the mother who raised her and loses her child during delivery. But the people of Jung-eup have no sympathy for the wife of a traitor Sahwadong. They throw stones at her and beat her. Yunhwa saves the girl from the atrocity and takes her in. Bewildered by Cho-hee's resemblance to Mijin, Yunhwa soon learns that she is Mijin's daughter. Meanwhile, Won Kyun is appointed High Commander of the Left Cholla Naval Station by recommendation of Minister of Military Chung Tak. Gong Taewon who had lost all hopes of having a descent life in Chosun slowly opens up as Soon-shin instills new hopes in him. Soon-shin becomes increasingly concerned as he learns more about the enemy across the sea. Finding out about the Japanese from Soon-shin, Sung-ryong makes a bold decision.
Sat, Jan 22, 2005
Won Kyun is discharged only days after he begins his new job as the High Commander of the Left Cholla Naval Station. Outraged by the king's order, his men refuse to accept Won Kyun's dismissal. Won Kyun calms the men down telling them to build a strong navy and vows to return to the post someday. Yu Sung-ryong recommends Yi Soon-shin to replace Won Kyun, but he is faced with opposition from both the Easterners and the Westerners. To make his decision, King Sonjo secretly calls Soon-shin to the palace and asks Soon-shin if he can step over Won Kyun and take his post.
Sun, Jan 23, 2005
Soon-shin goes to work as the new commander of the Left Cholla Navy. Won Kyun barges in during an officers' meeting and confronts Soon-shin for stealing his post. Soon-shin's officers follow Won Kyun out completely ignoring Soon-shin. When the envoy returns from Japan, the arguments and confusion about the possibility of Japanese invasion overwhelms the royal court. Sonjo accepts Easterner Kim Sung-il's argument that there will not be a war, and Prince Kwang-hae, who had seen the power of muskets, reproaches Sung-ryong for staying quiet. Song-ryong is proud to see that the young prince has matured, and he tells him that he will avoid a war through diplomacy.
Sat, Jan 29, 2005
"The sea is where the enemy will be stopped. I will not let one single enemy set foot on this land." Angry and annoyed at the superior who punishes his officers by flogging, Chung Oon seeks to bring charges against Soon-shin for using the naval vessels for personal profit. But he soon learns that Soon-shin was trying to buy uniforms for the sailors with the proceeds. Sailors are now uniformed, and as order is gradually established, Soon-shin seeks to bring all of the sailors in different divisions of the Left Cholla Navy to the main base for training. Displeased with Soon-shin's decision, Chung Oon contends that such action is unnecessary since his men are already well trained, but Soon-shin tells him that they are trained only for land battles and their skills are useless for battles at sea.
Sun, Jan 30, 2005
The only way to contend with the Japanese who are extremely well trained in close combat is to defeat them at sea before they land. To prove this to his disbelieving officers, Soon-shin puts the three Japanese spies that were captured in Bup-sung in a fighting match with Chung Oon's men. Chung Oon's men are quickly defeated. The shipyard is the busiest place in the base since the training began. One day before the training at sea, the shipyard supervisor Cho Su-chang finds a major structural problem in one of the ships built twenty years ago and reports it to Kim Wan. Kim can't get himself to tell Soon-shin that training has to be canceled, and Su-chang cannot assert himself since the problem was caused by poor maintenance, which is partly his fault. But fearing a disastrous accident at sea, Su-chang goes out to the ship at night and begins destroying the ship.
Sat, Feb 5, 2005
"Our only hope is our men. Ultimately, war is fought by men not by weapons." The officers fiercely oppose Su-chang's elevation. There are customs and regulations, they say. But Soon-shin maintains that warships are the most important weapon, and he cannot be neglectful of the man who builds those weapons. He goes on to say that he will continue to defy such customs and practices in order to fight the enemy and win. Soon-shin encourages Su-chang to build a strongest and best warship in Chosun. Being recognized for his value for the very first time, Su-chang enthusiastically begins designing a new ship. While inspecting the cannon holes on a ship one day, Soon-shin spots a man walking into the ocean as if to kill himself.
