Original subtitles

They wish to contend with the Japanese army of 20.000

with less then 1.000 men?

Yoshihiro!

Charge!

Aye!

Why did you stop the attack, sir?

We should get this over with while we have the lead.

We have the lead no matter what.

I'm looking for an easier way to get this done, Kakaoka.

General...?

The rage you feel after watching your comrades die in battle

becomes a powerful inspiration.

Our victory is certain, but we will suffer considerable casualties as well

if they fight to the death.

Time is our best friend right now.

Time will appease their rage,

and fear will slowly replace their morale.

And without morale, the strongest of armies is but a disorderly mob.

Go back to your tent and get a good night's sleep.

We will capture Jinju Fort without much effort tomorrow.

Very well, sir.

The Japanese...

If they come at us like an army of ants...

do you think we can beat them?

Why aren't you boys eating your rice balls?

Eat up.

You can't kill off the Japanese if you don't have the strength.

We knew that the enemy was ten times our size from the start...

But knowing it and seeing it with your own eyes is not the same.

If we lose our morale on top of this...

... it's over.

We are backed against a wall.

Don't fall for this stupid ploy.

They are trying to play games with your mind!

Don't you see that?

Return to your posts!

Return to your posts? Now!

Everyone, let us quiet our minds.

We cannot tend to the dead because the gates must remain

sealed, so I thought we could comfort their souls with music.

I believe that General Yu and his brave men who died on the

battlefield today understand how much we grieve for them.

But if we let the enemy's size overwhelm us, intimidate us and

defeat us from the heart,

they will not forgive us or be able to rest in peace.

We knew from the start that we are inferior to the enemy

in every aspect from size to weaponry to fighting skills.

Then why did we seal the gates and take up arms?

To protect our family, our friends and our country from the Japanese

invaders who have infringed upon

our lives with their swords and their muskets!

There is no weapon greater than unity.

If we stand without fear as one, victory will be ours.

I believe in the government and

citizen armies of Kyung-sang Province.

And I know that each of them

will defeat the enemy where they are and come to help us.

Do not lose hope.

Jinju Fort is under siege of the Japanese Army.

The people of Jinju declare our resolve with floating lamps,

as other means of communication has been cut off.

Chief Commander of Kyung-sang Army Yu Soong-in and this men

have died bravely in battle.

Now we will honor their patriotism and

protect the fort with our lives.

I ask all government and citizen armies of Kyung-sang Province

to assemble at Jinju Fort.

Help us save Chosun.

Attack without fear!

There're plenty of men behind you.

Climb over the wall!

Battle of Jinju Fort...

A fierce battle between 3.800 Chosunese troops and 30.000

Japanese troops at Jinju Fort continued for 6 days and 5 nights

from October 5 to October 10, 1592.

Sir...

Did the report arrive?

It looks like they're hanging in there.

How many days has it been since the battle began?

It's the sixth day, sir.

And the citizen army?

Not yet, sir.

We've placed too much burden

on Constable Kim and the people of Jinju..

That report cannot be accurate!

Are you certain there are only 3.800 troops inside the fort?

We confirmed it a dozen times

since a month before the seize operation preparation began.

Then how could they be intact

when we've been fighting for six days?

I want this over tonight! Prepare the troops!

They have to be exhausted from the battle this afternoon.

We will raid them tonight and wipe them out!

Out of gunpowder? Are you certain?

Constable...

We are almost completely out of arrows as well.

How many women, elderly and children do we have inside the fort?

About one thousand, sir.

We should evacuate them.

Constable...

Perhaps we can send them out

through the South River and save their lives.

Hurry. If we don't act now, no one may survive.

Yes, sir.

What are you telling us? Go where?

You'll find a boat waiting for you at the river.

They will take you where the Japanese are scarce, so...

No, we're not leaving with our sons and husbands behind.

You must go if we are to fight a better fight.

We cannot concentrate because we are worried about our families.

Go now, Mother. Let us protect the city.

But Son... Fellows...

Constable!

Get them! Finish them off tonight!

If you can't capture the fort, burn it down!

Rocks, we need more rocks!

What's wrong?

Sir, we have nothing left, not even rocks and hot water!

What?

It looks like they're out of ammunition.

Good. This is our chance! Send out the entire army!

It's a matter of time before they crumble!

Madams...!

You just concentrate on stopping those Japanese!

We'll get all the rocks you need!

Yes! Yes!

Do not retreat! Don't let the enemy enter this fort!

Do not retreat!

What are you waiting for? Stop those bastards first!

General, over there! And there!

Attack!

Retreat! Retreat!

With help from the citizen army the six day long battle at Jinju Fort

ended with victory for Chosun on October 10, 1592.

This was indeed a miraculous feat achieved by Chosun with

only 3.800 men against nearly 30.000 Japanese troops.

This victory not only delivered a demoralizing blow to the Japanese

ground forces, which had known no defeat since the war began,

but it also checked their advance into Cholla Province.

