Yi Eokgi

Who was Yi Eokgi?

Yi Eok-gi was the commander of the Eastern Jeolla Fleet and later became the commander of Western Jeolla Fleet. He was one of Yi Sun-sin's good friends during the Seven Year War. He was eventually killed in the devastating Battle of Chilcheollyang Strait while assisting Won Gyun, the Naval Commander of the entire Korean navy at that time. Won Kyun and Yi Eok-gi were forced to retreat multiple times back, being crushed by the advancing Japanese navy, and finally landed ashore on a nearby island with a few survivors. However, a fort filled with Japanese Soldiers on the island were waiting for them, and killed every person there. Yi Eok-gi met his end on this island. He is a distant relation to the royal family.

The attack order for the Battle of Chilcheollyang originated from the King Seonjo himself and the lack of aggressive action taken by Admiral Won. It should be also noted he was awarded lesser degree of honor than Won Gyun due to political reasons.