{{Short description|Korean general (1560–1597)}} {{for|the South Korean politician|Park Jin}}{{family name hatnote|Pak|lang=Korean}} {{Infobox military person | honorific_prefix = Duke Ŭiyŏl | name = Pak Chin | image = General Pakj jin 3.jpg | caption = Tomb of Pak Chin in Baekhak-myeon, Yeoncheon County | birth_date = 25th day, 8th month of 1560 | death_date = 30th day, 3rd month of 1597 | birth_place = Miryang, Joseon | death_place = Hwanghae Province, Joseon | death_cause = | burial_place = {{ill|Tomb of Pak Chin|ko|박진장군 묘}}<br/> Yeoncheon, South Korea | allegiance = Joseon | battles = {{tree list}} *Imjin War **Battle of Sosan **{{ill|Battle of Miryang|ko|경상도 방어선#밀양 전투}} **{{ill|Siege of Yeongcheon|ko|영천성 전투}} **2nd Siege of Gyeongju **3rd Siege of Gyeongju {{tree list/end}} | awards = 3rd {{ill|Wisŏng Merit Subjects|ko|위성공신}}{{efn| The Wisŏng Merit Subjects were deprived following the King Injo Restoration.<ref name=":1">{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:위성공신 (衛聖功臣) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=이장희 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0041157 |access-date=2026-02-19 |lang=ko |trans-title=Wisŏng Merit Subjects}}</ref>}} | width_style = person | module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto |hangul=%박진 |hanja=朴晉 |hangulja=%_명부%, %_여회 |hanjaja=明夫, 汝晦 |hangulph=%_의열 |hanjaph=毅毅 |hangulrt = ^응천군 |hanjart= 凝川君 |child=yes }} }}
'''Pak Chin''' ({{Korean|박진|朴晉}}, 25th day, 8th month of 1560 – 30th day, 3rd month of 1597) was a Korean military leader of the mid-Joseon period. He was best known for his service during the Imjin War, particularly as Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province, where he oversaw the reorganization of provincial defenses and led campaigns to recover territory from Japanese forces.
Born in 1560 in Miryang, Pak came from a military family and entered official service through special recommendation. After passing the military examination in 1584, he held various posts before being appointed magistrate of Miryang in 1592, shortly before the outbreak of the Imjin War. During the initial Japanese advance, he participated in defensive actions at Sosan and Miryang and was subsequently promoted to Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province.
From mid-1592 onward, Pak directed efforts to rebuild command structures in Left Gyeongsang Province. Operating from Andong and Angang, he coordinated regular troops and righteous armies, supported operations to recapture Yeongcheon, and participated in subsequent campaigns to retake Gyeongju. He later served in additional regional commands, including Right Gyeongsang Province, Jeolla Province, and Hwanghae Province.
Pak died in 1597 from injuries sustained during the war and in an assault by a Ming general. Although initially excluded from the list of {{Interlanguage link|Sŏnmu Merit Subjects|ko|선무공신}}, he was posthumously enrolled in 1613 as a third-class {{Interlanguage link|Wisŏng Merit Subjects|ko|위성공신}} and granted the title of Prince Ŭngch'ŏn. His tomb in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, is designated as a Provincial Monument.
