November 1, 1443: Lee Ye, a diplomat who grasped the cause and practicality between Ming and Japan[이문영의 다시 보는 그날]

Portrait of Duke Chungsuk Lee Ye. Photo source: Traditional Culture Portal

Moonyoung Lee, historical writer

It happened during the Sejong era. Inspector Lee Ye (李藝), who had been dispatched to Tsushima, rescued Seo Seong, a Ming Dynasty man, and brought him back. He was a soldier in Zhejiang Province, China, who went out on patrol when he encountered a Japanese pirate ship and was captured. He was held for 1 year and 5 months and was 60 years old.

The reason Lee Ye went to Tsushima was because of the Japanese pirates who invaded Jeju in June 1443. They plundered Jeju and kidnapped our people, but fled due to a counterattack by the government army. At this time, a typhoon blew and one ship was destroyed. Thanks to this, the Japanese pirates were captured. The government decided to send them back and retrieve the kidnapped people. Lee Ye, who was over 70 years old, volunteered to go to Tsushima and retrieve all the kidnapped people.

Iye was originally the hometown of Ulsan. When he was 24 years old, when Japanese pirates came to plunder and kidnapped the governor of Ulsan County, he voluntarily followed him. The pirates originally planned to kill both the governor and Lee Ye, but changed their minds after seeing that Lee Ye treated his superiors very well even in difficult situations. The government highly praised the loyalty of Lee Ye, who returned safely to the country with the governor, and promoted him to noble status. He became a man of great standing, promoted from the middle class to the second rank of servant.

When Lee Ye was 8 years old, her mother was captured by Japanese pirates and went missing. Although they searched every house in Tsushima, they could not find their mother. Because he experienced the tragedy of his family being separated, he traveled to Japan and did his best to rescue those who had been captured. The number of people rescued over 40 trips to and from Japan reached 667 people. He even went all the way to Yugukuk (Okinawa) in search of Joseon prisoners of war who had been sold by Japanese pirates and rescued 44 of them. Among them, there was one who returned to his hometown after 21 years.

When Lee Ye went to Tsushima, Seo Seong clung to him, knowing that he was his only hope for escape. However, Lee Ye had no reason to save him as he was not a citizen of his country. However, I could not ignore him, so I told him that I would need permission from the island owner. Seo Seong requested the governor of Tsushima and obtained a document permitting repatriation.

When Lee Ye returned after rescuing people from the Ming Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty government was put on alert. There was an argument that he should be exiled and imprisoned in the mountains rather than sent out, as he would know everything about sending envoys to foreign countries without permission from the Ming Dynasty. However, after a heated debate, it was decided to send Seo-seong back to his home country. It was natural that the friendly relationship between the two countries became stronger due to the wise decision.

Lee Ye knew how to treat Japan, her mother’s enemy, within the national boundaries. He was also a key figure in the signing of the Treaty of Peace between Tsushima and Joseon that maintained peace. Through the Gyehae Treaty, Joseon also succeeded in obtaining the sulfur needed to make gunpowder. He did not neglect national defense issues, such as advocating for the improvement of battleships and artillery. He knew well that if there was no defense preparedness, Japanese pirates could run amok at any time.

Lee Ye explained the foreign policy toward Japan to King Sejong as follows: We need to preach a cause, make a living, and make people obey from the bottom of their hearts. In Joseon, located between the Ming superpower and the fierce Japan, Lee Ye was a diplomat looking for a way to find peace. Today, as the situation in the North becomes increasingly difficult, diplomats like Lee Ye, who pursue both the cause and practical benefit, are desperately needed.

Moonyoung Lee, historical writer

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It⁢ appears you provided a narrative about⁤ Inspector Lee Ye, a historical ⁤figure during the Sejong era of Korea, detailing his efforts in rescuing‍ captives from Japanese pirates and navigating diplomatic relations ‌between Joseon and the Ming ‍Dynasty. The story emphasizes his loyalty, bravery, and the complexities of his diplomatic efforts ​in a ⁢time⁢ of conflict.

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