계백 階伯
Late Baekje general who died in battle at Hwangsanbeol
| Life | 660 |
| Era | 백제 말기(삼국시대) |
| Clan | 백제(본관 미상) |
Life & career
Gyebaek was a general of late Baekje; his birth year and family lineage are not recorded in surviving sources, and no verified genealogical link to any modern Korean clan seat exists.
When the combined Silla-Tang forces invaded Baekje in 660, he led a suicide squad of 5,000 men on King Uija's order to block the 50,000-strong Silla army led by Kim Yu-sin at Hwangsanbeol, near present-day Nonsan, South Chungcheong. He repelled the Silla forces in four engagements, but was ultimately defeated and killed after the Silla army, enraged by the sacrifice of the young hwarang Gwanchang, launched an all-out assault.
The defeat at Hwangsanbeol collapsed Baekje's last line of defense, and the capital Sabi fell soon after, ending the kingdom. Gyebaek is remembered as a figure who fought to the end despite overwhelming odds; a memorial site and statue bearing his name stand in Nonsan today.
Descendants
No verified line of descendants is recorded.