Sun, Feb 6, 2005
"A unique ship that is one of a kind... A ship only I can make..." Engrossed in the invention of a new kind of ship, Lt. Na Dae-yong neglects to notify the soldiers about the training next day. Bang-dap division does not show up for training, and Commandant of Bang-dap is furious. A sailing drill. It's a contest of how fast each division can navigate to Dolsan. Eager to make up for his mistake, Lt. Na comes up with the plan to put Bang-dap division at the front. But his plan causes a huge accident, and Commandant Yi moves to discharge the lieutenant. Officers are gathered to discuss the construction of new vessels. While Su-chang is busily explaining the new design, Lt. Na enters the room.
Sat, Feb 12, 2005
The threat of invasion increases, but even the officers do not seem to fully realize the imminent danger. Soon-shin grows anxious and irritable. When even his most trusted officer Kwon Joon tells him that he cannot serve Soon-shin from the heart, he carefully asks why. Kwon tells him that they would be defeated if the enemy should attack today, but that they would also be defeated if the enemy should attack a year later. The next day, Soon-shin rejects Commandant Yi's resignation and apologizes for making a decision about Lt. Na without him. Kwon Joon works all night drafting a new distribution of duty proposal that takes into account individual talent of each officer. Right men are placed in right places, and the Left Cholla Navy begins to find new life.
Sun, Feb 13, 2005
While discussing an onboard battle scenario, Na Dae-yong comes up with an idea of putting a cover on assault vessels. When Soon-shin responds seriously to this ridiculous idea Su-chang argues that the enemy would quickly set fire to the cover and sink the ship. Soon-shin encourages Na to make the cover fireproof. Somewhat jealous of Na Dae-yong's talents, Su-chang rummages through the library to find that "Turtle Ship" had existed during King Taejong's reign. He contends that putting a cover on the ship is a bad idea since the Turtle Ship failed to demonstrate its effectiveness and was abandoned after a brief period of use. The next day, Na Dae-yong enters the meeting with a strange drawing.
Sat, Feb 19, 2005
After the right officers were put to right duties, things are starting to settle down in the Left Cholla Naval Base, and the military training becomes increasingly vigorous and intense. The most vigorous training of all is the artillery training. Cannons are a powerful weapon that can be dangerous both for the enemy and the ally, so Chung Oon who is in charge of artillery training is especially tough with his men. Yoon Dusu who waits in exile for his chance to make a comeback appeals to the king to notify the Ming court about Japan's proposal to attack Ming together and prove Chosun's loyalty to the emperor of Ming. He also tells Won Kyun that his time will soon come and to prepare to go to the southern front. Vigorous and dangerous artillery training continues on the beaches of Left Cholla Naval Station. Chung Oon pushes his men too hard causing an unfortunate accident.
Sun, Feb 20, 2005
A fatal accident occurs during artillery training, but Chung Oon removes the body from the training area and continues the exercise. Disgruntled gunners have had enough of his merciless training. They react by taking the dangerous explosives and attempting a group desertion. Officers are split between those who think desertion must be punished and those who think Chung Oon is at fault for pushing them over the edge. It's up to Soon-shin to decide what to do. Meanwhile, Sonjo brings Yoon Dusu back and discusses with him ways to strengthen the command of the royal house. Yoon replies that competent warriors are in need and recommends Shin Lip and Won Kyun. Sonjo appoints Won Kyun as the Commander of the Right Kyungsang Navy.
Sat, Feb 26, 2005
Won Kyun is extremely harsh with his men from the first day of his job, and Lt. Yi Young-nam argues with Won Kyun's unreasonable actions citing the military codes of conduct. Won Kyun challenge Yi to a fighting match. At the Left Cholla Naval Station, the officers conclude that the Ming edict ordering Chosun to conquer Japan not to be taken literally but an order to defend themselves against Japan, and begin preparing a detailed defense strategy. On the other hand, Won Kyun's men at the Right Kyungsang Navy are determined to conquer Tsushima Island per order of the king.