== Early life == Pak Chin was born on the 25th day, 8th month of 1560 in Miryang, Gyeongsang Province, Joseon. He belonged to the Miryang Pak clan; His father, Pak Insu ({{ko/auto|hangul=박인수|hanja=朴麟壽|hanjaref=|labels=no}}), served during the reign of King Myeongjong as Naval Commander ({{Korean/auto|hangul=수군절도사|hanja=水軍節度使|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:수군절도사 (水軍節度使) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=조성도 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0031239 |access-date=2026-02-17 |lang=ko |trans-title=Sugunjŏltosa}}</ref>|labels=no}}) and Army Commander ({{Korean/auto|hangul=병마절도사|hanja=兵馬節度使|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:병마절도사 (兵馬節度使) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=오종록 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0023089 |lang=ko |trans-title=Pyŏngmajŏltosa |access-date=2026-02-17}}</ref>|labels=no}}) of Right Gyeongsang Province, among other posts.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=246}} His mother was a daughter of Kim Chadal ({{ko/auto|hangul=김자달|hanja=金自達|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) of the Gangneung Kim clan.<ref name=":0">{{Cite encyclopedia |title= |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Local Culture Miryang edition |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://miryang.grandculture.net/miryang/toc/GC08700502 |access-date=2026-02-17 |last=박병련 |first= |lang=ko |trans-title=Pak Chin |script-title=ko:박진}}</ref>
Coming from a military family, Pak received an early appointment by special recommendation and was named Royal Messenger ({{Korean/auto|hangul=선전관|hanja=宣傳官|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite dictionary |script-title=ko:선전관 (宣傳官) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=민현구 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0028901 |lang=ko |trans-title=Sŏnjŏngwan |access-date=2026-02-17}}</ref>|labels=no}}).{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=554}} In 1584, while holding the junior sixth rank, he sat for the special military service examination ({{Korean/auto|hangul=별시무과|hanja=別試武科|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0023038 |access-date=2026-02-19 |lang=ko |trans-title=Pyŏlsi |script-title=ko:별시 (��試) |author=차미희}}</ref>|labels=no}}) and placed 68th with third-tier honors ({{ko/auto|hangul=병과|hanja=丙科|labels=no}}).{{Sfn|김진수|2016|pp=554-555}}
In 1589, when the Border Defense Council recruited military officials without regard to regular appointment procedures, Pak was recommended by {{Interlanguage link|Sim Sugyŏng|ko|심수경}}, then Minister of War, and was appointed accordingly.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=246-247}} He subsequently served as Vice Director ({{Korean/auto|hangul=부정|hanja=副正|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite dictionary |script-title=ko:부정 (副正) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=나영훈 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0024550 |lang=ko |trans-title=Pujŏng |access-date=2026-02-17}}</ref>|labels=no}}) at the {{Interlanguage link|Hullyŏnwŏn|lt=Office of Military Training|ko|훈련원}} before being appointed Magistrate of Miryang in 1592.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=555}}
== Imjin War ==
=== Outbreak of the Imjin War === On the 13th day, 4th month of 1592, Japanese forces appeared off the coast of Busan, marking the outbreak of the Imjin War.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=69}} The following day, they captured Busanjinseong and subsequently attacked the fortress {{Interlanguage link|Dadaeposeong|ko|다대포성지}} and Dongnaeeupseong in succession. Upon receiving news of the invasion, the Governor ({{Korean/auto|hangul=관찰사|hanja=觀察使|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:관찰사 (觀察使) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=김웅호 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0005013 |lang=ko |trans-title=Kwanch'alsa |access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>|labels=no}}) of Gyeongsang Province, {{Interlanguage link|Kim Su|ko|김수 (조선)}}, immediately issued a mobilization order throughout the province.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=247}}
At the time, Pak Chin was serving as Magistrate of Miryang and led the local troops toward Dongnaeeupseong in accordance with the order.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|pp=70-71}}{{Sfn|이호준|2010|p=131}} However, on the evening of the 15th day, 4th month of 1592, while en route, he learned that Dongnaeeupseong had fallen. He therefore withdrew and joined Yi Kak, the Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province, who had established a defensive position at Sosan Post Station ({{Korean/auto|hangul=소산역|hanja=蘇山驛|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:소산 (蘇山) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=원경렬 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0030105 |lang=ko |trans-title=Sosan |access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>|labels=no}}) after retreating from Dongnae.{{Sfn|이호준|2010|pp=134-135}}
