Former Supreme Commander of the Three Provinces Navy Yi Soon-shin,
born in Gunchun-dong, Seoul,
1576, passed military service examination,
1579, demoted for disobedience to superior,
1582, discharged from duty for negligence,
1587, dismissed for failure to defend Nok-do,
but allowed to fight as a common soldier. Is this correct?
That's correct.
You've had quite a few demotions and dismissals
in the twenty-year military career.
Life is tough...
You must've been quite bitter and frustrated. Weren't you?
May I ask your age?
I'm fifty-three years old.
Fifty-three... You are rather old to be fighting on the battlefield.
The sword must feel heavy in your hands.
Is that why you wanted to put down your sword
and seize political power for yourself?
Is that why you built your own little kingdom in Hansando?
Does your silence mean yes?
Left Minister!
I am interrogating a prisoner.
Hastily defending a criminal of treason could get you arrested
as well, so I suggest you practice restraint.
Answer me. Why are you silent?
Hansando is the Naval Headquarters for the Three Provinces Navy.
I don't believe there is anyone here who does not know that.
You ignored the laws of Chosun, gave power and authority to the
peasants and conspired with the Japanese. Did you not?
No.
Then why did you not attack Kato Kiyomasa's fleet?
Because we could not defeat them.
You mean you didn't want to defeat them.
What did the Japanese promise you?
Did they promise you Hansando?
Did they say they would leave your little kingdom untouched?
Is that why you sold your country?
Did you think nothing of your King's command?
Answer me! Answer!
These are groundless accusations.
Groundless?
The enemy has landed in Pusan because you did not stop them.
What could be a greater more obvious proof?
Admit it!
You conspired with the enemy to protect your little kingdom,
and that is why you defied the King's order to attack the enemy!
It is not true.
I'm trying to treat you with courtesy since you were once a
respected servant of the state, but you leave me no choice.
Guards, tie him down on the torture chair.
He will be harshly tortured until he speaks the truth!
What are you waiting for? Carry out my order!
Yes, sir.
I warn you not to defend the traitor Yi Soon-shin.
If you do, you're a traitor as well.
Admiral!
It's an order.
Collect the officers' uniforms from the lowborns immediately.
They are certified officers appointed through the examination process.
That examination process did not adhere to the laws of this land.
It was a ridiculous charade that defied all traditions and laws.
I will start my term by correcting this mistake.
The morale of the soldiers will crumble.
If anyone becomes defiant, just bring them to me.
I will punish them all according to martial law.
Admiral, I'm sure you know how hard the former Supreme Commander
worked to establish order and discipline in this camp.
A battle is not fought by one man; it is an organized effort.
If you attempt to dismantle the organization, we cannot win the war.
An organization... What and who is this organization for?
Admiral!
An organization that will blindly follow Yi Soon-shin when he turns
his nose up at the king or attempts to steal the country?
Admiral, you're going too far.
Silence! I forbade you to defend a traitor.
This is quite disturbing, sir. Please don't call him a traitor.
This is not one man on this camp who believes that
the former Supreme Commander is a traitor.
That's right.
The former Supreme Commander's only concern was internal division.
Are you saying that His Majesty and the royal court is fallible
enough to arrest an innocent man and accuse him of treason?
Captain Woo, Magistrate Ki...
Yes, sir.
Strip the lowborns of their ranks and put them back where they belong.
Yes, sir.
No, Admiral!
Please reconsider, sir.
- We cannot support this, Admiral. - Enough!
Then I will take your uniforms first.
Admiral!
Turn in your resignations!
Admiral!
Do not try to challenge me or to defend a criminal of treason
because defending treason is treason itself.
I will have you sent up to the capital city and
prosecuted in addition to dishonorable discharge.
Did you conspire to commit treason
counting on the great military strength you had?
Confess to your crime!
Don't distort my subordinate officer's loyalty.
They supported you when you
conspired and protected the Japanese!
Japanese are my enemy as much as they are His Majesty's enemy.
And they are the Chosun Navy's enemy as well.
Therefore, the King and all of his people are one before the enemy.
I guess you haven't had enough pain.
You still have strength to lie.
What are you waiting for? Continue the torture!
Don't stop until he speaks the truth!
Yi Soon-shin is the best military leader in Chosun.
The enemy is before us. Why are you forsaking him?
The Crown Princes needs to learn more about politics.
Don't you think so, Imperial Attendant?
Father...
The best military leader in Chosun?
What's the use when he is in cahoots with the enemy?
Yi Soon-shin would never conspire with the enemy.
By not attacking the enemy, he placed the enemy in a favorable position.
Even if there was no conspiracy, I must treat it as so.
Father...
Stop!
No matter how smart and dutiful you are.
I must question your loyalty if you continue to fight me.
The Japanese, a treasonous subject, they are all the same in that they
are both trying to steal our country, yours and mine.
That is why he must be executed.