Sun, Feb 27, 2005
After becoming the commander of the Right Kyungsang Navy which is larger in size than the Left Cholla Navy, Won Kyun goes to Soon-shin with an entourage of his men as if to undo the humiliation he suffered a year ago when Soon-shin took over his post. Won Kyun begins vigorous military drills to prepare for an attack on Japan. But his men are poorly trained, undisciplined, and not nearly enough in number. Frustrated Won Kyun vows to first increase his force of arms from less than 3,000 to 12,000. A strange fishing boat is spotted off the coast of Left Cholla Navy where entry is prohibited during military training. They are pojaks (pirates) who are neither Chosunese nor Japanese. A map is found in their possession with detailed marks about current and tidal changes of the southern sea. Soon-shin goes to Uh Young-dam, the maker of the map.
Sat, Mar 5, 2005
As the onboard artillery tests yield success and completion of the Turtle Ship draws near, the Left Cholla Navy begins the nautical formation training. Meanwhile, Shin Lip and Yi Il go to Won Kyun and encourages him to relive the glory he once had reminding him of his land battle victories in the north. Japanese spies are dispatched to investigate the Chosun Navy before the invasion. After checking out the Kyungsang Navy, they return with information that the naval leaders of Chosun are ill-equipped to deal with battles at sea. Shin Lip and Yi Il call a commanders meeting where Soon-shin asserts the need for a unified navy. But no one pays heed to Soon-shin's assertion except the Commander of the Right Cholla Navy Yi Aukki.
Sun, Mar 6, 2005
The Turtle Ship sinks to the bottom of the sea before Shin Lip and the other leaders. Won Kyun tells Soon-shin that the idea of fighting at sea is foolish and ridiculous. Shin Lip who had been looking for a chance to destroy Soon-shin urges Yoon Dusu to punish Soon-shin for causing the disastrous accident. Yoon responds that making him a target could buy the king's suspicion, and suggests another idea to render Soon-shin powerless. Meanwhile, Na Dae-yong is spending his days drowning in wine, as his Turtle Ship took many lives as it sunk and placed Soon-shin in danger of losing his job. But Soon-shin encourages him telling him that he must not give up if only for those who lost their lives in the Turtle Ship. Although some of his men think Soon-shin is crazy for not giving up on the Turtle Ship, they come together to give it another shot.
Sat, Mar 12, 2005
Royal messenger brings an order to disband the navy. The base is in confusion once again, but from commanders to petty officers, no one is willing to obey the order. Song Hee-rip comforts the oarsmen captain Yong-gap who lost many of his men in the accident, and Yong-gap shows his tears as he says that the navy must not be abolished if only for those that lost their lives. Song delivers Soon-shin's order to Yong-gap to continue training his men to be the best oarsmen in the country. Meanwhile, Soon-shin hands over command of his secret task force team to Kwon Joon and prepares to leave the base. Sensing what Soon-shin is about to do, Kwon and the other officers offer to go to the royal court with him.
Sun, Mar 13, 2005
Soon-shin pleads before the king to rescind the dissolution of the navy. The royal court is stirred up once again, and Prince Kwang-hae begs the king not to forsake valuable retainers like Yi Soon-shin and Yu Sung-ryong. King Sonjo calls Soon-shin over and withdraws the dissolution order telling him that if his navy suffers one single defeat against the Japanese, he would have his head and the head of his men. Na Dae-yong comes up with an idea to reduce the weight of the cover plate on the Turtle Ship, and on April 12 of 1592, the Turtle Ship is successfully launched. It's a poignant moment for Soon-shin and his men, as they watch the great force and magnificence of the Turtle Ship which embodies their wholehearted desire to protect the country. The very next day, some seven hundred Japanese warships are spotted off the coast of Pusan.
Sat, Mar 19, 2005
April 13, 1592, Konishi Yukinaga's troops land in Pusan, and within three days both Pusan Fort and Dong-lae Fort crumbles. Commander of Left Kyungsang Navy sinks his ships and flees the battle. Unaware of what's going on in the south, the royal court of Chosun is busy preparing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of country's foundation. Won Kyun abandons his base after being attacked by the Japanese with only four of his warships intact. Lt. Yi Young-nam requests aid from the Left Cholla Navy, but Soon-shin denies his request and continues the battle formation training. Yi Young-nam and Chung Oon are infuriated by Soon-shin's reaction, but Soon-shin is waiting for a report about the enemy's condition from his intelligence agents.
