Post by ajk on Mar 15, 2015 20:48:28 GMT -5
This is a list of all of the characters appearing in the series so far. The number in parentheses is the episode number of the character's debut. Very simple.
This roster will be difficult to keep accurately because as they did in Jeong Dojeon, KBS is using a subtitling font for character identification that is ridiculously tiny and flashes on and off the screen too quickly. I'll do the very best I can, but if anyone spots errors or omissions here, please do speak up so I can correct them.
JOSEON ROYALS
Seonjo (1) - 14th King of Joseon.
Royal Noble Consort Kim (1) - Consort to King Seonjo. Niece of Hong Yeosun.
Queen Uiin (3) - Wife of King Seonjo.
Prince Imhae (3) - Son of King Seonjo and (deceased) consort Gong. Brother of Prince Gwanghae.
Prince Gwanghae (3) - Son of King Seonjo and (deceased) consort Gong. Brother of Prince Imhae. Installed as crown prince (intended on a temporary basis) by Seonjo in Ep16.
Prince Sinseong (6) - Son of King Seonjo and consort Kim. Dies in Ep28 from a fall off his horse.
Prince Sunhwa (24) - Son of King Seonjo and consort Sun (who isn't in this series).
JOSEON GOVERNMENT
Ryu Seongryong ("Seoae") (1) - Minister of War. Easterner faction. In Ep2 he's either Minister of Personnel or Vice Minister of Personnel; was referred to as both. In Ep3 is promoted to Third State Councilor. In Ep5 reassumes Minister of Personnel duties on a temporary basis. Appointed Second State Councilor on a temporary basis by Seonjo in Ep6. Removed from office in Ep17. Given the position of supreme commander of Pyeongan province by Seonjo in Ep29. In Ep30 is named supreme commander of the three southern provinces (Jeolla, Chungcheong and Gyeongsang). In Ep36 is named Chief Superintendent of the National Defense Council. In Ep39 he becomes first state councilor. Removed from office by Seonjo in Ep50.
Lee Sanhae ("Yeosu", "Agye") (1) - Second State Councilor. Easterner faction. As of Ep3 is Chief State Councilor. Removed from office and sentenced to exile in Ep17. Leaves for exile in Ep18. Returns to the court at Seonjo's request in Ep48.
Jeong Eonsin (1) - Third State Councilor. Easterner faction. Removed from his position in Ep1 by Seonjo because of accusations that he is a distant relative of Jeong Yeorip, who was accused of and executed for treason.
Jeong Eonji (1) - Vice Minister of Personnel. Easterner.
Lee Deokhyeong ("Myeongbo") (1) - Officer in the Ministry of Personnel. Easterner; later Northerner. In Ep3 has the title "Second xxxxx (illegible)." Lee Sanhae's son-in-law. In Ep5 becomes Vice Minister of Personnel on a temporary basis. In Ep9 he's Minister of Rites. In Ep10 he's Inspector General. Learns in Ep27 of his wife's death at the hands of enemy soldiers. In Ep44 he may be the minister of war; it's unclear. In Ep45 that is confirmed, because he resigns from that position (Seonjo reassigns him to the military training command).
Jeong Yeorip (1) - A former Eastern official who had headed the Office of Special Advisors but who left the court and returned home to Hwanghae province. Committed suicide in Ep1 after being accused of plotting treason.
Jeong Cheol ("Songgang") (1) - Leader of Westerners faction. Out of the government as of Ep1, but later in Ep1 appointed Third State Councilor by Seonjo. Later becomes Second State Councilor (presumably when Ryu is named Third State Councilor in Ep3). In Ep6, in response to an alleged drinking problem, Seonjo reassigns him temporarily to the position of First Minister of the Office of the Royal Clan. Removed from office and exiled in Ep9. Returns to the court in Ep19 at Seonjo's request. Resigns and leaves government in Ep36.
Seong Hon (1) - Member of Westerners faction.
Lee Hangbok ("Jasang") (2) - Official of Ministry of Rites, working for Jeong Cheol. Westerner. In Ep5 is Chief Royal Secretary. Removed from office in Ep9. Later back in the council; in Ep21 we learn that he's minister of war. In Ep31 we learn he's Gwon Yul's son-in-law. In Ep44 he may no longer be minister of war; it's unclear. In Ep45 that is confirmed; Lee Deokhyeong is minister of war.
