In 1568 King Myunjung dies before a successor is chosen, so his queen chooses Sun-jo. Reforms follow, but miss the mark of reforming the King. This will prove to be a costly omission soon.

There are few Japanese living in Chosun in the late 16th century, and they are limited to three settlements. To correct this, the Japanese government sends a message asking for the old relations to be restored, which would involve for one thing, freer trade status. Yes, says Chosun. But in far southwestern Pusan only. Other traders are to be seen for what they have been through the centuries: pirates. Not too pleasant to Japan's ears.

It is during this critical time, when unity of purpose is needed by the vulnerable Chosun, that the formation of political parties for non-political reasons erupts into national division. Factionalism for trivialities is seen as one reason the soon-to-occur invasion by Japan is a success. Clan warfare develops, personality issues take center stage. No longer right or wrong, but my party vs. your party. Even criminals are defended by their political buddies.

Korea's status in other ways: Morally much better. They still followed their leaders, they always have. But their leaders have changed. Incredibly, the Korean mind-set is to follow whoever is at the top, blindly. There is an almost Biblical rigidity to this command, yet even Biblical principles allow for civil disobedience when Christ's truth is at stake. For the Koreans, it seems there are no exceptions, as witnessed in the North to this day! How else explain the following of one like Kim Jong-il?

Other reasons for Japanese success: 1. Since the Chosunese are at peace, there are not many military trainees. 2. The peninsula has no firearms at all.

What about Japan itself? It was never one great mass. It is feudalistic. There is constant civil war. It seems that the multidude of islands is one great battlefield. The family of Wun has ruled for 200 years at this point. But The rising Hideyoshi is instrumental in bringing down the emperor and replacing him, though not with the same title.He remains a warrior, thirsty for world domain. His first target is to be China . Korea will be the first step toward this goal. And the last.

The King in Korea is asked to be a part of Japan's intentions against China: No, says Sun-jo. China is our mother. China is probably feared more also. So Korea braces itself for an invasion, believing Mother will greatly assist her, for her own purposes.

1592, the "Im-Jim" year. 250,000 soldiers invade, bringing 300,000 firearms. Kato and Konishi, two rival generals, are put in charge. But their differences are one reason they do not win a permanent victory. It is helpful that the Japanese mimic Korea's greatest weakness of the time: dis-unity.

Interestingly, General Konishi is a Roman Catholic convert of Portuguese missionaries! One sees in the art work of the period, soldiers carrying flags upon which are emblazoned the cross of Christianity! One only can imagine what a Japanese victory in the Far East might have meant for world religion.

Seoul must be evacuated. A horrible destruction spreads across the country. The Royal party escapes first to Kaesong, then Pyongyang, then farther north still, to the Chinese border at Uiju. The people despise their king from that day.

And, Koreanesque, within a few days of the beginning of the invasion, people begin to return to their homes. They even try to adjust to Japanese rule. After all, they've adjusted so many times before!

The Military is sent to the Im-Jim River, halfway between Kaesong & Seoul. It is fooled by the Japanese, who pretend to go. An argument develops in the Korean camp as to whether they are gone or not. A General takes some people with him to prove he is right. But they are not gone. A great defeat follows.

This is of course only one of many war stories that have been passed down. Generally speaking, there is a seven year period of defeat, that, according to historian Hulbert, "was not because they were not brave nor because luxury had sapped the vitality of the noble classes, but it was because no one would work with anyone else. It was because they saw in war nothing but the chance of personal advancement. And so each one deplored the successes and rejoiced in the failures of every other."

This is a disease that can still sap the vitality of a people, even the church. And speaking of the church, 16th century Korea still awaits the arrival of vital Christianity. Is it not sad to you that the only introduction the Korean people have so far to the things of Christ is the Japanese flag bearing a cross? How long does it take for the populace to overcome this militaristic view of Christ, an image that should never have appeared in representation of our Lord, whose only mission was to save sinners and befriend them for eternity.