Yi Kak

Yi Kak (Korean: 이각; Hanja: 李珏; died on 14th day, 5th month of 1592) was a Korean military leader of the mid-Joseon period. Yi was serving as the Provincial Military Commander of Left Gyeongsang at the outbreak of the Imjin War. When Japanese forces landed at Busan in the 4th month of 1592, he immediately advanced to Dongnae Fortress. Intending to provide external support rather than engage in a siege defense, he withdrew from the fortress and established a forward position at Sosan. Following the fall of Dongnae, he joined forces with Pak Chin, Magistrate of Miryang, and formed a defensive line at Sosan, but as the battle turned against them, Yi retreated to Eonyang. From there, he moved to Ulsan, where the Military Headquarters of the Left Gyeongsang Army was located, to prepare for further defense. He ordered the thirteen county contingents to remain within the fortress, while he positioned his main force outside at Seosan to form an external line of resistance. However, on the 22nd day of the 4th month, the command fortress came under Japanese assault and collapsed, prompting Yi to retreat once more. Yi then attempted to travel north but, upon reaching General Kim Myŏngwŏn's camp near the Imjin River, was arrested and executed.