Sun, Mar 20, 2005
Yi Young-nam continues to request aid despite Soon-shin's rejection. Finally, intelligence reports arrive which indicates that the enemy's strength lies in infantry and that they are not after the control of the ocean. Soon-shin agrees to rendezvous with the Right Kyungsang Navy on the 5th of May in Dang-po. The royal court is lost and confused after learning that trusted warrior Shin Lip's line of defense has crumbled, and they hasten to install Prince Kwang-hae as the heir apparent. Sung-ryong is pained to have to place the burden of war on the young prince who is installed without a proper ceremony. Back at the Left Cholla Naval Station, fear is beginning to creep into the minds of the soldiers as the day of the battle draws near. Soon-shin tells them that he will not let any of them die in vain.
Sat, Mar 26, 2005
First Soon-shin divides the fleet in two and thoroughly inspects the coast. Once he confirms that the surrounding waters are clear, he proceeds to Dang-po and waits for the Right Kyungsang Navy. But Won-kyun sends a message redirecting the fleet to Jukjin-po contending that going to Dang-po would signify retreat. Kwon Joon goes to Won Kyun and tells him that there will be no aid unless they fight in Dang-po. At the temporary palace in Gaesung, Sonjo is confused and upset by the jeers of the disapproving public he had witnessed as he left the palace. Prince Kwang-hae recommends holding Yi San-had and Yu Sung-ryong responsible for the war and dismissing them from service in order to pacify the people. When Konishi defeats Shin Lip in Choong-ju, Dodo Takadora in Koje is convinced that this war is already over. He anchors his ships in Okpo pillaging the villages.
Sun, Mar 27, 2005
The special task force successfully accomplishes its mission thanks to the brave sacrifice of San-bok. As refugees continue to escape Dodo's cruel pillage and seek refuge at the base, soldiers become increasingly fearful of the battle ahead. Soon-shin orders his men to test the musket taken from the Japanese. His men are petrified by the muskets and the beast's masks that the Japanese wear, and Soon-shin tells them fear is their greatest enemy that they must conquer. Meanwhile, the court receives report that the Japanese have entered the capital city, and the Royal Secretary Yi Hang-bok urges the king to flee further north to Pyung-yang and request military aid from Ming China. The court is thirsting for a glimpse of hope. Finally, it is the day that the Left Cholla Navy is to attack Okpo, and Soon-shin waits for Won Kyun's fleet to join him in the fight.
Sat, Apr 2, 2005
Soon-shin's men are thrilled when they see the Right Kyung-sang Navy. But Won Kyun insists on commanding the battle since they are in his jurisdiction, and speaks his intent to attack the enemy's base. Soon-shin explains to him that they will completely avoid close combat and finish the battle with artillery attack at sea. Dodo Takadora is briefly panicked when he sees fifty some war vessels approaching him at Okpo. But reassured by seeing that the Chosunese vessels do not have cannons onboard, he orders his men to get on board. Dodo's fleet approach with a plan to board the Chosunese vessels and take them down with close combat, but once Soon-shin confirms that all of his men are at sea, he begins bombarding the enemy with cannon fire. Panicked enemy fleet begins to scatter. Soon-shin spreads his fleet out in a wide formation and orders a second attack, but Won Kyun charges.
Sun, Apr 3, 2005
Observing that all commands are coming from Soon-shin's ship, Dodo begins concentrated attack on the command ship. Japanese ships come close enough to fire their muskets, but Soon-shin continues to press on. After some struggle, the alliance fleet manages to destroy all 26 enemy ships and achieve a complete first victory. When Yi Un-liang tries to apprehend the surrendered prisoners, Won Kyun steps in and orders them killed on the spot. When Yi refuses his order because Soon-shin has ordered him not to kill unarmed prisoners, Won Kyun shoots him down with an arrow. Ignoring Soon-shin's retreat signal, Won Kyun attempts to lands his fleet and go after the fleeing enemy. Captain Chung Oon of Nokdo joins him.