Yun Dusu (2) - Inspector General after the purge of the Easterners. Westerner. Appointed Taxation Minister by Seonjo in Ep6. Removed from office in Ep9. Returns in Ep16 and is appointed Chief of the Royal Guard by Seonjo. Later becomes second state councilor. In Ep40 is sent away from the capital by Seonjo to serve as supreme commander of the three southern provinces. Later returns but not clear in what capacity.
Shin Rip (2) - High official first seen advising Seonjo in Ep2. Title translated as "Winter solstice embassy," whatever that means. In Ep8 has the title of Mayor of Hanyang. Dies in Ep15 in battle.
Lee Jangson (2) - Vice Minister of Personnel. In Ep3 he's Chief Artillery Officer.
Kim Seongil ("Hakbong") (3) - Sungkyunkwan scholar chosen to co-lead delegation to Japan. Easterner.
Hwang Yungil (3) - Jungchubu scholar chosen to co-lead delegation to Japan. Westerner.
Heo Seong (4) - Official with the title "Recorder" serving in delegation to Japan.
Kim Gongryang (5) - Assistant proctor in the office of the royal treasury. Younger brother of Seonjo's consort Kim.
Lee Seongjung (6) - Councilor. Westerner.
Lee Haesu (6) - Councilor. Westerner.
Yi Il (6) - Military officer; title given as "Police Chief." Former superior of Yi Sunsin at a northern-territory post. Given the title "Constitutional Asset Minister" by Seonjo in Ep27.
Kim Su (7) - Governor of Gyeongsang province.
Todo (8) - Local soldier (looks to be a sergeant or a corporal) in Gyeongsang Province.
Shin Yeongcheol (identified 9, seen much earlier) - Ryu's bodyguard.
Hong Yeosun (9) - Minister of War. Easterner/Northerner. Uncle of the queen.
Lee Wonik (9) - Minister of Taxation. Easterner/Southerner. In Ep21 is identified as "governor of Pyongyang."
Han Eungin (10) - Envoy to Ming. Reappears in Ep18 as a general.
Park Hong (12) - Commander of the Left Gyeongsang navy.
Jeong Bal (13) - General; head of Busan Fortress.
Song Sanghyeon (13) - General; head of Dongnae Fortress.
Lee Gak (13) - General; commander-in-chief of Left Gyeongsang province. Killed by Han Eungin in Ep19 for insubordination.
Kim Yeomul (14) - Subordinate officer under Shin Rip. Dies in Ep15 in battle.
Song Huirip (17) - Officer, Left Jeolla Navy.
Jeong Un (17) - Officer, Left Jeolla Navy. Killed in battle in Ep25.
Yi Sunsin ("Yeohae") (17) - Commander, Left Jeolla Navy. Removed from office in Ep47; imprisoned for defying a royal order. Freed by Seonjo and ordered to serve as a common soldier under Gwon Yul. Reinstated in Ep48. Dies in battle in Ep50.
Kim Myeongwon (18) - Joseon army general.
Shin Gak (18) - Joseon army general. Executed by royal order in Ep18.
Lee Gwang (20) - Joseon army general.
Gwon Yul (20) - Joseon army general. In Ep31 we learn he's Lee Hangbok's father-in-law.
Kim Eungnam (21) - Royal secretary.
Jeong Tak (23) - Fourth state councilor.
Gong Hwigyeom (24) - A local official in Gyeongju who aids the Japanese in exchange for (he hopes) advancement. Killed by Gwak Jaeu in Ep24.
Park Jin (26) - Local commander in the area of Gyeongju.
Lee Bongsu (27) - Works for Yu Sunsin, apparently as a weapons expert. Made gunpowder for the navy.
Kim Simin (28) - Commander of Jinju Fortress. Killed in action in Ep28.
Kim Sullyang (29) - Military courier executed for treason in Ep29.
Lee Sieon, Kim Gyeongro (29) - Army generals.