Aren't you going to do anything?
You know the Supreme Commander's
loyalty better than anyone else, Prime Minister.
And he is one of your best friends.
Prime Minister...
I've tried in vain. There is no one else.
You are the only one who can talk my father out of this.
Speak! This war was an opportunity to you, wasn't it?
An opportunity to defy this country and seize power.
You needed absolute trust and confidence of your men.
That is why you snatched credit for Chosun's bravest warrior
Won Kyun's work and gave it to your own men. Isn't that true?
Merits and demerits were clarified. I have never coveted honor.
Stubborn bastard...
Stop!
Give up now.
Haven't you had enough?
This will all be over if you confess.
Confess what?
You even gave power and authority
to the lowly peasants to build your little kingdom.
You were going to use them to seize the throne from the King.
Why are you so afraid of the people?
What?
They are not your enemy.
You cannot protect this country by treating the people as your enemy.
Bastard!
Pour lye on this bastard! Then he'll talk!
You must not deny the achievements of the former Supreme Commander.
High Commander Kwon Joon, Commander Yi Soon-shin and
Hwang Seduk, Assistant Defense Commandant Kim Wan,
Magistrate Yi Yong-nam, Lt. Song Hee-rip,
Na Dae-yong, Cho Su-chang, they are all competent leaders
with unique knowledge and skills.
You must reconsider.
The fate of the Three Provinces Navy may be decided by their presence.
Admiral, you cannot fight this war alone. Don't you see that?
High Commander Yi, of all of the warriors in this navy,
His Majesty trusts you most.
After all, you're a member of the Royal clan.
So say no more.
Admiral...
Loyalty is more important than knowledge and skill
in a warrior fighting a war.
I will not keep those who defend treason under me.
Admiral...
I'm certain His Majesty will support me on this.
Is there any chance you will change your mind?
It is His Majesty's will.
Then I will not fight you.
But I have a request.
You mean you're just going to give up like this?
This is insane! Admiral Won is wrong.
You cannot give up like this!
If he will not listen to reason, we must fight him!
I'm sure the soldiers will be with us on this!
That's right!
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Why should we give up when he's the one who is wrong?
Let's fight. Let's turn this place upside down!
That's what the Admiral feared most when he left. You know that.
High Commander Kwon...
If we take up arms, they'll send every soldier in the
country down here to suppress us giving the enemy a perfect
chance to destroy the entire defense force of Chosun.
What will happen to the country then?
Fine.
Wait here. We'll be right back with our resignations.
Let's do this together.
No, the two of you are staying.
What do you mean, High Commander?
Commander Yi and I spoke to the Supreme Commander,
and he will not require your resignations.
What kind of nonsense is that? We men stick together!
I agree, sir. We will resign as well.
Don't be so dense!
Without the two of you, this navy's demise is certain!
But sir...
Who will be the sailing master without you, Commandant Kim?
Do you want the Chosun fleet to be lost at sea before
they can get to the enemy?
But...
And Constable Yi, you've been an adjutant to Admiral Won
since this war started in 1592.
You've had your differences, but you're the one he trusts most.
Supreme Commander does not want your resignation.
But I do not trust the Supreme Commander.
I will not obey his orders, sir.
Be rational. Focus on the preservation of the navy.
Sir...
You must stay behind and help High Commander Yi Aukki
to guide the Supreme Commander into the right direction.
We know this is going to be tough for the two of you staying behind.
We're not leaving for good, Commandant Kim.
Commander Yi...
If the new Supreme Commander comes around and calls us back,
we will return.
That's right. We will be ready to come back and fight anytime.
We may be leaving, but our hearts will always be with you.
And Admiral Yi is with you in his heart as well.
So please don't lose your courage.
Sir, you're still working.
Lt. Na, what happened, sir?
I'm leaving...
I've come to say good bye.
It was an honor to have served you as a superior officer, Director Cho.
I... I'm no longer the director. You musn't...
No matter what anyone says, no matter what kind of uniform
you're wearing, you are the Director of Naval Construction.
Lt. Na...
Please take care of the warships of Chosun
and the Turtle Ship assault vessels.
We will pray for the navy from afar.
Atten-hut!
Salute!
Fellows...
Sir, we will take you to the mainland.
The Supreme Commander has granted permission.
Do you think we will be able to come back?
Will we come together again and fight the enemy like before?
My name is Bae Sul, the newly appointed High Commander of
the Right Kyung-sang Navy.
Welcome, High Commander Bae. Let us lead this nay as a team.
I will do my best, sir.
Let us sit down. Introductions are in order.
I'm Assistant Defense Commandant Kim Wan.
I was newly appointed Commandant of Soon-chun Woo Chi-jok.
I'm Constable of Jang-heung Yi Young-nam.
I'm Magistrate of Nam-hae Ki Hyo-keun.
I am newly appointed Port Captain of Youngdeung-po, Cho Gae-jong.
