[K-Women Talk] Yi Sun-sin Had His Mother, Chogye Byeonssi

The True Head of the Household: His Mother
Unwavering Even as She Sent Her Son to War
A Hero Was Possible Because of a Strong Mother

Heroic General Yi Sun-sin. He is a great hero representing Joseon, or rather, our country. However, even such a remarkable figure had someone who stood as an unwavering pillar?his mother, Chogye Byeonssi.

Born in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, Byeonssi married Yi Jeong of the Deoksu Yi clan and had four sons, the third of whom was Yi Sun-sin. The third son was a notorious troublemaker in the village. According to Yu Seong-ryong, who lived in the same village and recorded in the Jingbirok, Chogye Byeonssi’s third son neglected his studies and spent his time playing war games. He built fortifications by stacking walls in narrow alleys and threatened the village elders by aiming his bow at their eyes when scolded. As a parent, this must have been a truly worrisome child. In an era when it was natural to study hard, pass the civil service exam, and achieve success, he was just getting into fights.

The family’s financial situation showed no signs of improvement. Neither Byeonssi’s father-in-law nor her husband had passed the civil service exam. Therefore, the actual income and household management were likely handled by Byeonssi. Traditionally, women in the Joseon era managed the household by farming, running side businesses, and trading, while their husbands were buried in their studies. Byeonssi’s life must have been truly arduous.

Moreover, tragedy never ceased. Her eldest and second sons passed away early, leaving behind young grandchildren. The third son was injured after falling from a horse while taking the military examination but fortunately passed. However, even after passing, the third son was assigned to local posts in places like Hamgyeong-do and Jeolla-do, leaving little time to visit home. When her husband passed away, it took two months before the news could be delivered to her son. Thus, managing the household and raising the grandchildren who had lost their father was entirely Byeonssi’s responsibility.

In 1592, war broke out. Seoul was burned, the Japanese invaders ravaged the land, and countless people died. Watching her third son leave for such a dangerous battlefield, Byeonssi resolutely said, “Do not return until you have cleansed the nation’s humiliation,” showing no sign of regret. How could she have been so strong? It was because she was their mother that the troublemaker in the Jingbirok could become the heroic General Yi Sun-sin.

However, even a hero’s mother was human. Chogye Byeonssi was already over 80 years old, and she did worry about her son traveling such a dangerous and arduous path. For years after the war began, Byeonssi could not meet her son and only exchanged news that he was ‘safe.’ Then, one night, her third son suddenly arrived by rowing a boat. Startled, Byeonssi welcomed him and wept with joy until dawn. When parting again as he left for Hansando, she could not hide her sorrow no matter what she said. That was a mother’s heart. But that was their last farewell in this world.

In 1597, Yi Sun-sin was dismissed and faced death due to slander and jealousy from those around him. Upon hearing this, Byeonssi set out by boat for Hanyang. Despite her frail body and the harsh, dangerous sea journey, she did not hesitate. Unfortunately, she passed away on the boat without seeing her son again. Before his mother’s body, Yi Sun-sin wept endlessly and anguished, wishing he could die instead. Though his mother was gone, Yi Sun-sin still lived and did what he had to do. Just as his mother had lived through countless hardships, suppressing sorrow and worry to carry out her duties, Chogye Byeonssi’s son set out for Myeongnyang to cleanse the nation’s humiliation.

Writer Lee Han

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.