Sosan Post Station occupied rugged terrain advantageous for defense and controlled access to the Great Yeongnam Road beyond Dongnae.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=556}} Pak Chin emphasized to Yi Kak that failure to hold Sosan would result in the collapse of the Yeongnam defensive line and requested reinforcement from the rear.{{Sfn|금정문화원|2020|pp=37-38}}{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=248}} Accordingly, a defensive formation was established in which Pak Chin led approximately 500 troops at the front while Yi Kak's forces provided support from the rear.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=73}} After fighting commenced on the evening of the 15th day, 4th month of 1592, the tide gradually turned against Pak Chin's forces, prompting Yi Kak to retreat to Eonyang.{{Sfn|이호준|2010|p=135}} With rear support cut off, Pak Chin also withdrew, passing through Yangsan before retreating to Miryang.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=248-249}}
=== Battle of Miryang === On the 16th day, 4th month of 1592, Pak Chin gathered the scattered remnants of his defeated troops and reorganized his forces, seeking to block the northward advance of the Japanese army in the vicinity of Chagwŏn ({{Korean/auto|hangul=작원|hanja=鵲院|hanjaref=|labels=no}}).{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=249}} Chagwŏn was a strategic point situated at the terminus of the Chakch'ŏn gallery road, beyond the Hwangsan gallery road between Yangsan and Miryang, and contained both a checkpoint and a postal station.{{Sfn|이호준|2010|p=136}} Pak Chin deployed his troops near {{Interlanguage link|Chagwŏn'gwan|ko|밀양 작원관지}} and devised a defensive plan to impede the Japanese advance using the narrow cliff road.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=73}}
When the vanguard of the Japanese First Division led by Konishi Yukinaga was blocked by Joseon forces along the cliff road, the follow-up force led by {{Interlanguage link|Matsura Shigenobu|ja|松浦鎮信}} attempted to outflank the position by ascending Mount Kŭmbyŏngsan ({{Korean/auto|hangul=금병산|hanja=金屛山|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) and cutting off the rear of Pak Chin's unit.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=74}} Upon recognizing this maneuver, Pak Chin dispatched his military officers Yi Taesu ({{Korean/auto|hangul=이대수|hanja=李大樹|hanjaref={{Sfn|김강식|2005|p=335}}|labels=no}}) and Kim Hyou ({{Korean/auto|hangul=김효우|hanja=金孝友|hanjaref={{Sfn|김강식|2005|p=335}}|labels=no}}) to Mount Kŭmbyŏngsan to intercept the enemy, but all of their troops were killed in battle after being overpowered.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=558}}
Following the engagements, the Joseon forces were encircled at Chagwŏn, and Pak Chin withdrew toward Miryang.{{Sfn|이호준|2010|p=137}} After setting fire to the government offices, arsenal, and grain stores of Miryang, he broke through the Japanese encirclement and retreated toward Yeongsan. The Japanese First Division subsequently occupied Miryang on the 18th day, 4th month of 1592.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=250}} Meanwhile, the Japanese Second Division captured Gyeongju on the 21st day, 4th month of 1592, and advanced to occupy Yeoncheon on the 23rd day, 4th month of 1592.{{Sfn|이호준|2010|p=166}}
After the Battle of Miryang, Pak Chin executed Confucian scholars of Eonyang who had attempted to collaborate with the Japanese forces, gathered intelligence on Japanese movements under the command of Kim Su, and joined the loyalist forces of Gyeongsang Province.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=559}}
=== Appointment as Provincial Army Commander === On the 6th day, 5th month of 1592, Yun Tusu recommended Pak Chin and Kim Sŏngil to King Seonjo as suitable candidates for the post of Army Commander. On the 10th day, 5th month of 1592, the Royal Messenger Min Chongsin ({{Korean/auto|hangul=민종신|hanja=閔宗信|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) likewise reported that the defeat might have been avoided had Yi Kak and {{Interlanguage link|Yu Sungin|ko|류숭인}} cooperated effectively.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=251-252}}{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=562}} Following such defenses, he was promoted to Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=252}}
