Mid-Joseon military commander; renowned admiral of the Imjin War; posthumous title Chungmugong (忠武公)
| Life | 1545 ~ 1598 |
| Era | 조선 |
| Clan | 덕수 이씨 |
Of the Deoksu Yi clan, his posthumous title was Chungmugong (忠武公). After passing the military service examination in 1576, he held various offices and, just before the Imjin War, was appointed Naval Commander of Left Jeolla Province.
During the Imjin War (1592-1598), he won victory after victory at the battles of Okpo, Sacheon, Hansando, and others, gaining command of the seas of the South Sea. In particular, at the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597 he won a great victory with an inferior force, and led the Joseon navy as Supreme Naval Commander of the Three Provinces.
At the Battle of Noryang in 1598, he was killed in action while pursuing the retreating Japanese forces. His War Diary (Nanjung Ilgi) (National Treasure No. 76), written in the field, is regarded as a key source for the study of the Imjin War.
Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Mount Eora)
He had descendants including his son Yi Hoe (李薈), and the line continued as the Deoksu Yi clan.