Sat, Apr 9, 2005
The first campaign against the Japanese is a huge success, but Soon-shin punishes Chung Oon by flogging when they return to the base. Uh Young-dam goes to Chung and explains that if they had followed Won Kyun and landed in Okpo, they would've suffered huge casualties. He also tells him that High Commander Yi Soon-shin has the deepest trust in him. Soon-shin finds out from a Japanese prisoner that the enemy will soon be heading west to carry out a land-sea operation. The provincial navies must come together to form an alliance, but Won Kyun stubbornly refuse for the reason that Soon-shin did not go after the remaining enemy in Okpo when they were in plain sight. The news that the king has fled the palace reaches the base. Impetuous Won Kyun becomes furious and orders his men to prepare for another battle.
Sun, Apr 10, 2005
Once again, Won Kyun is not thinking rationally. Overwhelmed with rage, the soldiers also resolve to go after the enemy. Soon-shin orders them to disband, and he tells Song Hee-rip that a true warrior does not allow his emotions to dictate his actions and to forget the memory of victory. Meanwhile, Dodo Takadora is busy trying to steal Chosunese tea cups to take back to Japan in order to make up for the humiliating defeat he suffered in Okpo. Dodo is led by a Chosunese potter who was kidnapped many years ago to a place where rare pottery may be found. Refugees pour into the Left Cholla Naval Station at the news of their victory, and the soldiers are more confused than ever because of Won Kyun. Seeing this, Kwon Joon suggests that the Left Cholla Navy report the victory to the royal court alone without the Right Kyung-sang Navy.
Sat, Apr 16, 2005
Jotai sends an expert sharpshooter Kansuke to Dodo with instructions to kill Yi Soon-shin. When Gurujima suggests an attack on Soon-shin's naval base, Dodo tells him that Yi Soon-shin is unlike any other warriors in Chosun and suggest thorough reconnaissance of both the Left Cholla and Right Kyung-sang naval stations. Surprised at the mention of name Yi Soon-shin, Jang-pyung volunteers to check out the enemy camp himself. He enters the Left Cholla Naval Station disguised as a refugee. Meanwhile, hope is restored in the royal court as news of Soon-shin's victory arrives. Sonjo grants Soon-shin the tile of Gasuhn-debu and praises his men for their bravery. Won Kyun receives a royal edict cautioning him not to act in haste, and his men are furious.
Sun, Apr 17, 2005
Attacking Gon-yang, Dodo Takadora purposely hurts Won Kyun's ego to provoke him. Won Kyun loses consciousness during a fierce battle and the Right Kyung-sang Navy retreats to the Left Cholla Naval Station. The moment he awakens, Won Kyun is keyed up to recapture Gon-yang. Seeing this, Kwon Joon carefully tells Soon-shin that it's time to give up on Won Kyun and his Right Kyung-sang Navy. When Soon-shin tells him that he cannot give up on an alliance navy, Kwon Joon recommends joining forces with the Right Cholla Navy. When Soon-shin proposes the alliance, the High Commander of Right Cholla Navy refuses. Eager to destroy Yi Soon-shin, Dodo Takadora proposes to Gouki and Gurujima to form a sniper company in addition to Jotai's Kansuke. Kato Kiyomasa obliges their request and sends them his samurai gunners.
Sat, Apr 23, 2005
Won Kyun orders his men to prepare for battle to recapture Gon-yang. Many of his men think it is a bad idea, but no one can stop him. Dodo is using Won Kyun to lure Soon-shin out, and his plan seems to be working. But he does not let his guard down, knowing that Soon-shin has eyes everywhere, and takes double precautions. Reconnaissance spots enemy ships waiting in position at both Gon-yang and Dang-po. Soon-shin concludes that it is a trap to capture the Left Cholla Navy and orders his men to prepare for battle. His men advise against this action having failed to form an alliance, but Soon-shin's fleet divided into two and launched to Gon-yang and Dang-po. The Japanese are more prepared unlike the first campaign, but Yi Soon-shin does not go to war unless conditions for victory are perfectly set.
