Historical Interpretations of Yeon are Poles Apart

In the “History of the Three Kingdoms” written by Kim Bu-sik, a man is described as a traitor who murdered a king and caused the collapse of Goguryeo, an ancient Korean kingdom. Most other history books that have been compiled until the late Joseon period also paint this man as a ferocious figure. However, historians in more recent times hold a different view. Shin Chae-ho, a 20th-century historian and independence activist, portrays the man as a ‘great rebel’ in his history book “Ancient History of Korea.” Park Eun-sik(박은식), the second president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, rates the man as the greatest figure in Korean history since he exhibited a spirit of independence and displayed courage and resourcefulness when competing with a foreign power. From a perspective influenced by Confucian beliefs, the man in question is certainly a treacherous retainer since he killed his own king through a military coup and resisted the Tang Dynasty of China to the bitter end. But from the 20th-century perspective, which values the spirit of national self-reliance, the man can be considered an independent revolutionary. With the change of times, historians are poles apart in rating this man named Yeon Gaesomun.


Yeon Gaesomun Wearing Five Swords

Little is known about Yeon’s early days. It is said that he claimed he was born in the water. He was strong and brave; the iron-willed and high-spirited man was not bound by small things.

Yeon’s father assumed the post of Governor of the Eastern Province and Prime Minister, which was the highest government position of the Goguryeo Kingdom. According to the History of the Three Kingdoms, the post of prime minister was generally inherited by the heir of the family. But no one would recognize Yeon as successor since he had a vicious temper. Yeon said he would hold the post only temporarily and he would accept his dismissal if he was not considered right for the job. So he succeeded his father and became prime minister. However, Yeon changed his attitude once he was in power. King Yeoungryu(영류) and the aristocrats formed a plot to eliminate Yeon, but he discovered the scheme in advance. He barged into the banquet hall in Seongnam and killed some 100 officials who were holding a party there. He then headed to the palace, murdered the king, and placed the nephew of the king on the throne. The new monarch of the Goguryeo Kingdom was then King Bojang(보장). Afterwards, Yeon rose to the post of generalissimo and brought the nation under complete control. It is said that the brutal leader carried five swords and had noblemen and soldiers lay their faces down so he could use their backs to mount his horse. Also, in order to discourage people from approaching him whenever he went outside, he would have a long line of soldiers accompany him, which caused commoners to suffer from severe distress.

In contrast, Yeon received positive reviews in a compilation of texts on ancient Korean history called “Hwandan Gogi(환단고기).” Here, it is said that Yeon’s subordinates did not bear any malice toward their master since he never failed to reward them, and protected them with faith and devotion. It is also recorded that Yeon was proficient in martial arts and archery and that he carried five swords on his back because he was a master swordsman. His swordsmanship is referred to as Bidosul(비도술) or Bigeomsul(비검술), meaning the ‘technique of flying swords,’ which is unique to Goguryeo.


Confrontation with Tang’s Emperor

“Yeon Gaesomun killed the king, slaughtered officials and mistreated people. Now he disobeys my order and invaded neighboring states. There is no other choice but to subjugate his forces.”

With these words, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty of China declared his intention to go on a conquest of Goguryeo in 644. But his words regarding Yeon were only a pretext so that he could conquer Goguryeo, which was Taizong’s long-cherished wish. Emperor Taizong or Li Shimin had dreamed of a world centered on China and expressed his ambition to subjugate Goguryeo several times even before Yeon came into power. A clash with Yeon would have been inevitable. As if on cue, the southern Korean kingdom of Silla asked for military help from Tang as it faced a crisis due to the attack from the neighboring kingdom of Baekje.

Soon, the war between Goguryeo and Tang started. In the early stage, the offensive moves of the Tang forces seemed successful as they crossed the Yoha River to capture border fortresses of Goguryeo. But the Goguryeo troops led by Yeon fought back fiercely and defended several fortresses, leaving the enemy forces stranded. As the war was drawn out, the isolated Tang forces suffered from starvation, allowing Goguryeo to seize the chance for victory. Thanks to the successful defense at Ansi Fortress for five months, Goguryeo finally defeated the Tang troops. While retreating to his homeland, Emperor Taizong was stricken with illness. After that, he could not lead his troops and could only order them to attack Goguryeo. His military expedition into Goguryeo never succeeded and he died in 649 as his illness was aggravated.


Goguryeo Collapses after Yeon’s Death

In another review of Yeon, he unfortunately failed to nurture a proper heir. Yeon’s eldest son and successor, Namsaeng(남생), surrendered to Tang at the end of his power struggles with his younger brothers. Yeon’s younger brother Yeon Jeong-to(연정토) also yielded to Silla. Goguryeo was then attacked by the Silla-Tang allied forces, which were quick to grab the opportunity, and the Goguryeo kingdom was eventually destroyed.

Historical interpretations of Yeon Gaesomun vary according to the times. But it’s clear that this prominent military commander led his troops to victory over the invading Tang forces and defended his country, steering a strong Goguryeo with his powerful leadership.