A historical story in the background of the lovers' drama, Byeongja Horan

It is a drama about the tragic love between women and men and the lives of people in that era in the midst of the 1636 drama "Byeongja Horan, " which has been airing since August 4, 2023.
If it's on air now with 10 episodes of virtual historical drama, romance, human, drama part 1, and 11 episodes of part 2, I'm going to talk about the background of that era, Byeongjahoran

a drama of lovers

outline, summary

The Byeonja Horan, known in English as the Second Manchu invasion of Korea, occurred from December 8, 1636, to January 30, 1637, in the lunar calendar, corresponding to January 3 to February 24, 1637, in the Gregorian calendar. This conflict marked a significant shift in East Asia's geopolitical landscape, occurring roughly a decade after the 1627 Jeongmyo Horan, another conflict initiated by the Later Jin dynasty, which later became the Qing dynasty.This war was a pivotal moment in East Asian history, following the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 to 1598). The Qing dynasty used the Byeonja Horan to subjugate Korea, turning it into a vassal state. As a result, Korea faced substantial military and economic burdens, including the forced conscription of women for service. This event also accelerated the downfall of the Ming dynasty, a former ally and the dominant power in East Asia. The Ming dynasty, having maintained a friendly and moderate military relationship with Korea, saw its demise hastened as Korea capitulated to the Qing, eventually collapsing in 1644

https://youtu.be/U38 BIUbMyws

Pre-war situation in Joseon

Following the Japanese invasions of Korea, Joseon faced significant challenges, including the need for societal rebuilding and the loss of elite troops due to the Yi Gwal Rebellion. Notably, the Yi Gwal Rebellion led to a substantial loss of 16,000 Northern troops, a major setback. At that time, the Northern Army was the only regular force besides the Four Yeongguns, and it suffered a loss of 7,500 elite soldiers during the rebellion. Additionally, thousands of soldiers in the Sogo Army were impacted, weakening Joseon's military strength. However, under King Injo's defense policy, the Joseon army managed to secure 10,000 Hunryeondogam troops, 20,000 Chungyung troops, and 14,000 Suyeong troops. The 7,000-strong Yeoying army was distributed across the country and incorporated into the Sogo army, thereby bolstering its power. Nationwide, approximately 90,000 Sogo Army troops were organized, and the naval force was strengthened with 30,000 sailors and around 600 warships.

Background

The Jurchen people were dispersed throughout the northeastern region of the Ming Dynasty following the destruction of their territory by Mongol invasions. Lacking a unified force, they maintained a dual relationship with both the Ming and Joseon Dynasties. By the end of the 16th century, Nurhaci, under the Aisin doctrine, united the Sukshin, Malgal, and Jurchen groups, achieving a significant consolidation of power. Concurrently, the Ming Dynasty's frequent military mobilizations and the economic toll they exacted significantly weakened its national strength, contributing to its eventual downfall.

When Nurhaci declared war on the Ming Dynasty, the Ming, now on the defensive, requested Joseon's support of 7,000 riflemen. Nurhaci, in turn, strongly urged the Joseon government to refrain from sending troops. At this time, Joseon's government was controlled by Gwanghaegun and Daebuk, who had facilitated his ascent to power. These officials were ambivalent about Ming's request, arguing that Joseon should prioritize domestic defense, but felt compelled to send aid recalling Ming's support during the Japanese invasions of Korea.

Gwanghaegun did send reinforcements to the Ming Dynasty, but there are accounts suggesting that these forces surrendered early in the conflict, forcing Joseon to justify the reluctant dispatch of troops. Reports indicate that the surrender occurred after 80% of the deployed forces were lost in battle.

the outbreak of war

On December 28, 1636, approximately 100,000 troops led by Emperor Taizong of the Qing Dynasty crossed the Yalu River and advanced southward. Im Gyeong-eop, the governor of Uiju, was ready to halt the Qing army's advance at Baekmasanseong Fortress. However, the Qing, intent on capturing King Injo, circumvented all mountain fortresses, including Baekmasanseong, and rapidly progressed towards Hanseong, passing through Kaesong on January 9, within less than 15 days.Upon receiving this news, King Injo and his court initially planned to retreat to Ganghwa Island, as they had during the Jeongmyo War. However, their path to Ganghwa Island was cut off by the Qing army's swift southern advance. Consequently, they urgently relocated to Namhansanseong Fortress on January 10. Subsequently, Hanseong fell into the hands of the Qing army.

Joseon surrenders

The surrender terms imposed on Joseon in 1637, following the invasion by the Qing Dynasty, were as follows
Joseon shall conduct itself as a vassal to the Qing.
Joseon must abandon the Ming era name, cease all communication with the Ming, and surrender all titles and seals received from the Ming.

1. Joseon shall send the king's eldest son, the second son, and the children of high-ranking officials as hostages.
2. When the Qing wages war on the Ming, Joseon must dispatch aid without delay.
3. Joseon shall strengthen personal and diplomatic ties with various Qing officials.
4. Any fortification or repair of walls must receive prior approval.
5. Joseon shall annually pay tribute, including 100 taels of gold, 1,000 taels of silver, and over 20 types of goods.
6. Envoys sent for ceremonial occasions shall follow the old Ming customs.
7. Joseon shall provide 50 warships when attacking Jadao.
8. Joseon shall not harbor fugitives.
9. Joseon shall permit trade with Japan.
10. Joseon shall bow to the Qing emperor.

The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty on February 1, 1637, record that most of the settlements were burnt, and streets were littered with corpses.

On February 2, 1637, Emperor Taizong of Qing departed first towards the Qing territories, and on February 8, Crown Prince Sohyeon and Prince Bongrim were taken to Shenyang by Prince Dorgon. In addition to those captured by the Qing army, over 600,000 people from Joseon were sold in the slave markets of Shenyang.

Consequently, Crown Prince Sohyeon and Prince Bongrim, along with numerous women, officials, and children of high-ranking officials—197 people in total—were captured by Qing envoy Inguldai. Additionally, the pro-war faction leaders Hong Ik-han, Yoon Jip, and Oh Dal-jae were executed, and Kim Sang-heon was imprisoned for a long period.

Following these events, many houses in Jongno and around Gwangtonggyo in Hanyang were destroyed, and several villages suffered from looting and arson, undermining efforts to recover from the Japanese invasions. This led to secret plans for a northern expedition to avenge these events. Although Im Gyeong-eop attempted to coordinate with the Ming to attack the Qing, these plans ultimately failed.

the cause of the devastation of the disease

During the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea), Joseon experienced significant loss of national strength. Contributing factors included the reduction of the Northern Army due to the Yi Gwal Rebellion, an unorganized military force, defensive tactics focused on fortress warfare, incompetent leadership, and the failed crossing to Ganghwa Island.On the other hand, the Qing Dynasty's strategy involved rapid advancement, bypassing mountain fortresses and key defensive positions, which ultimately led to the capture of Ganghwa Island.The surrender of Joseon was also influenced by the shortage of stored food supplies within Namhansanseong Fortress, the Qing's successful capture of Ganghwa Island, and the demoralization caused by the continuous defeat of relief forces.