Sun, Apr 24, 2005
Yi Soon-shin is shot. He is losing a lot of blood, and the command ship must return to the base to treat him. But Soon-shin orders his men to continue fighting refusing to leave the battle. Having seen Soon-shin go down, Gurujima orders his men to advance and attack. Cautious Takadora suggest that they wait since he could be alive, but Gurujima ignores him and orders the attack. When Gurujima's fleet advances toward the Chosunese fleet, they are stopped by two sea monsters (turtle ships) they have never seen before.
Sat, Apr 30, 2005
The fleet of ships approaching them was not the enemy but the Right Cholla Navy. June 4, 1592, with a fleet of 51 ships in all, the alliance of the Left and Right Cholla Navy and the Right Kyung-sang Navy achieves huge victories in Danghang-po Jin-hae and Yul-po. News of consecutive naval victories and of the newly recruited alliance army's impending attempt to recapture the capital restore King Sonjo's hope that the Japanese may be routed. But governor of Cholla Province Yi Kwang who relied in the strength in number of the alliance army ignores the sincere council of subordinate officer Kwon Yul, and helplessly crumbles against Wakizaka Yasuharu's small army of 1,500.
Sun, May 1, 2005
When Japan announces that they will soon be sending another hundred thousand troops to Chosun, Yi Aukki and Yi Soon-shin conclude the Japanese will take the sea route instead of the land route and agree to focus their efforts on defending Cholla Province. Won Kyun does not attend the alliance navy leaders meeting self-conscious of the fact that he only has 3 warships compared to the 20 ships that the Left and Right Cholla navies each have, and focuses his efforts on restoring the ships that he intentionally sunk in the beginning of the war. Wakizaka Yasuharu begins to plan a new strategy in Pusan with the cannons he seized from a Chosunese military base. Learning that the Japanese now have cannons, Soon-shin begins training his men with superior weapons with greater range and fire power.
Sat, May 7, 2005
Chung-hyang who sustained injury during her escape passes out after blurting out that the Turtle Ship is in danger. Yi Young-nam heads for the Left Cholla Naval base with Chung-hyang in his arms, but Wakizaka quickly dispatches his men to destroy the Turtle Ship. When Wakizaka establishes a plan to destroy the Turtle Ship and requests to grant title of Samurai to each member of his elite force, Toyotomi Hideyoshi names Wakizaka chief commander for the campaign. Giving in to Konish Yukinaga's threats, King Sonjo expresses desire to cast his lot with Ming China, Yu Sung-ryong dissuades him telling him it's too soon to give up hope. When Soon-shin learns from Chung-hyang that Wakizaka Yasuharu has joined the navy, it becomes clear that the next battle will be like fighting the Taiko of Japan himself.
Sun, May 8, 2005
Wakizaka Yasuharu realizes the time that is required to load and reload the cannons in a battle and devises a new strategy to destroy the Chosunese navy. But Toyotomi Hideyoshi removes him from command when he finds out that Wakizaka's mission to destroy the Turtle Ship had failed. Learning that Gouki has acquired military aid of 30,000 men from the land troops and Wakizaka has lost his authority, Soon-shin collaborates with Kwon Yul the Army of Justice to stop Gouki from getting additional military aid, and throws a bait to Wakizaka who is now eager to prove himself and restore his reputation.
Sat, May 14, 2005
Soon-shin orders his men to launch the fleet to Kyunneryang on July 8th. His men resist because the water will be much to enemy's favor that day, but Soon-shin remains firm. He knows that Wakizaka is setting up a trap and devises a secret plan that will throw the enemy off guard. The day of the battle. Soon-shin's fleet forms a line formation outside the narrow channel of Kyunneryang. When Wakizaka does not make a move, Soon-shin sends in the advance guards. Believing that Soon-shin has taken the bait, Wakizaka orders his fleet to attack when he sees the advance guards enter the channel. The advance guards retreat with all of their might, and Wakizaka orders his men to break the line formation.
