In his early career Yi was rather unpopular, and his successes earned him more jealousy than praise. In time, however, he began to attract attention in high places, and from 1589, when he served on the staff of the Chlla provincial military inspector, his reputation rose steadily. In 1591 he was appointed, over many senior officers, commander of the Left Chlla Fleet (Korea's two southernmost provinces, Kyngsang on the east and Chlla on the west, were each divided into Left and Right naval districts).
Turtle Ships
When Yi reached his post, in the town now known as Ysu, the Japanese invasion was still 14 months away. The Korean court had had hints of the Japanese plans as early as 1590, but it was deeply divided over the meaning of the threat. The Japanese dictator Toyotomi Hideyoshi had said plainly that he intended to invade Ming China and required transit through Korea, but few believed he would attempt a land invasion, and even these had little idea how massive it would be.
Yi, however, believed war would come and began preparations from his arrival at Ysu. He strengthened the fortifications and enforced discipline with an awesome sternness.
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