Constable! Constable!

Constable!

Constable! Constable!

Constable!

The chief commander of Jinju Battle Constable Kim Shi-min

would die of a bullet wound during the battle. He was 39 years old.

He was named Lord Sang-lak on the 37th year of Sonjo's reign and

received the posthumous title of Choong-Moo (Loyalty-Chivalry) on

the 35th year of Sookjong's reign.

High Commander of Left Cholla Navy Yi Soon-shin,

I now appoint you Supreme Naval Commander of the Three Provinces.

You are ordered to build your headquarters at in Duel-po,

Hansando and destroy the Japanese invaders completely.

Your Majesty, I will lay down my life for four command.

Supreme Naval Commander of Three Provinces...

It was a title given to the commander-in-chief of the three

navies of Cholla, Kyung-sang and Choong-chung provinces.

This was a new position established in 1953,

as the war entered its second year.

Sonjo established this position and appointed Yi Soon-shin its

first Supreme Commander for two reasons.

He wanted to stop the confusion over the right off command which

had troubled the navy in the course of its 16 previous battles,

but more importantly, it was a declaration of his strong will

to end the war that had dragged on for over a year.

Once Yi Soon-shin recaptured command of the sea with victories

in both Hansando and Pusan

and Kim Shi-min routed over a 30.000 Japanese troops in Jinju,

the morale of the Japanese invasion force

began to show visible deterioration.

And On January 6, 1593, Ming army of 43.000 led by Yi Yuh-song

attacked and recaptured Pyong-yang.

Meanwhile Yi Soon-shin would win another great victory in Ung-po,

and it appeared as if the scales were tipped in Chosun's favor.

However...

... by Konishi Yukinaga's army of 40.000 which had been forced

to abandon Pyong-yang and retreat to Seoul,

...Yi Yuh-song and his Ming army suffered a crushing defeat in

Byukjaekwan and was driven back to Kae-sung.

How could you send the Japanese army intact?

His Majesty the Emperor would not be pleased if

any more of his soldiers were sacrificed.

To win without fighting is the best policy.

I ask for your trust and patience.

The people of Chosun are still being slaughtered by the Japanese.

Do you truly believe they have the desire to end the violence?

Pursue them quickly and eradicate them.

I came to this decision after careful deliberation about

the safety of the Royal Princes.

His Highness must heed my advice.

Most importantly, the Emperor does not want

needless sacrifice of his soldiers.

If you demand that we pursue the Japanese regardless,

I must pull my troops out to Liaodong immediately

and report your unreasonable demand to the Emperor.

How will you bear the Emperor's rage?

It was unrealistic to rely on the Ming army to end the war when

they would make blatant threats to the King without hesitation.

And so, once again, Sonjo and his officials had to place

their hopes on Yi Soon-shin and the Chosunese Navy.

Congratulations on your advancement, Supreme Commander.

Thank you.

I will assist you with everything I have

and lead this fight against the enemy.

I have complete faith in all of you.

This is August, 1593.

One year and four months have passed since this war erupted,

and yet the Japanese are still in Pusan and across Kyung-sang

committing all kinds of violent acts against our people.

The three navies must combine our strength to snuff out the

remnants of the enemy and put an end to this war once and for all.

Yi Soon-shin should have my edict by now...

Your Majesty, if I may ask, why Yi Soon-shin?

He once defied your order. Has he not caused you offense?

Yi Soon-shin is not the only one who looks down upon me.

From the Emperor of Ming to my own sons and the officials of the court...

... and even the peasants whose lowly status does not even

reach my feet look down upon me with scorn.

How else could they set fire to the palace

and throw rocks at the royal carriage?

Your Majesty...

Do you knew why I have not returned to the capital although

it has been months since we've recaptured control?

We've recaptured the capital

but the country is still in the enemy's hands.

The resentful eyes of the people will greet me

if I return to the Capital like this.

And I cannot face them.

Your Majesty...

I must first recapture the country.

I can forsake the offender who patronized the King thereafter.

I'm sorry I could not prepare a better reception for you.

We are at war. A fancy reception is out of the question.

You've become thin. I heard you were shot. How are you?

It was over a year ago. I'm fine now.

I'm concerned about Kyun. It won't be easy to keep him under control.

Don't worry.

I'm confident that our resolve to save Chosun

will bring all of the leaders together.

I hope this war ends soon so that you and I could discuss state

affairs and build a stronger future together for Chosun.

I hope I didn't come at a bad time.

Not at all. Sit down.

How long has it been since the last time

we sat down together like this?

Over five years, I think.

You don't know how relieved I am that the two of you will be

protecting the front together.

Kyun, I implore you to work with Soon-shin to bring this war to an end.

That is all that I want and His Majesty wants.

I am His Majesty's warrior.

If Soon-shin obeys His Majesty's orders properly,

I would not fight him.

Do you think Won Kyun can suppress his rage and do his job properly?

"In all failing games there is a way to win."