In the latter half of the 5th month of 1592, Pak Chin was appointed Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province upon reaching Onyang with the loyalist forces of Gyeongsang Province.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=253}} Historian Kim Jin-su assesses that the post of Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province at that time constituted an exceptionally difficult assignment.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=254}} Owing to the war, the military and administrative command structure in the province had collapsed, and the number of troops Pak Chin could effectively command was no more than fifty.{{Sfn|정해은|2014|p=138}}{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=254}} Moreover, because his predecessor Yi Kak had lost the official seal while abandoning the military camp, the legitimacy of his orders was called into question, creating further obstacles to the consolidation of command authority.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|pp=16-17}}
In the middle of the 6th month of 1592, Pak Chin crossed the Nakdong River at night with some thirty military officers, thereby entering Left Gyeongsang Province. At the same time, he announced his intention to proceed to Andong and ordered the magistrates of each locality to deploy ambush units and report on the military situation.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=15}} At Punggak ({{Korean/auto|hangul=풍각|hanja=豊角|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:풍각 (豊角) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author= |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0060336 |lang=ko |trans-title=Punggak |access-date=2026-03-01}}</ref>|labels=no}}), he gathered scattered civilians and secured approximately five hundred troops, then advanced northward toward Andong.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=254-255}} Upon arriving at {{Interlanguage link|Sinnyŏng County|lt=Sinnyŏng|ko|신녕군}}, he appointed Kwŏn Ŭngsu as Auxiliary Defense Officer ({{Korean/auto|hangul=조방장|hanja=助防將|labels=no}}).{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=16}} In Cheongsong, he received the official seal from {{Interlanguage link|Han Hyosun|ko|한효순}}, Magistrate of {{Interlanguage link|Yŏnghae County|lt=Yŏnghae|ko|영해군}}, thereby establishing the legitimacy necessary for issuing commands.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=17}} Thereafter, passing through Cheongsong, he reached {{Interlanguage link|Chinbo County|lt=Chinbo|ko|진보군}} on the 5th day, 7th month of 1592.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=255}}
After consolidating his forces in the Chinbo and Cheongsong areas, Pak Chin drove out the Japanese troops occupying Andong.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=256}} He entered Andong on the 19th day, 7th month of 1592, and was granted military authority by the Regional Inspector ({{Korean/auto|hangul=안집사|hanja=安集使|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0035042 |access-date=2026-02-19 |lang=ko |trans-title=Anjipsa |script-title=ko:안집사 (安集使)}}</ref>|labels=no}}) {{Interlanguage link|Kim Rŭk|ko|김륵}}. At Kim's recommendation, he established the {{Interlanguage link|Military Headquarters of Left Gyeongsang Province|ko|울산 경상좌도병영성}} there.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=18}} Thereafter, he stationed elite troops in Andong, repelled renewed Japanese incursions using artillery, and deployed forces along key routes in preparation for Japanese units advancing southward from the Kangwŏn Province region.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=77}}{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=564}}
=== Siege of Yeongcheon === With the entry of Ming forces into the war, the Joseon court ordered southern regional troops to intercept Japanese forces.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=257}} In response, Pak Chin relocated the Military Headquarters at Angang, which was situated between Yeongcheon and Gyeongju in the middle of the 7th month.{{Sfn|최효식|2004|p=55}} He also issued orders to Kwŏn Ŭngsu, directing him to raise troops.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=20}} Kwŏn Ŭngsu integrated righteous armies from Sinnyŏng, Yeongcheon, {{Interlanguage link|Chain County|lt=Chain|ko|자인군}}, and {{Interlanguage link|Ŭihŭng County|ko|의흥군|lt=Ŭihŭng}}, organizing them into a consolidated volunteer force. On the 24th day, 7th month of 1592, he prepared for an assault on the fortress Yeongcheonseong.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=257-258}}
After receiving Kwŏn Ŭngsu's plan, Pak Chin supplied gunpowder and military equipment through his officer Pyŏn Ŭnggyu ({{Korean/auto|hangul=변응규|hanja=邊應圭|hanjaref={{Sfn|장준호|2020|p=72}}|labels=no}}) to support the volunteer forces.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=77}}{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=258}} At dawn on the 26th day, 7th month of 1592, Joseon forces launched their attack on Yeongcheonseong, and on the 28th day they recaptured the stronghold.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=22}}