Jo Gyeong (32) - Subordinate general under Gwon Yul.
Lee Bin (32) - Joseon general.
Gwon Jun (34) - Regional military commander, serving at Left Jeolla naval headquarters.
Jeong Sajun (35) - Metals expert serving with Lee Bongsu at Left Jeolla naval headquarters.
Yu Join (36) - Official in charge of palace food and housekeeping; has the title Sajaegomjeong. Northerner.
Bae Heungrip (41) - Naval officer serving under Yi Sunsin.
Won Gyun (43) - Admiral. Promoted in Ep47 to naval commander. Killed in battle in Ep48.
Lee Icheom (44) - Low-ranking officer serving with Yu Join. Northerner.
JOSEON OTHERS
Song Ikpil ("Unjang") (1) - Member of Westerners faction. Son of a high official; his family was "ruined" and reduced to slave status. Has been hiding from slave hunters. Apparently executed in Ep9.
Jo Heon (1) - Apparently a member of Westerners faction. Looks to be in government, at least enough to submit an appeal to the king.
Lee Cheonri (1, identified 2) - Young man who works for Ryu. In Ep36 we learn that he's slave class, but Ryu elevates his status and even gives him a low-ranking official's position after passage of his Myeoncheonbeop policy.
Choi Yeonggyeong (2) - Leader of the Confucian scholars. Easterner. Arrested and tortured to death in Ep2 after being accused of association with Jeong Yeorip.
Sakadou (2) - Korean who turned traitor and was helping Japanese pirate operations.
Dongdong (3) - Waitress at a café frequented by Ryu Seongyeong.
Lady Jang (3) - Ryu's wife.
Lady Park (5) - Consort Kim's head attendant.
Yeongdal (8) - Villager in Gyeongsang Province; part of a group who killed some soldiers after being arrested for trying to flee their village. Killed by military archers in Ep8.
Gwak Jaeu (19) - Commoner who forms and leads a highly effective citizen militia. In Ep36 we learn that he's been appointed a local magistrate in Gyeongsang Province; he resigns that position to go back to being an independent militia leader.
Sim Daesung (19) - Associate of Gwak Jaeu.
Heo Naeman (20) - Elderly man who offers his service to Yi Sunsin and is appointed a scout for Busan.
Bau, Chilseong, Yeongchul (22) - Citizens who led an organized effort to steal government rations from their village storehouses.
Ko Gyongmyeong and his sons Inhu and Jongmu (23) - Leaders of a large citizen militia. The father was a government official (not specified what position). Kim Gyongmyeong and Inhu are killed in action in Ep23.
Guk Gyeongin (24) - Disgruntled citizen with a grudge against the government; turns against Joseon and sides with Kato. (Note: Guk was never specifically identified by subtitle in the KBS World version but the character is certainly him. Likely he was identified in a scene that was edited out for the KBS World broadcast.)
Choi Gyeonghoe, Im Gyeyeong (28) - Militia leaders from Hwasun; seen at Jinjuseong fortress.
Yujeong (29) - Monk who organizes an army of 2,000 Joseon monks.
Eonbok, Dongji, Anseong (35) - Three slaves who did metalwork to help construct prototype rifles at the Left Jeolla naval HQ. Yi Sunsin says in Ep35 that he'll elevate them to commoner status as their reward.
Song Yujin (41) - Leader of an attempted rebellion against the Joseon government.
Kim Deokryeong (41) - Militia leader in Jeolla Province. Died while being tortured in Ep45.
Samyeong (43) - Buddhist priest who meets with Kato Kiyomasa on behalf of the Joseon government.
Lee Monghak (44) - A military training officer who leads an attempted rebellion against the Joseon government. Killed by his own supporters in Ep44.
TSUSHIMANS
So Yoshitoshi (1) - Feudal lord of Tsushima, serving as Japanese envoy to Joseon. Son-in-law of Konishi Yukinaga.
Genso (1) - Buddhist clergyman.
Tachibana Yasuhiro (1) - Envoy to Joseon on Japan's behalf in 1587; executed for not succeeding in his mission. Seen only in flashback.
