Prelude
A Japanese double agent was dispatched by the Japanese commanders to bring false information to Admiral Yi and move him into a trap where he could be killed. For a time, the double agent brought what appeared to be important information to the Koreans.
At one point, the agent brought reports of KatÅ Kiyomasa planning to invade Korea to Gim Eung-seo, a commander of Gyeongsang province. The agent brought the exact place and time of where the Japanese fleet would come. The agent insisted that Admiral Yi go out and intercept the Japanese fleet and destroy it. Gim sent the message to General Gwon Yul, who sent it to Seoul in March 1597. King Seonjo ordered Admiral Yi to attack but Admiral Yi refused, reportedly not trusting a lone letter delivered by an agent and feeling he was unable to prepare for battle in time. Admiral Yi may also have believed that there was a trap at Chilchonryang; the hazardous area contained sharp rocks.
For his refusal, King Seonjo ordered Admiral Yi to be court martialed and stand trial in Seoul. In addition, Won Gyun accused Admiral Yi of drinking and idling. He was spared the death sentence due to his combat record and prime minister Yu Seong-ryong's support. The decision to remove him may have significantly affected further historical events.
Read more about this topic: Battle Of Chilcheollyang
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