Seo Ye-won

Seo Ye-won (徐禮元, 1548 – 29 June 1593) was a military officer of the Mid-Joseon period. His family seat was Icheon (利川), and his courtesy name was Sukbu (肅夫). He was the younger brother of Seo In-won (徐仁元).

Life

He passed the military civil service examination in 1572 (the 5th year of King Seonjo). In 1585 (the 18th year of Seonjo), as Commandant of Boeulha Jinchem (甫乙下鎭僉節制使) in Hoeryong, he crossed the Tumen River on a reconnaissance mission and penetrated deep into barbarian territory, but he lost all of his 80-odd subordinates and was defeated in retreat, for which he was imprisoned at Jongseong (鐘城).¹

After he returned alone, having lost his 80 subordinates, Jo Heon accused Seo Ye-won of committing adultery with a commander's concubine, and of being treated like a dog or pig by the military men. Because of this, he was barred from taking the civil service examinations for several years. His elder brother Seo In-won settled the matter and reached an agreement, but Jo submitted a memorial severely impeaching him, citing this career record.²

After his release, while serving as Magistrate of Gimhae, on 14 April 1592 the Imjin War broke out. While he was defending the fortress, the enemy cut barley, piled it up to the height of the walls, and attacked, and he was routed.

Afterward, he cooperated with the Righteous Army leader Kim Myeon (金沔) to drive the Japanese invaders out of Jirye, and in the First Battle of Jinju he assisted Magistrate Kim Si-min (金時敏) in fighting the Japanese forces, achieving great merit.

Death

In 1592, after Kim Si-min was assassinated by Japanese soldiers, Seo Ye-won was selected by Kim Seong-il (金誠一), Commander of the Gyeongsang Right Provincial Military Commander and Inspector General, and became Magistrate of Jinju-mok. Seo Ye-won was specially recommended through Seo In-won and became the chief of the frontier (Jinju).³