Original subtitles

Launch! Launch all vessels!

On May 4th, 1592, twenty days after the outbreak of Yimjin War,

which would come to be known as "The Sea Battle of Okpo."

Before heading to Dang-po where he was to join forces with the Right

Kyung-sang Navy, he divided his fleet and conducted a thorough search of

the surrounding waters for hidden enemy warships eliminating the

possibility of being attacked from the rear.

While Yi Soon-shin was en route to Dang-po for his first battle...

The first division of Japanese invasion force led by Konishi Yukinaga and Kato

Kiyomasa's second division entered the capital of Chosun without any

resistance.

Chun-su! Chun-su!

They're coming! The Japanese are coming in herds!

I told you we should leave the city, but you wouldn't listen!

Now we're doomed!

Honorable General, to what do I owe the honor or our visit?

What are you waiting for? Search every inch of this place,

and seize anything that looks valuable!

We need gifts to bring back to His Highness the Taiko!

Aye!

What kind of fool would store such valuable items in storage houses?

I am the one who sent word that you will find valuable items here.

General, I am the one they call Akai.

How could a King leave his palace and flee in the cloak of the night?

That's why the people set fire to his palace.

General, this is a problem.

If we can't take the King's head back with us, we must at least bring back

valuable spoils of war, but the palace and the estates of high lord have all

been burned down. Where are we to find rare items to take back?

Do they please you, General?

These are the rare items you will present to the Taiko.

That one is called Chung-hwa Bekja. It's a rare item that most people

never see in their lifetime unless you are the King of a high lord.

Breathtaking! Chosun's pottery is always breathtaking!

Are you pleased?

Indeed I am. His Highness the Taiko will be greatly pleased as well.

Akai, I owe you. How can I repay you for this?

General! What's wrong?

What do you really want?

Why are you offering me your loyalty?

I already told you. I want Konishi's head.

And who will you ask to get you my head?

General...

One who has betrayed once is not afraid to betray again. Isn't that right?

Yes, General.

That's why I must slay you. Evil must be nipped in the bud.

You will regret it the moment that you strike that sword!

It is General Konishi who entered the city first.

And your merits of war doesn't compare to his as it stands right now. Correct?

You wench!

I know how you can change that.

If your messenger arrives before Konishi's messenger does, the Taiko

will consider your merits greater than any other general's merits.

Nagoya is a long ways away.

But I can show you a shortcut.

Konishi is a fool to have tried to get rid of a clever servant like you.

Don't doubt my loyalty, General.

A dog doesn't turn on his master unless provoked.

You are my master now.

I will never betray you as long as you do not forsake me.

Very well. I will not forsake you long as you do not betray me.

Thank you, General.

Now, that shortcut.

Chun-su.

It is trough the waterway.

Set sail from here through the coast of Cholla Province to Japan.

It would be a greater honor if you'd utilize our merchant vessel, sir.

The coast of Cholla Province...

Sir, please withdraw your order to keep the Turtle Ship anchored!

High Commander!

Consider the hard work and effort we put into building the Turtle Ship!

Shouldn't we put it to use when it's needed?

We've even call up civilian fishing boats to fight with us.

Are we to keep our assault vessel anchored and used civilians as our

bullet shields?

Captain Chung, those fishing boats were mobilize only to deceive the

enemy of the size of our fleet. They will not partake in actual battles.

Am I correct, sir?

We have to consider the morale of the sailors as well.

This is their first battle and they are quite nervous.

They're hanging in there because they have faith and confidence in

the power of the Turtle Ship. If that confidence should crumble...

That is the reason why we are holding back the launching of the Turtle Ship.

It's been less than a month since the Turtle Ship was built and tested.

The Turtle Ship has a very narrow field of vision compared to our galleys.

More training is required to improve communication between

the operation commander and the navigator.

The oarsmen also need more time to adjust, and the Turtle Ship needs

to find its place among fleet of galleys in order to promptly return

to formation after the assault.

All of this requires more time.

The sailors expect a lot from the Turtle Ship. And if we should be

defeated in battle because the crew is unaccustomed to the ship,

their disappointment will be greater than not launching it at all.

Lieutenant! Director!

What did he say about the Turtle Ship?

What do you think? It is as he said at the headquarters.

I don't understand. He had my boys rowing the Turtle Ship day and night.

Why did he change his mind on us?

He's confident that we can win without the Turtle Ship.

Did you forget? We're the strongest navy there is.