JAPANESE
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1) - Ruler of Japan. Initially has title of gwanbaek. In Ep11 gives himself the emeritus title taehap upon installation of his nephew Hidetsugu as gwanbaek. Dies in Ep49.
Kato Kiyomasa (1) - High official under Hideyoshi.
Konishi Yukinaga (1) - High official under Hideyoshi. Christian believer.
Tsurumatsu (2) - Infant son of Hideyoshi.
Nene (2) - Wife of Hideyoshi.
Yodo (2) - Hideyoshi's mistress; mother of Tsurumatsu.
Ukita Hideie (5) - Councilor to Hideyoshi.
Ishida Mitsunari (7) - Councilor to Hideyoshi.
Maeda Toshiie (9) - Councilor to Hideyoshi.
Toyotomi Hidetsugu (11) - Nephew of Hideyoshi and Nene. Installed as gwanbaek in Ep11.
Koichi (12, identified 13) - Subordinate of Kato's.
Sayaka (12, identified 13) - Subordinate of Kato's. Surrenders to Joseon in Ep17 with 3,000 of his soldiers; narration tells us that Seonjo later gave him a government rank and the new name of Kim Chungseon.
Dodo Takatora (19) - Japanese admiral (or general).
Wakizaka Yasuharu (20) - Japanese general who leads the naval forces.
Hasegawa, Kimura and Hosokawa (27) - Three generals present in the meeting with Ukita in Ep27.
Yoshimura (30) - A subordinate of unknown position who Hideyoshi nearly killed for some unstated failing in connection with the war, before Maeda intervened and saved him.
Naito (35) - Officer in Konishi's army who serves as one of the fake envoys to Ming along with So Yoshitoshi.
Hiroimaru (42) - Second son of Hideyoshi and Nene. Born in Ep42.
Mitsuki (43) - Female attendant to Hideyoshi.
Saisho Jotai (45) - High-ranking Buddhist priest who serves in Hideyoshi's government; oversees foreign-relations documents.
Dodo Takatora (47) - Naval officer seen leading the main fleet for Japan's second invasion.
CHINESE
Shi Xing (7) - Defense minister.
Wanli Emperor (7) - 13th emperor of Ming Dynasty.
Zu Chengxun (22) - General; vice commander of Yodong.
Shen Weijing (25) - Envoy sent by Shi Xing to negotiate with Japan.
Li Rusong (28) - Commander of the Ming army.
Luo Shangzhi, Zhang Shijue (29) - Subordinate Ming generals.
Song Yingchang (31) - Chief administrator sent by the emperor to oversee the Ming war effort. In Ep49 we learn that his title was Inspector General.
Si Xian (38) - High official in Ming's ministry of rites; serves as envoy to Joseon.
Yang Fangheng, Li Zongcheong (45) - Ming envoys.
Yang Hao (48) - Military commander. In Ep49 we learn that his title is Inspector General. Removed from his position and recalled home to face punishment in Ep49, for submitting a false report to the emperor.
Chen Lin (50) - Ming admiral.
RYUKYU
Ryukyu prince (6) - Name not given; prince of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
This roster will be difficult to keep accurately because as they did in Jeong Dojeon, KBS is using a subtitling font for character identification that is ridiculously tiny and flashes on and off the screen too quickly. I'll do the very best I can, but if anyone spots errors or omissions here, please do speak up so I can correct them.
JOSEON ROYALS
Seonjo (1) - 14th King of Joseon.
Royal Noble Consort Kim (1) - Consort to King Seonjo. Niece of Hong Yeosun.
Queen Uiin (3) - Wife of King Seonjo.
Prince Imhae (3) - Son of King Seonjo and (deceased) consort Gong. Brother of Prince Gwanghae.
Prince Gwanghae (3) - Son of King Seonjo and (deceased) consort Gong. Brother of Prince Imhae. Installed as crown prince (intended on a temporary basis) by Seonjo in Ep16.
Prince Sinseong (6) - Son of King Seonjo and consort Kim. Dies in Ep28 from a fall off his horse.
Prince Sunhwa (24) - Son of King Seonjo and consort Sun (who isn't in this series).