=== Siege of Gyeongju === After recapturing Yeongcheon, Pak Chin sought to capitalize on the momentum by planning an operation to retake Gyeongju.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=77}} He assembled the righteous armies of Left Gyeongsang Province and regular troops at Angang, and toured Cheongsong, Andŏk ({{Korean/auto|hangul=안덕|hanja=安德|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:안덕 (安德) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author= |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0034569 |lang=ko |trans-title=Andŏk |access-date=2026-03-01}}</ref>|labels=no}}), and Yeongcheon to rally dispersed soldiers and civilians, thereby consolidating additional manpower. {{Sfn|최효식|2004|p=56}}{{Sfn|최효식|1997|p=427}} After completing a military inspection at Angang on the 20th day, 8th month of 1592, Pak Chin set out at approximately 11 p.m. that same night.{{Sfn|최효식|1997|p=428}} He placed Pak Ŭijang and Kwŏn Ŭngsu at the vanguard and led a force of roughly ten thousand troops toward Gyeongju.{{Sfn|김진수|2012|p=23}} Although the march was carried out under harsh conditions, with the troops unable even to take proper meals, it is recorded that the soldiers were filled with confidence, buoyed by their recent victory at Yeongcheon.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|pp=281-282}}
Pak Chin's army reached the gates of Gyeongjueupseong at dawn on the 21st day, 8th month of 1592.{{Sfn|최효식|1997|p=429}} He established his command post at Kŭmjangdae Pavilion ({{Korean/auto|hangul=금장대|hanja=金藏臺|hanjaref={{Sfn|최효식|1997|p=429}}|labels=no}}), situated on a cliff across the stream Seocheon ({{Korean/auto|hangul=서천|hanja=西川|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) overlooking the fortress, and personally directed operations on site.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=282}} In preparation for the siege, Pak Chin devised a plan to fill the moat surrounding the fortress by stuffing straw mats with grass and rice straw, while simultaneously employing incendiary tactics.{{Sfn|최효식|2004|p=59}} He encircled the fortress on three sides—east, west, and north—assigning Pak Ŭijang to command the righteous armies on the eastern flank and Kwŏn Ŭngsu to command those on the western flank.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=282}}
The attack commenced with the burning of houses as a signal.{{Sfn|최효식|2004|p=58}} In the early phase of the battle, Japanese forces were heavily pressed by Joseon forces and retreated into the fortress. The Joseon forces reportedly killed approximately one thousand enemy troops.{{Sfn|최효식|1997|p=430}} Around noon, however, Japanese reinforcements arriving from Eonyang lay in ambush in the vicinity of Baengnyulsa Temple ({{Korean/auto|hangul=백률사|hanja=栢栗寺|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite dictionary |script-title=ko:금강산 백률사 (金剛山 栢栗寺) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=옥나영 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0022101 |lang=ko |trans-title=Baengnyulsa Temple |access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>|labels=no}}) and the local Confucian school. They then launched a surprise attack against the rear of the Joseon forces, initiating a pincer movement. At the same time, the Japanese troops inside the fortress mounted a counteroffensive.{{Sfn|최효식|2004|p=60}} Joseon forces continued fighting in the area of Kyeyŏn ({{Korean/auto|hangul=계연|hanja=鷄淵|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) between Gyeongjueupseong and Seocheon, but after sustaining heavy casualties, they crossed the river and withdrew to Angang.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=282}}
Stationed at Angang, Pak Chin adopted a strategy of isolating Gyeongjueupseong through nighttime artillery bombardments and the deployment of ambush units along key routes to block Japanese reinforcements.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=258}} Meanwhile, he proceeded to Donghwasa in Daegu to meet Kim Sŏngil, who had newly assumed office as Governor of Left Gyeongsang Province. During his absence, Pak Chin delegated operational command of the campaign to retake Gyeongju to Pak Ŭijang.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=285}} Pak Ŭijang organized a corps of approximately one thousand selected troops and launched assaults employing ''{{Interlanguage link|Pigyŏk chinch'ŏlloe|ko|비격진천뢰}}'' (time-fused explosive shells). He succeeded in recapturing Gyeongju on the 8th day, 9th month of 1592.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|p=77}}
=== Later activities === After the recapture of Gyeongju, Pak Chin toured the areas of Yecheon and Andong in preparation for further Japanese incursions. In the course of these inspections, he met with righteous army leaders in various localities to discuss support for volunteer forces and plans for offensive operations against the Japanese.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=569}} He reinforced logistical capacity by supplying bamboo for arrow production, dispatching musketeers, and providing gunpowder to volunteer units.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=262}}