Sometimes the one that is lagging behind is a better bet.

He will watch his opponent even more carefully so not to lose.

I'm sure he has learned a lot from

the incident surrounding the Pusan Battle.

He will know enough to hide his feelings and wait for his chance

if he really wants to defeat his opponent.

And on top of that, His Majesty sent him a special letter,

so he will not act in haste.

His Majesty sent him a letter? What do you mean?

His Majesty is trying to accomplish two things at once.

End the war and keep Yi Soon-shin in check at the same time.

And who better than Won Kyun to do hat for him?

Commander of High Kyung-sang Navy Won Kyun,

I know that you are the bravest warrior of Chosun.

It is you that I trust and depend on,

and I want very much to put you in command of the navy.

But because of your oversight in the beginning of the war

the heart of the soldiers are not yet with you.

It is truly a shame, but all that you can do now is to serve

your superior Yi Soon-shin faithfully and await your time.

Your duty to your superior goes beyond simple obedience.

Remember that it is also your duty to keep him in check and

guide him into the right direction.

The sea of Chosun has been an ocean of death for me and the

enemy since this war began last year.

The enemy that once was pressing at the gates of Uiju have

retreated from Pyong-yang, from the capital city,

to the southern coast.

An old friend that visits me with a royal decree cautiously brings

up the future dreaming of the end of the war.

But for as long as the enemy is on the southern sea,

I cannot dare to dream about tomorrow.

Living from day to day facing the enemy on the ocean of death,

now is all I have.

Albeit I defeat the enemy bring this war to an end with

my own hands, the royal court is not where I belong.

Supreme Naval Commander of the Three Provinces...

It's not the King but the enemy who put me on this exalted post.

That is why the moment that the

enemy gives back our ocean and retreats, I must return my uniform.

Stopping the spear of the enemy; that is where my duty ends.

If Heaven should grant me time after the enemy is routed,

I'd like to return to my homestead and tend to my elderly mother.

I'd like to live out my life as a humble farmer with my dear

wife who has become gray enduring the life of a warrior's wife.

Will Ming accept our proposal?

We will have to wait and see.

Do you intend to end this war if they should accept the proposal

and turn over the four provinces of Kyung-sang, Cholla, Choong-chung

and Kang-won of Chosun to Japan?

That shouldn't be so bad...

Your Eminence!

You are too strict with me Jotai.

You won't even let me have some free time with my son.

Jotai, why don't you lighten up a little?

Being a father, in a way, means doubling your life.

But if you cannot protect your son's future, it's meaningless.

Your Eminence...

This war has dragged on too long.

The warriors in Chosun are exhausted,

and the rest of the retainers whom I've kept busy to fund the war

are getting frustrated as well.

If I don't appease them first there is no telling what

men like Tokugawa who covet my position might to.

Sometimes you just have to take the roundabout way.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the instigator of Yimjin War, was under scrutiny

of his political enemies as the war dragged on

with considerable damages.

So with pretend reluctance, he accepted the request of Ukida Hieie

and Kohishi Yukinaga to withdraw from the capital...

... and aggressively proceeded negotiations with Ming.

In exchange for peace, Hideyoshi demanded an Imperial Princess

of Ming to be sent to Japan as a royal concubine,

cession of four provinces of Chosun to Japan,

and a Royal Prince and an high official of Chosun

to be sent to Japan as hostages.

At the same time, he ordered 100.000 Japanese troops

to attack Jinju and wipe out the entire city.

This was not only to boost the fallen morale of his troops, but

also to demonstrate his strength and push the Ming government into

accepting his demands in a highly political and calculated move.

Ming Conquest will have to be put on hold for now, Jotai.

We will have to be their friends for a while.

That will stop Ming army's aggression toward the Japanese forces.

They're not foolish enough to shed blood for a cause

that is not their own.

Then Chosun will be left all alone once more.

And we will slowly suffocate the Chosunese Army again.

Yi Soon-shin, the bastard who gave us humiliation of defeat,

has become the Supreme Commander of Chosunese Navy?

That's right, General.

Well, then we will just have to show them

how useless his leadership is now, won't we?

I've already alerted Yu Jung that they must never attack the

Japanese forces while peace negotiation is in process.

Then let us head west at once.

We will tease the paralyzed Yi Soon-shin's fleet on the way.

Refrain from hostile action?

Do not attack the enemy that is in plain sight no matter what they do?

It is an absurd request!

It is Ming Admiral Yu Jung's order!

I've been ordered to tell you that if you defy him,

you will be charged with defying the Emperor's command!

Admiral! Admiral!

What is it?

Several dozen Japanese ships were spotted

off the coast of Danghang-po terrorizing the civilians.

Alert the soldiers at once!

Stop!

Have you already forgotten Admiral Yu Jung's order?

Do you think you will survive if you defy the Emperor's command?

What are you waiting for? Alert the soldiers at once!

We will sail out to Danghang-po and crush the enemy!

Yes, Admiral!

Admiral!