JOSEON GOVERNMENT
Ryu Seongryong ("Seoae") (1) - Minister of War. Easterner faction. In Ep2 he's either Minister of Personnel or Vice Minister of Personnel; was referred to as both. In Ep3 is promoted to Third State Councilor. In Ep5 reassumes Minister of Personnel duties on a temporary basis. Appointed Second State Councilor on a temporary basis by Seonjo in Ep6. Removed from office in Ep17. Given the position of supreme commander of Pyeongan province by Seonjo in Ep29. In Ep30 is named supreme commander of the three southern provinces (Jeolla, Chungcheong and Gyeongsang). In Ep36 is named Chief Superintendent of the National Defense Council. In Ep39 he becomes first state councilor. Removed from office by Seonjo in Ep50.
Lee Sanhae ("Yeosu", "Agye") (1) - Second State Councilor. Easterner faction. As of Ep3 is Chief State Councilor. Removed from office and sentenced to exile in Ep17. Leaves for exile in Ep18. Returns to the court at Seonjo's request in Ep48.
Jeong Eonsin (1) - Third State Councilor. Easterner faction. Removed from his position in Ep1 by Seonjo because of accusations that he is a distant relative of Jeong Yeorip, who was accused of and executed for treason.
Jeong Eonji (1) - Vice Minister of Personnel. Easterner.
Lee Deokhyeong ("Myeongbo") (1) - Officer in the Ministry of Personnel. Easterner; later Northerner. In Ep3 has the title "Second xxxxx (illegible)." Lee Sanhae's son-in-law. In Ep5 becomes Vice Minister of Personnel on a temporary basis. In Ep9 he's Minister of Rites. In Ep10 he's Inspector General. Learns in Ep27 of his wife's death at the hands of enemy soldiers. In Ep44 he may be the minister of war; it's unclear. In Ep45 that is confirmed, because he resigns from that position (Seonjo reassigns him to the military training command).
Jeong Yeorip (1) - A former Eastern official who had headed the Office of Special Advisors but who left the court and returned home to Hwanghae province. Committed suicide in Ep1 after being accused of plotting treason.
Jeong Cheol ("Songgang") (1) - Leader of Westerners faction. Out of the government as of Ep1, but later in Ep1 appointed Third State Councilor by Seonjo. Later becomes Second State Councilor (presumably when Ryu is named Third State Councilor in Ep3). In Ep6, in response to an alleged drinking problem, Seonjo reassigns him temporarily to the position of First Minister of the Office of the Royal Clan. Removed from office and exiled in Ep9. Returns to the court in Ep19 at Seonjo's request. Resigns and leaves government in Ep36.
Seong Hon (1) - Member of Westerners faction.
Lee Hangbok ("Jasang") (2) - Official of Ministry of Rites, working for Jeong Cheol. Westerner. In Ep5 is Chief Royal Secretary. Removed from office in Ep9. Later back in the council; in Ep21 we learn that he's minister of war. In Ep31 we learn he's Gwon Yul's son-in-law. In Ep44 he may no longer be minister of war; it's unclear. In Ep45 that is confirmed; Lee Deokhyeong is minister of war.
Yun Dusu (2) - Inspector General after the purge of the Easterners. Westerner. Appointed Taxation Minister by Seonjo in Ep6. Removed from office in Ep9. Returns in Ep16 and is appointed Chief of the Royal Guard by Seonjo. Later becomes second state councilor. In Ep40 is sent away from the capital by Seonjo to serve as supreme commander of the three southern provinces. Later returns but not clear in what capacity.
Shin Rip (2) - High official first seen advising Seonjo in Ep2. Title translated as "Winter solstice embassy," whatever that means. In Ep8 has the title of Mayor of Hanyang. Dies in Ep15 in battle.
Lee Jangson (2) - Vice Minister of Personnel. In Ep3 he's Chief Artillery Officer.
Kim Seongil ("Hakbong") (3) - Sungkyunkwan scholar chosen to co-lead delegation to Japan. Easterner.
Hwang Yungil (3) - Jungchubu scholar chosen to co-lead delegation to Japan. Westerner.
Heo Seong (4) - Official with the title "Recorder" serving in delegation to Japan.
