The film “Hansan,” based on the Battle of Hansan Island—one of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s greatest victories—has surpassed 5 million viewers. I recently experienced this story through an audiobook, and thanks to the voice actors’ vivid performances, I felt a much more intense emotional impact than I did watching the movie. Looking back at history, whenever national crises strike, we witness scenes of ordinary citizens rising up to protect their families and communities, and ultimately saving their nation from peril. The heroic tales of Israel’s heroes in the Book of Judges, the citizens of the French Revolution, and the independence activists during the Japanese occupation transcend time, space, and ethnicity, resonating deeply.

Viewed from the perspective of world naval history, the Battle of Hansan Island was a dramatic victory and a major historical turning point that altered the course of Japan’s invasion of Joseon. However, reading the story enhanced with fictional imagination, what caught my attention was not only the outstanding hero Yi Sun-sin, but also the courageous roles played by the countless ‘small heroes’ and ordinary people surrounding him. Reflecting on how their dedication helped overcome the crisis of war, I asked myself, ‘What kind of person would I have been in that situation? How would I have thought and acted?’

Truthfully, anyone can become a hero—or a coward. Because the small decisions each individual makes ultimately converge to form the mighty currents of history. We all dream of living a righteous and valiant life like Yi Sun-sin, yet if we let our guard down, we often end up living like Won Gyun—envious and turning away. To avoid falling into that trap of mediocrity, I resolve to emulate General Yi Sun-sin’s stern self-discipline. Today, too, striving to stand tall like the general, I rose at 4:30 AM to write this blog and begin my day with vigor.