Righteous Armies of Korea

In this episode, we examine the Righteous Armies (Uibyeong) of the Joseon period, focusing on their crucial role during the Imjin War as grassroots defenders who rose when the state military faltered under the shock of invasion. Rooted in Neo-Confucian ideals of loyalty, righteousness, and moral duty, these volunteer militias were formed by scholars, farmers, monks, and local leaders who viewed armed resistance as an ethical obligation to protect king, country, and community. The episode explores how these irregular forces disrupted Japanese supply lines, gathered intelligence, and waged guerrilla warfare across the countryside, complementing the efforts of the regular army and navy. We also trace how the ideological legacy of the Imjin War Righteous Armies endured into later centuries, shaping a tradition of popular resistance that resurfaced during the Japanese colonial period, exemplified by figures such as Yun Hui-sun. Ultimately, the Righteous Armies emerge not just as military actors, but as a powerful fusion of philosophy and warfare that laid the moral and organizational foundations for Korea’s long struggle for national survival and independence.