Yun Hŭngsin

Yun Hŭngsin (Korean: 윤흥신; Hanja: 尹興信; 1553–15th day, 4th month of 1592) was a Korean military leader of the mid-Joseon period. He is remembered for his death in battle the early stages of the Imjin War while serving as Garrison Commander of Dadaepo.

Born in 1540, Yun was the son of Yun Im, a central figure in the Taeyun faction. Following the Fourth literati purge of 1545, Yun Im and three of Yun Hŭngsin's older brothers were executed, and the young Yun was reduced to the status of a slave. His legal and social standing remained suppressed until 1577, when King Seonjo reinstated Yun Im's posthumous honors, resulting in Yun Hŭngsin's emancipation and the restoration of his family's assets.

In 1592, Yun Hŭngsin was appointed Garrison Commander of Dadaepo. After Japanese forces under Konishi Yukinaga captured Busan and advanced, Yun successfully repelled their initial assault on the 14th day of the 4th month. On the following day, however, a reinforced Japanese attack overwhelmed the garrison and Yun, alongside his younger brother Yun Hŭngje, was killed in action.

Yun was posthumously promoted to Vice Minister of War during King Sukjong's reign and was later recommended for further honors, including promotion to Minister of War and the bestowal of a posthumous title. Cho Ŏm initiated efforts to memorialize him, which led to Yun's enshrinement at Chungnyeolsa. Yi Haemun established a commemorative altar within Dadaepo Fortress and instituted annual memorial rites. Although Yi's plans to erect a stele were delayed, the project was completed in 1841 by Cho Inyŏng, the grandson of Cho Ŏm.