Are you disappointed?

I lived the last few months feeling like a debtor.

Those soldiers and oarsmen that died in the first Turtle Ship... I owe them...

If the Turtle Ship does to the front and keeps this country from

falling into the enemy's hands.

I would be paying them back...

Lt. Na,

I know your frustration better than anyone.

But it's best that we win this battle without the Turtle Ship.

Sir...

Many more Turtle Ships will be built from now on.

No, they must be built.

Do you think that I'd refuse that duty?

But that's not where your duty ends.

What we need now are competent men to lead the assault team

aboard the Turtle Ships.

I have asked Constable Kwon to search for competent

warriors, and they will be assembled at the headquarters.

Showing them the special features of the Turtle Ship and teaching

them how to operate it like an extension of their bodies,

that task will be more important than building the Turtle Ships.

I'm assigning that task to you.

Sir...

The enemy fleet is several hundred ships large.

This war will not end with this battle. They are much stronger than we think.

In order to fight a victorious fight, we need to take a step back right now.

Do you understand?

No, it's too late!

No, let go of me! I can't leave without her!

So they do have artillery in Chosun as I suspected.

It looks rather old, but cannons this size should be quite destructive.

What would you like to do, General?

Move them to the seaside armory. We'll test them.

Aye!

Is there something you want to say?

I'm just a little surprised, sir.

Surprised?

You've always ordered seppuku to subordinates that violate women

and persecute civilians back home.

I would've done the same here in Chosun if this war was to continue.

But this war is already over.

The soldiers need some kind of consolation for having to go back

home without wining any honors after traveling to this far away land.

But the war continues, sir.

I've received report that our forces have captured Kyung-sang and

Choong-chung Province.

That means they're at the gates of the country's capital.

All that's left is taking the head of the King now.

Your Majesty...

Open this gate! Or we'll break it down!

Ministers of the state, come out here! How could you abandon your people!

How much more of this humiliation and disgrace must I endure?

Send out the guards!

Arrest and execute the audacious mob that is causing this commotion! Now!

No, Your Majesty!

They are shocked by the departure of the Royal carriage from the palace.

The people cannot be held culpable.

Please stay out of this, Left Minister!

How can you speak when you are responsible for this situation?

Who insisted on diplomacy dealing with those atrocious Japanese?

What can we possibly gain by placing blame at this point?

But someone must be held responsible for allowing this to happen!

Those who supported emissary Kim Sung-il's claim that the threat of

war does not exist cannot be allowed to continue serving the court!

Your Majesty you must dismiss Prime Minister Yi San-had and Left Minister

Yu Sung-ryong from service.

That is the only way to appease the angry public.

More than half of my retainers have left me without saying a word.

Are you advising me to reject a subject who is faithfully keeping my side?

Your Majesty!

Leave.

Your Majesty!

Leave, I said!

Is the crowd still outside?

Yes, Father.

Royal Attendant.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I should go outside. Don't you think?

Perhaps their cries of grief will be silenced if I give them my life...

Your Majesty...

Father...

Yu Sung-ryong is a faithful subject.

How could I succumb to public reproach and forsake my faithful subject?

But Father...

Instead I will advance him to Prime Minister.

Who else has the wisdom to lead the country in this state of war?

As for the man who attempts to exploit this chaos to play partisan games

and malign Yu Sung-ryong...

Yoon Du-su... I cannot forgive him. I will dismiss Yoon Du-su instead!

Yoon Du-su is not the one, Father.

The public will be appeased if you hold Yi San-hae and Yu Sung-ryong

responsible and dismiss them from service.

If you can comfort the public by sacrificing a treasured servant,

consider the option.

The King has a duty to appease the hearts of the people devastated by war.

Yu Sung-ryong is a faithful subject of all ages. No one compares to him.

That is why you must forsake him.

Kwang-hae!

You may forsake him, Father, but he will never forsake you.

Sung-ryong...

Your Majesty, show no mercy for my failures.

Please be safe, Your Majesty.

You are the only one I truly trust and depend on from my heart.

Never forget that.

You miserable bastards! You ruined this country!

May 3rd, 1952... This was the most indescribable day for the illustrious

minister of the time Yu Sung-ryong.

On that morning, Prime Minister Yi San-hae was found accountable for

the war and dismissed from his post, and Yu Sung-ryong arose to the exalted

position for his quick response at the outbreak of the war.