On the 6th day, 1st month of 1593, Pak Chin conferred with Han Hyosun, Governor of Left Gyeongsang Province, and the righteous army leader Kim Hae ({{ko/auto|hangul=김해|hanja=金垓|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite dictionary |script-title=ko:김해 (金垓) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=김석희 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0010963 |lang=ko |trans-title=Kim Hae |access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>|labels=no}}). They agreed to attack Japanese forces in the areas of {{Interlanguage link|Indong County|lt=Indong|ko|인동군}}, Daegu, and Sangju.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=570}} Engagements on the 6th day and 9th day, 1st month of 1593 did not yield significant results. However, on the 21st day, 1st month of 1593, Pak Chin's troops attacked and encircled the Japanese forces at Indong, successfully forcing the remaining enemy troops to retreat toward Daegu.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=570}} During the course of these battles, Pak Chin was struck by a Japanese bullet, and his health deteriorated. He subsequently petitioned the court for dismissal from his post. Accordingly, he was reassigned as Second Deputy Director ({{ko/auto|hangul=동지사|hanja=同知事|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite dictionary |script-title=ko:동지사 (同知事) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=임선 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0016790 |lang=ko |trans-title=Tongjisa |access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>|labels=no}}) of the {{ill|Chungch'ubu|lt=Privy Council|ko|중추원 (조선) }}, and Kwŏn Ŭngsu was appointed as his successor as Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=263}}
On the 10th day, 4th month of 1593, Pak Chin appeared at the temporary royal court. On the 20th day of the same month, by royal command, he conferred with the Ming general Liu Ting ({{Lang-zh|c=劉綎|labels=no}}) on matters of military administration. During this period, he also gathered intelligence on the situation in the capital and the movements of Ming forces, reporting his findings to King Seonjo.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=263-264}} After the Japanese army withdrew from Hansŏng and redeployed to the Gyeongsang region, Pak Chin was appointed Commissioner for the Suppression of Bandits ({{ko/auto|hangul=독포사|hanja=督捕使|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) and was dispatched once again to Gyeongsang Province.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=264}} He was stationed at Miryang together with Kim Ŭngsŏ, Chŏng Hŭihyŏn ({{Korean/auto|hangul=정희현|hanja=鄭希玄|hanjaref=|labels=no}}), and {{Interlanguage link|Yi Siŏn|ko|이시언 (조선)}}, where they monitored Japanese movements.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=571}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Office of Annals|title=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty|script-title=ko:평안도 우방어사 김응서가 부산 등지에 있는 적의 동태를 보고하다 |trans-title=Kim Ŭngsŏ, Defense Commander of Pyeongan Province, reported on the movements of the enemy stationed in Busan and other areas |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kna_12607018_011 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty|publisher=National Institute of Korean History|language=ko}}</ref>
In the 11th month of 1593, he reentered the court as Second Deputy Director and reported the military achievements of volunteer commanders and local officials in Left Gyeongsang Province. In the 12th month of 1593, he served as Commander of the Royal Guard ({{ko/auto|hangul=호위대장|hanja=扈衛大將|hanjaref=|labels=no}}) under the Office of Military Pacification ({{ko/auto|hangul=무군사|hanja=撫軍司|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |script-title=ko:무군사 (撫軍司) |author=오종록 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0018945 |access-date=2026-02-19 |lang=ko |trans-title=Mugunsa }}</ref>|labels=no}}) and was responsible for escorting Crown Prince Gwanghae.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=265}} He subsequently served as Army Commander of Right Gyeongsang Province in 1594 and as Army Commander of Jeolla Province in 1595.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=265-266}} In 1596, amid signs of a renewed Japanese invasion, Pak Chin's health deteriorated as a result of wounds sustained during his tenure as Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province. On the 6th day, 11th month of 1596, he was concurrently appointed Army Commander of Hwanghae Province and Magistrate of Hwangju in the northern region.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=266}}