I'm Port Captain of Nok-do Song Yuh-jong.
I'm Magistrate of Posung Ahn Heung-gook.
I'm Captain of Yodo Kim Hyung-yong.
Supreme Commander Won Kyun dismissed a majority of his officers?
What is he trying to do taking the experienced staff apart and
relacing them with greenhorns?
How does he intend to fight the enemy?
It is normal for an organization to undergo an overhaul
when the leader is replaced, sir.
Besides, those who he dismissed
were deeply trusted by the offender of treason, so...
Offender of treason? Who are you referring to?
General, do you still sympathize with Yi Soon-shin?
Don't ignore your son-in-law's warning.
You must be careful with your words and your actions.
What is to become of this country?
At last Won Kyun has captured the highest post of the Chosun Navy?
What happened to Yi Soon-shin, Yoshira?
He was taken to the capital where he was beaten and
tortured nearly to death.
Heaven has forsaken Chosun!
Fool... He should've obeyed his king.
He might have lost his fleet, but he would've saved himself.
Admiral... I'm sorry, sir, but you can't just lie down like that...
This...
Yi Soon-shin refuses to confess his crimes?
This may requires special measure, Your Majesty.
It's my humble opinion that
Yi Soon-shin will let us kill him before he confesses his crimes.
What a stubborn and malicious man he is!
Pitiable fellows... His guilt is irrefutable.
Why is it so difficult to extract his confession?
Forgive us, Your Majesty...
Inquisition will continue tomorrow.
I will question him personally this time.
Soon-shin...
You shouldn't have come...
Being seen with me could put you in...
Foolish fellow...
How could you worry about me in this situation?
I need you to be safe.
You're the only one who can keep an eye on Won Kyun and his men...
Make sure they engage the enemy with due caution...
Stop, stop it!
Aren't you angry? How can you worry about the county after
what the country has done to you?
She pushed you into an impossible battle, and when you did you job and
destroyed the enemy, she harassed you, questioned your loyalty and
now she is accusing you of treason and trying to have you killed!
Your Majesty, I request that Yi Soon-shin be executed.
He will be executed in due time with or without your request.
I'm asking you to take his life now without a moment of delay.
Show mercy and let him die without further suffering.
He has earned the right. He deserves at least that.
Your audacity is bordering intolerable, Prime Minister.
You make it sound like I am torturing an innocent man.
I don't care about... no, I don't even want to think about
his guilt or innocence.
Yi Soon-shin's body is damaged beyond repair and he is already dying.
He can be neither a loyal retainer nor a treasonous villain.
If this country should take the whip to this man again,
it would simply be cruelty.
Do you wish to die by my hands as well?
I am not afraid.
After the Prime Minister and the Privy Councilor, Yi Duk-hyung
and the Right Minister will walk into the execution ground.
I know...
I will be next.
Minister of Military!
If His Majesty does not withdraw the sword he has drawn against
his servants, I will risk my life.
Oh dear...
What do you think the Censor- General and the three censoring
bodies will do if a Westerner betrays his own party and risks
his life to save Yi Soon-shin?
Yi Soon-shin is a traitor. Why would you turn him into a hero?
If Yi Soon-shin bore treasonous intent, do you think he could
have displayed such dignity in the inquisition?
What are you trying to say?
Yi Soon-shin was a hero from the starts.
But the royal court and the King was unfit to command such a hero.
So to preserve order, a hero had to be made a villain.
Isn't that the truth?
Your Majesty...
If I release Yi Soon-shin, the people will say that I am a
powerless King who buckled under the pressures of his men.
But if I kill Yi Soon-shin,
they will call me a tyrant who killed the hero of this age.
If he is released without further punishment,
public outcry will be appeased.
No, I cannot do that.
The inquiry will proceed as planned.
Your eyes, they look too weak to be called the eyes of a hero.
And your body, I never thought you would be so thin under the armor.
Would you have the strength to hold the royal sword if it were yours?
You are no longer the leader of the Three Provinces Navy,
and you are no longer the hero of Chosun.
You do not have the strength
to take my throne should you conspire to try.
You are but a living corpse.
I will not let you die a hero's death.
Admiral, it's all over.
You endured it well, sir...
The Supreme Commander was released.
Wouldn't you like to see him off?
I couldn't possibly lift my face up to him...
I just feel guilty and ashamed...
Will there be no regret keeping Yi Soon-shin alive?
I have no reason to put blood on my hands.
He will die anyway soon enough.
He is powerless to do anything
except endure indignity until the day he dies.
I am a generous man by nature.
So I shall pour him a drink on his funeral.
Offender Yi Soon-shin, you have committed great crimes
as you deceived your King, sought to take credit for your colleague's
achievements, and refused to fight the approaching enemy.
But in view of your past merits,
I grant you mercy and pardon you from death.
You are to return to the battle front and atone for your crimes
by fighting as a common soldier.