But before the day was over, Yu would also be dismissed from the post for

the reason that he, too, cannot be free from blame for the war.

This was a dramatic executive decision rarely seen in the 500 years of Chosun

history and a clear evidence of extreme chaos that the war has caused.

My lord...

Chung-hyang, I'm glad to see that you're safe.

They are for you.

Straw sandals will serve you better than wooden boots on a long journey.

Serving the King will not be easy, but...

I've been dismissed from service.

But I'm certain that your footsteps will not lead back to your homestead.

You wouldn't stop serving the country because you are with out official rank.

I know that and I'm certain His Majesty knows that as well.

Chung-hyang...

Please take care of yourself.

Did you say Jokjin-po?

Yes, sir.

But we could be detected by the occupying forces in Gaduk!

He came to the decision because of the occupying forces in Gaduk, sir.

A warrior must fight without retreat on the battlefield.

Why would you have the Right Kyung- sang Navy stationed in Hansan-do

retreat to Dang-po?

High Commander Won has no desire to retreat.

Lt. Yi, do you know the size of the occupying force in Gaduk?

Do you really think that we can put a dent on their fleet with four galleys?

It's not impossible if you cooperate with us.

I'm for it! Let us go to Jokjin-po!

We'll wipe out the enemy and advance to Pusan!

Restrain yourself, Captain Chung.

You can't fight a war with hot blood alone.

Neither can you behind a desk.

The enemy is ten times our size.

We could find ourselves in serious trouble if we go to Gaduk directly.

I've had enough of this bull! Stop looking and take the leap!

Are you afraid? Or has the sword become too heavy for you since

you've been behind your desk twirling your pen?

Watch your tongue, Captain!

That's enough!

What can you possibly accomplish fighting among yourselves?

But there is the High Commander's order, sir!

Silence!

Sir, you can't do this!

Shut up and do what you're told!

Load up the cannons!

We're going to Hansan-do to join the Right Kyung-sang Navy!

Sir!

It's an order! Prepare for launch!

If you defy my order, I'll have your head for insubordination!

You're the one who should be punished, Captain Chung!

What are you doing, Captain Chung?

The enemy is before us. How much longer are we supposed to sit around and wait?

I will not obey this ridiculous command!

I believe you were the one who told

me that soldiers live and did by their commands, Captain Chung.

Wasn't it!

From the High Commander to the lowest ranking crewman, here is not one man

here in this navy that doesn't want to go out there and crush the enemy.

They would strike the enemy main camp in Pusan in a heartbeat if they could.

But for right now, that's impossible.

You can't win a war with war courage and will alone.

Calm yourself down and practice restraint.

What is this reckless behavior in front of your men?

How can we fight the enemy and win if we are fighting each other?

Let's trust the High Commander on this and wait, Captain Chung.

We of all men should give him our complete support!

Why do you think the High Commander is being so cautious?

Do you think it's because he is afraid to the enemy?

I don't see it that way. It is to fight a fight that we can win.

He is considering all of the possibilities and variables.

No one else might appreciate this, but we should!

What are you waiting for? Get back to your training!

Sir...

Forgive me, sir.

I lost my temper for a moment back there.

I've put my men through grueling training for the past year,

but I did not want to send them out on the battlefield.

I had prayed that all of my preparations would be for naught.

I know, sir.

Seven hundred battleships...

That means the Japanese force at the very least 150.000.

That's more than the entire military force of Chosun combined.

And they sent half of the fleet back to Japan.

Why?

I would guess to supplement the troops.

That means we will have a drawn-out war.

We cannot allow supplementation if we want to end this war as

quickly as possible.

That means our first order of business is to destroy their ships.

But is there another battle we must fight before we fight this war?

Sir...

I suppose it is unavoidable.

How many times did I tell you?

I will not retreat!

Then there won't be an alliance, sir.

Are you trying to threaten me?

I am simply informing you of High Commander Yi's decision.

I make the decisions.

Get Soon-shin over here. I'll give him the order myself!

Officers of equal ranks cannot issue orders to each other, sir.

You! How dare you try to denigrate a high commander!

I could not bear such insolent intent, sir.

Eleven hundred hours tomorrow at Dang-po, sir, if the Right Kyung-sang

Navy doesn't join us by then, I assure you there will be no alliance.

And if the Right Kyung-sang Navy should be completely destroyed as a result of

your non-cooperation, you, sir, will have to bear sole responsibility.

How dare you!

I will cut off your head and send it back to Yi Soon-shin!