Sun, May 15, 2005
Soon-shin orders his fleet to retreat, and Wakizaka's fleet follow close behind. As they come closer and closer, Wakizaka grows more and more confident of his victory. Then suddenly Soon-shin's fleet stops running and moves into a formation no one has ever seen on the ocean before. It's the crane-wing formation. Yi Aukki and Won Kyun's fleet appear from hiding to complete the two wings. When the ships in first position crumble inside the crane-wing formation, Wakizaka tries to take advantage of the reloading time to turn the battle around, but it's useless against the Chosunese warships that can rotate completely in the same position.
Sat, May 21, 2005
Officers show concern when Soon-shin orders the construction of 20 more battleships. New ships require new cannons, and they are running out of gunpowder. Some complain that it is unnecessary work since the Japanese have already been frightened into paralysis. But Soon-shin maintains that they must always be prepared for the worst and puts his men to work. After the devastating defeat in Hansando, Toyotomi Hideyoshi stops communicating with his warriors in Chosun. It is a move to motivate them. When all communications cease from Japan, the Japanese warriors who had been squabbling with each other come together and renew their resolve. On their first collaborative effort, Konishi Yukinaga defeats Ming general Cho Seung-hoon on his attempt to recapture Pyong-yang.
Sun, May 22, 2005
Infuriated by his disobedience, Sonjo orders Soon-shin arrested immediately. The court officials also begin to question Soon-shin's loyalty, and Yi Aukki and Won Kyun send messages to Soon-shin refusing to participate in the alliance navy training. Soon-shin's men are split between those who feel they should obey the king's order and those who trust Soon-shin's decision. Chung Oon tells Soon-shin that he is the only man that the warriors will trust and obey, but he hopes that he does not lose the command of the alliance. Soon-shin remains firm about his decision. When Prince Kwang-hae learns that the king is about to arrest Soon-shin, he goes to the king and pleads with him to send an official of the court to persuade Soon-shin instead. Yoon Dusu is quickly dispatched to the Left Cholla Navy.
Sat, May 28, 2005
Yi Young-nam locks up Won Kyun and leads his men to the alliance navy training at the Left Cholla Naval Station. Won Kyun soon follow. Soon-shin places Yi Young-nam under arrest for defying his superior officer's order and leaves it up to Won Kyun to punish him. The Japanese warriors become nervous when contrary to what they had hoped Yoon Dusu does not take Soon-shin back to Uiju. Wakizaka believes that meticulous Yi Soon-shin will not attack Pusan for a while and suggests that they utilize this time to rebuild the navy. Displeased with the news that Yi Soon-shin has avoided charges, Konishi Yukinaga plans to attack Jinju in order to establish a bridgehead to Cholla and to divert Soon-shin's attention from the sea. When the Japanese begins to move toward Jinju, Kwon Yul requests Soon-shin for help, but Soon-shin declares war on the Japanese navy in Pusan instead.
Sun, May 29, 2005
Soon-shin's fleet safely passes through the channel. Gouki, Dodo and the other Japanese warriors are stunned by the Chosunese Navy's land raid. But Wakizaka Yasuharu believes that Soon-shin is going to attempt a landing on Pusan this time, and he shows complete confidence that he can win on land. The alliance navy under Yi Soon-shin's command destroys the enemy fleet layer by layer and makes their way toward Pusan. Japanese navy places their cannons on favorable locations and waits for the alliance fleet to come close enough. To minimize the damage from the enemy's bombardment, the alliance fleet stretch out in a line formation. Japanese navy stay ashore attacking from the beach, but the Chosunese navy keep a close fight in the most unfavorable conditions sinking the anchored Japanese battleships one by one.
