Gwak Jaeu

Kwak Chaeu (; 1552–1617) was a Korean military general from Uiryeong. He was called the "Red Robe General" after his habit of wearing a coat made of red silk. In 1592, nine days into the Imjin War, he formed a righteous army to fight against the Japanese army. He originally did not have an official position, but King Seonjo of Joseon granted him a government position.

Background Kwak was a yangban. He had passed the examination to enter the civil service when he was thirty-four, but was denied a post as his essay portion was harshly critical of the government. After that, he decided to give up taking the test and stay in hiding for life.

Raising an army In 1592, Japanese regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea. Kwak began raising a militia to defend the free parts of Kyongsang province from the invaders. Chaeu ultimately survived the war and died of old age at an unknown later date.

Legacy

There is a statue of Kwak Chaeu in Mangu Park in Daegu. Also, In Uiryeoung, the shrine Chungiksa enshrines Kwak Chaeu and seventeen of his subordinates.

Family Father Kwak Wŏl (; 1518 – 6 August 1586) Mother Biological - Lady Kang of the Jinju Kang clan Step - Lady Hŏ of the Gimhae Heo clan (?–1597) Siblings Older sister - Lady Kwak of the Hyeonpung Gwak clan Older brother - Kwak Chaehŭi Older brother - Kwak Chaerok Younger half-brother - Kwak Chaeji Younger half-brother - Kwak Chaegi (; 1573–1649) Younger half-sister - Lady Kwak of the Hyeonpung Gwak clan Spouse Lady Kim of the Sangju Kim clan Issue Son - Kwak Yŏng Son - Kwak Hwal Daughter - Lady Kwak of the Hyeonpung Gwak clan