=== Death === In the 2nd month of 1597, while stationed in Hwanghae Province, Pak Chin's illness worsened to the point that he could no longer perform his official duties, and even military training had to be suspended.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=266}} Amid these circumstances, he was assaulted by the Ming general Lou Chengxian ({{Lang-zh|c=婁承先|labels=no}}), sustaining severe injuries including a fractured sternum.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=575}} Pak Chin died on the 30th day, 3rd month of 1597 at the age of thirty-eight.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=266-267}}
== Legacy ==
=== Posthumous titles === News of Pak Chin's death was formally conveyed to the court on the 29th day, 5th month of 1597, when Yun Kyŏngnip ({{ko/auto|hangul=윤경립|hanja=尹敬立|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite dictionary |script-title=ko:윤경립 (尹敬立) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=김용국 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0042198 |lang=ko |trans-title=Yun Kyŏngnip |access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>|labels=no}}) reported the matter during a royal lecture. In response, the court granted royal stipends to his mother for her support.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=267}}
After the war, in the 4th month of 1603, the Office of Meritorious Subjects ({{Korean/auto|hangul=공신도감|hanja=功臣都監|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |script-title=ko:공신도감 (功臣都監) |author=문수홍 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0004370 |access-date=2025-11-28 |lang=ko |trans-title=Kongsindogam }}</ref>|labels=no}}) proposed the selection of {{Interlanguage link|Sŏnmu Merit Subjects|ko|선무공신}} in recognition of distinguished service during the Imjin War from among 26 candidates, including Pak Chin.{{Sfn|노영구|2004|p=18}} King Seonjo favored restricting the number of investitures to a few central figures, including Yi Sun-sin, Wŏn Kyun, Kwŏn Yul, and Ko Ŏnbaek. Court officials, however, argued that meritorious military commanders should be rewarded in order to encourage loyalty and valor in the event of future conflicts.{{Sfn|노영구|2004|p=19}}
During this deliberative process, the list of candidates was revised multiple times.{{Sfn|노영구|2004|p=19}} Pak Chin was among the final individuals personally named by King Seonjo, together with Yi Siŏn. The Office of Meritorious Subjects, however, objected that many commanders had rendered distinguished service and that the two should not be singled out for special recognition. Pak Chin was consequently excluded from the final list.{{Sfn|노영구|2004|p=19}}
In the 5th month of 1612, Pak Suhyŏng ({{ko/auto|hangul=박수형|hanja=朴隨亨|hanjaref={{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=268}}|labels=no}}), the son of Pak Chin, submitted a memorial requesting formal recognition of his father's meritorious service during the Imjin War, asserting that it had not been properly acknowledged.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=268}} In response, King Gwanghaegun ordered the relevant office to review Pak Chin's case.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=575}} In the following year, officials who had escorted Gwanghaegun during the Imjin War were invested as {{Interlanguage link|Wisŏng Merit Subjects|ko|위성공신}}.{{Sfn|신명호|2003|p=200}} Pak Chin was posthumously enrolled as a third-class Wisŏng Merit Subject and ennobled as Prince Ŭngch'ŏn ({{ko/auto|hangul=응천군|hanja=凝川君|hanjaref=|labels=no}}).{{Sfn|조인희|최윤오|2020|p=83}}<ref name=":0" /> However, following the Injo Restoration of 1623, the Wisŏng Merit Subjects were stripped of their status.<ref name=":1" />
Pak Chin was later posthumously promoted to the office of Left Associate State Councilor ({{Korean/auto|hangul=좌찬성|hanja=左贊成|hanjaref=<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |script-title=ko:좌찬성 (左贊成) |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |author=한충희 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0053155 |lang=ko |trans-title=Chwach'ansŏng |access-date=2025-11-21}}</ref>|labels=no}}), and in 1736, during the reign of King Yeongjo, he was granted the posthumous title Ŭiyŏl ({{ko/auto|hangul=의열|hanja=懿烈|hanjaref=|labels=no}}).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Office of Annals|title=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty|script-title=ko:고 영의정 서문중에게 공숙·좌찬성 박진에게 의열이라는 시호 등을 내리다 |trans-title=He conferred the posthumous title Kongsuk upon the late Chief State Councillor Sŏ Munjung, and granted the posthumous title Ŭiyŏl to Left Associate State Councilor Pak Chin |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kua_11212002_004 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty|publisher=National Institute of Korean History|language=ko}}</ref>{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=268-269}}