Even an enemy's messengers is not to be slain. You'd slay your peer's man?

Withdraw your sword, sir.

Sir, I will return to Dang-po and await your wise decision.

Commander, why are you trying to humiliate him?

Let me ask you a question, Lieutenant.

What have you been doing here for your superior to act like this?

As his subordinate officer, you have a duty to suppress such reckless strategies!

Let's go.

Yes.

That arrogant bastard! How dare they insult me!

How dare they insult the Right Kyung-sang Navy!

What do we do now?

We'll just have to make do without the Left Cholla Navy.

We can beat the enemy without them.

I'm sure that's what the High Commander is thinking.

Be realistic. Do you really think that's possible?

The odds are against us even if we concede and join the Left Cholla Navy!

High Commander!

Okpo is in flames!

They are not human! They are animals! Monsters!

They walk around with fire sticks and kill everything in sight!

Those fire sticks... you're dead if you do as much as look at them!

And once you're dead, they cut off your nose and your ears!

They are monsters from hell! They're not human!

Sir.

Japanese battleships?

Yes. How many were there?

Dozens, I suppose.

We couldn't see anything straight in the panic and chaos.

But they had more ships than you have here, or did they have less?

I'm not sure, sir.

San-bok, say something. Do you remember anything?

I have nothing to say.

All I can think about is killing them with my own hands!

I'm going to rip their hearts out!

Do you really think they have horns on their heads?

That's not all. They say they have hair all over their faces!

Really!

They say they can kill you just by looking at you.

Do you think they shoot fire from their mouths?

What are you talking about? Those are all false rumors!

Have you been lied to all you life? Just look at those refugees' faces.

Yeah, they look like they've been running from ghosts.

Have we been training for a year for nothing?

What good are bows and arrows and guns against ghosts?

Say something, Jakbo. What are you thinking?

I'm not thinking anything.

Yes, that's right! Don't think about anything, Jakbo.

Why would you fear anything? You're different!

No one can dodge your arrows... not even ghosts!

That's why they call you the "Holy Archer"!

You're our only hope. You're the only one that can contend with those ghosts.

"Holy Archer", "ghosts", they're both out of this world.

For the most part their testimony matches the reconnaissance report.

They couldn't say with certainty that the invasion force in Okpo was larger

or smaller than us.

If they had been 2 or 3 times larger, it would been easily discernable.

Magistrate Uh, how about the current?

The conditions will be definitely more favorable if we travel through

the inland sea, but...

That's not possible. We will be detected by the occupying forces in Gaduk.

Well, it's weak tide, so the outer channel won't be that bad either.

Our problem is the cannons, sir.

From what we know so far, cannons have not been used by the enemy in this war.

But only land battles have been fought.

We have yet to engage in a full-scale sea battle.

Lt. Yi, of the Right Kyung-sang Navy says that cannons were not used by

the enemy when they were under attack at sea.

But the Kyung-sang Navy was starkly outnumbered.

Chances are they didn't feel the need to use the cannons.

If there should be a fleet to fleet artillery battle, the allies will

suffer considerable damages as well even if we take them by surprise.

As a whole, the enemy fleet is ten times larger than ours.

The loss of even one battleship is a serious loss to the allies when we are

matched ten to one.

It's best that we eliminate the last possibility before we proceed.

Your first mission is to infiltrate the enemy camp in Okpo, check their

battleships for cannons and disable them.

Once the mission is accomplished retreat quickly without being detected.

Remember that if you are exposed, our strategy will be exposed.

Can you show them the way? You must not lose your cool and act in haste.

Don't worry sir. I'll do anything to destroy those beasts!

Come back alive.

That is your third mission.

Sir...

Remember that the fate of the Left Cholla Navy is in your hands.

Where are they! How could the sentinels leave their posts?

I know that General Dodo said they could eat and relax today,

but leave the camp unguarded?

Find them!

Aye!

You have worked very hard. Drink and relax tonight!

Aye!

Pillage and plunder by day and carousal by night... I should just...

That man is the general.

It doesn't look like they know about the existence of the Left Cholla Navy.

Bek-ryun!

Let go of me!

Don't come close! Or I'll kill you!

Wretched wench!

General! General!

Infiltrators, sir!

What?

The sentinels at the beach are dead!

What?

Seal the gates and assemble all of the troops!

They took the sentinels' uniforms. What could they be after?

They are right here in the heart of the camp.