Sat, Jun 4, 2005
Sonjo receives the victory report, but he is not entirely pleased by the fact that Soon-shin did not press on to recapture Pusan Fort. Losing the command of the sea of Kyung-sang Province, the Japanese warriors are beginning to think that the Toyotomi Hideyoshi's ambition to conquer Ming was a pipe dream. Jotai tells Hideyoshi that they still have a chance if they take Jinju Fort and use it as a bridgehead to Cholla. Hideyoshi issues the order and the Japanese forces begin to converge at outside Jinju Fort. Soon-shin, Kwon Yul and Constable of Jinju Kim Shi-min have a secret meeting. Kwon Yul offers to send military aid to Jinju, but Kim Shi-min declines the offer and asks that they stay where they are and stop the Japanese from converging in Jinju.
Sun, Jun 5, 2005
If they open the gate, the enemy will take the fort. Kim Shi-min makes a painful decision not to open the gate. Knowing that Kim has no other choice, Commander Yu and his men bravely fight to the death outside the gates of Jinju against 30,000 Japanese soldiers. The soldiers and citizens of Jinju are petrified watching the atrocity from inside the fort. Kim Shi-min devises another strategy. The fierce battle continues for six days and nights. Ammunition completely runs out, and Kim Shi-min orders women and children out of the fort. They can't go leaving the men who are facing certain death. Will Jinju Fort be saved? August, 1593, peace talks are being exchanged between Ming and Japan. Strongly against the peace talks, King Sonjo issues a new order to Yi Soon-shin.
Sat, Jun 11, 2005
Ming court orders Chosun not to take hostile action against the Japanese forces while the peace talks are in progress. But the Japanese are just using the passive Ming government to keep Chosun temporarily in check. In March 1594, several dozen Japanese ships appear on the coast of Danghang-po, and Yi Soon-shin launches his fleet against Yu Jung's orders. On the second Danghang-po Battle, Soon-shin sinks 31 enemy ships. Ming Commander Yu Jung now positioned in Daegu threatens the king to remove Yi Soon-shin from service or the Ming troops will clear out. Faced with a lose-lose ultimatum, Sonjo sends Prince Kwang-hae to Yu Jung.
Sun, Jun 12, 2005
Kwang-hae refuses to remove Soon-shin from service, and Yu Jung replies that both Sonjo's throne and Kwang-hae's future throne will not be safe unless Soon-shin is removed. Yoon Dusu who is traveling with Kwang-hae invites Yu Jung to a feast and asks for his patients telling him that Soon-shin will soon be removed. Soon-shin begins to discuss a land-sea operation with Kwon Yul and the others. Yi Young-nam is frustrated by Soon-shin who pays no attention to the pressures of Ming and the royal court. Yoon Dusu urges Prince Kwang-hae to seek a resignation from Soon-shin, and Kwang-hae goes to Soon-shin's advance base in Hansando. Seeing the undefeated navy and the man who made it all possible, Kwang-hae sheds his tears.
Sat, Jun 18, 2005
Learning that Soon-shin had been taken to the capital, Wakizaka Yasuharu plans a full force attack on the Chosunese Navy. But Konishi Yukinaga who is more interested in ending the war quickly and cashing in his benefits tells Ming Commander Shim Yu-kyung that it would be wise to release Yi Soon-shin to resume the peace talks. Kwang-hae goes to Yu Jung once again and tells him that he would give up the his own throne before removing Yi Soon-shin, and this time Yu Jung yields having been advised by Ming Commander Shim. Yoon Dusu is once again awed at Yi Soon-shin's power, and Shim Yu-kyong purposely exasperate Sonjo by praising Prince Kwang-hae and Yi Soon-shin.
Sun, Jun 19, 2005
Soon-shin requests to hold a separate military service examination exclusively for the navy with equal opportunity for all social castes. Yoon Dusu is infuriated by Soon-shin who leads a navy of 20,000 men and now wants control of personnel affairs and questions his loyalty. Having planted informants in Hansando, Sonjo learns about the issues surrounding the military service exam and becomes increasingly suspicious of Soon-shin's motives. Sonjo gives Yu Sung-ryong a subtle warning about the situation at which time he sends a letter to Soon-shin recommending that he give up on the idea. Kwon Joon also advises him to yield. Kwang-hae decides to call Soon-shin to Junju and listen to his reasons. Soon-shin refuses to give up arguing that his men were equally expected to give their lives for the country, and they must be given equal chance to become military officers.