=== Tomb === thumb|right|Pak Jin's grave in Yeoncheon The {{ill|Tomb of General Park Jin|lt=Tomb of Pak Chin|ko|박진장군 묘}} is located within the Civilian Control Zone in Baekhak-myeon, Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province.<ref name=":2">{{Cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0021233 |access-date=2026-02-20 |lang=ko |trans-title=Tomb of General Park Jin |script-title=ko:박진 장군 묘 |author=}}</ref> Within the burial precinct, only the stone pedestal that once supported the original stele remains in front of the burial mound. The present stele, erected in 1987, stands beside it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=박진장군묘 (朴晋將軍墓) |url=https://heritage.go.kr/heri/cul/culSelectDetail.do?culPageNo=4®ion=1&searchCondition=&searchCondition2=&ccbaKdcd=23&ccbaAsno=0001100000000&ccbaCtcd=31&ccbaCpno=2333101100000&ccbaCndt=&ccbaLcto=&stCcbaAsdt=&endCcbaAsdt=&header=view&returnUrl=%2Fheri%2Fcul%2FculSelectViewList.do&pageNo=1_1_0_0&p=multiSch&sortType=&sortOrd=&sngl=Y&listRow=12&s_kdcdArr=23&s_ctcdArr=31&ccbaPcd1Arr=40&ccbaGcodeArr=00 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=국가유산포털 |publisher=Korea Heritage Service}}</ref>
On 12 February 1987, the tomb was designated as a Monument of Gyeonggi Province.<ref name=":2" />
=== Assessments === Assessments of Pak Chin are divided into positive and negative perspectives.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|pp=78-79}}
Regarding Pak Chin's defeat in the early phase of the Imjin War, Yi Sugwang offered a critical assessment, arguing that Pak Chin had used the defense of the gallery road as a pretext to abandon the fortress and retreat.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=251}} In contrast, a historiographer of the Veritable Records of King Seonjo appraised him as a figure of exceptional loyalty and righteous resolve, noting that while officials of various districts fled and went into hiding, Pak Chin alone led his troops in an attempt to block the invading enemy.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=269}} In addition, {{Interlanguage link|Yi Hangbok|ko|이항복}} evaluated Pak Chin's conduct at Miryang positively.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=575}} Although he acknowledged that Pak Chin suffered defeat and was forced to withdraw, he emphasized that even in defeat Pak displayed the bearing and spirit of a commander.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=575}} Yi further observed that Pak regrouped the provincial commanders and troops and reorganized the camp, restored morale, and reawakened among the populace a sense of the necessity of resisting the enemy.{{Sfn|김진수|2016|p=576}}
After the recapture of Yeongcheon and Gyeongju, court officials assessed that, in his capacity as Army Commander of Left Gyeongsang Province, his achievements were comparable to those of Yi Sun-sin in terms of military merit.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=260}} However, there were also negative evaluations concerning his conflicts with local righteous army leaders, with some criticizing him for attempting to suppress the righteous armies.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=260}} In this connection, Kim Sŏngil pointed out problems in Pak Chin's method of commanding the righteous army leaders of Left Gyeongsang Province. He met Pak Chin at Donghwasa Temple and advised him to pursue reconciliation with the righteous commanders on the basis of mutual respect and personal trust.{{Sfn|박순진|2021|pp=80-81}}
Meanwhile, the modern historian Choi Hyosik has argued that although Pak Chin was stationed at Andong, he reported to the court as if the recapture of Yeongcheon had been accomplished entirely under his own command, thereby appropriating the achievements of the Yeongcheon righteous army.{{Sfn|최효식|1994|p=94}} By contrast, historian Kim Jin-su contends that Pak Chin's relationship with the righteous forces was not uniformly antagonistic.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=61}} He notes that Kwŏn Ŭngsu himself offered a positive assessment of Pak Chin, suggesting a more complex dynamic than simple conflict.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|pp=260-261}} Kim further points out that Pak Chin supplied Kwŏn Ŭngsu's unit with military provisions and formally reported their battlefield achievements to the court, which led to the promotions of Kwŏn Ŭngsu and Chŏng Taeim. On this basis, he interprets the relationship between the regular army and the righteous forces as having developed into a functional system of cooperation, one that enabled the recovery of key areas in Left Gyeongsang Province.{{Sfn|김진수|2015|p=261}}
==Footnotes== {{notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
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{{Refend}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pak, Chin}} Category:1560 births Category:1597 deaths Category:16th-century Korean people Category:Joseon generals Category:People of the Imjin War Chin