A hero among Korea's many honorable historic figures, Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598) never lacks special recognition. In the late 16th century during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598), also known as the Imjinwaeran (壬辰倭亂, Battle in the Year of Imjin), Admiral Yi managed to protect his country, overcoming tremendous adversity. One famous feat occurred on October 25, 1597, when some 12 naval vessels under his command defeated 333 Japanese vessels in the waters of Myeongnyang, in Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province).


The Myeongnyang Strait (鳴梁海峽) is located between Haenam-gun County and Jindo Island in southwestern Jeollanam-do. At its narrowest point, it is approximately 300 meters wide. During the rising tide, seawater from the Namhae, or South Sea, flushes into the Seohae, or Yellow Sea, rushing through the strait at speeds exceeding five meters per second. Using this knowledge, the Joseon navy, led by Admiral Yi, won the Myeongnyanghaejeon, or the Battle of Myeongnyang. Seawater smashing into rocks can be quite loud, and some say that the sound resembles the crying of a baby, giving the narrows its other name, Uldolmok Strait.


Two naval officers, one from Joseon and one from Japan, met 415 years ago during the Battle of Myeongnyang. Admiral Yi Sun-sin and Kurushima Michifusa (1562-1597) faced each other at war. Both being on the road of no return, neither one was able to take a step back.

How can these two characters be portrayed on screen? A film doing just that, "Myeongnyang," or, "Roaring Currents" in English, showing the Battle of Myeongnyang, is set to premiere on July 30. Yi Sun-sin will be played by Choi Min-sik from "Oldboy" (2003) and Kurushima will be played by Ryoo Seung-yong from "Masquerade" (2012).

By Wi Tack-whan, Paik Hyun
Korea.net Staff Writers
whan23@korea.kr