Kim Gongryang (5) - Assistant proctor in the office of the royal treasury. Younger brother of Seonjo's consort Kim.
Lee Seongjung (6) - Councilor. Westerner.
Lee Haesu (6) - Councilor. Westerner.
Yi Il (6) - Military officer; title given as "Police Chief." Former superior of Yi Sunsin at a northern-territory post. Given the title "Constitutional Asset Minister" by Seonjo in Ep27.
Kim Su (7) - Governor of Gyeongsang province.
Todo (8) - Local soldier (looks to be a sergeant or a corporal) in Gyeongsang Province.
Shin Yeongcheol (identified 9, seen much earlier) - Ryu's bodyguard.
Hong Yeosun (9) - Minister of War. Easterner/Northerner. Uncle of the queen.
Lee Wonik (9) - Minister of Taxation. Easterner/Southerner. In Ep21 is identified as "governor of Pyongyang."
Han Eungin (10) - Envoy to Ming. Reappears in Ep18 as a general.
Park Hong (12) - Commander of the Left Gyeongsang navy.
Jeong Bal (13) - General; head of Busan Fortress.
Song Sanghyeon (13) - General; head of Dongnae Fortress.
Lee Gak (13) - General; commander-in-chief of Left Gyeongsang province. Killed by Han Eungin in Ep19 for insubordination.
Kim Yeomul (14) - Subordinate officer under Shin Rip. Dies in Ep15 in battle.
Song Huirip (17) - Officer, Left Jeolla Navy.
Jeong Un (17) - Officer, Left Jeolla Navy. Killed in battle in Ep25.
Yi Sunsin ("Yeohae") (17) - Commander, Left Jeolla Navy. Removed from office in Ep47; imprisoned for defying a royal order. Freed by Seonjo and ordered to serve as a common soldier under Gwon Yul. Reinstated in Ep48. Dies in battle in Ep50.
Kim Myeongwon (18) - Joseon army general.
Shin Gak (18) - Joseon army general. Executed by royal order in Ep18.
Lee Gwang (20) - Joseon army general.
Gwon Yul (20) - Joseon army general. In Ep31 we learn he's Lee Hangbok's father-in-law.
Kim Eungnam (21) - Royal secretary.
Jeong Tak (23) - Fourth state councilor.
Gong Hwigyeom (24) - A local official in Gyeongju who aids the Japanese in exchange for (he hopes) advancement. Killed by Gwak Jaeu in Ep24.
Park Jin (26) - Local commander in the area of Gyeongju.
Lee Bongsu (27) - Works for Yu Sunsin, apparently as a weapons expert. Made gunpowder for the navy.
Kim Simin (28) - Commander of Jinju Fortress. Killed in action in Ep28.
Kim Sullyang (29) - Military courier executed for treason in Ep29.
Lee Sieon, Kim Gyeongro (29) - Army generals.
Jo Gyeong (32) - Subordinate general under Gwon Yul.
Lee Bin (32) - Joseon general.
Gwon Jun (34) - Regional military commander, serving at Left Jeolla naval headquarters.
Jeong Sajun (35) - Metals expert serving with Lee Bongsu at Left Jeolla naval headquarters.
Yu Join (36) - Official in charge of palace food and housekeeping; has the title Sajaegomjeong. Northerner.
Bae Heungrip (41) - Naval officer serving under Yi Sunsin.
Won Gyun (43) - Admiral. Promoted in Ep47 to naval commander. Killed in battle in Ep48.
Lee Icheom (44) - Low-ranking officer serving with Yu Join. Northerner.
JOSEON OTHERS
Song Ikpil ("Unjang") (1) - Member of Westerners faction. Son of a high official; his family was "ruined" and reduced to slave status. Has been hiding from slave hunters. Apparently executed in Ep9.
Jo Heon (1) - Apparently a member of Westerners faction. Looks to be in government, at least enough to submit an appeal to the king.
Lee Cheonri (1, identified 2) - Young man who works for Ryu. In Ep36 we learn that he's slave class, but Ryu elevates his status and even gives him a low-ranking official's position after passage of his Myeoncheonbeop policy.
Choi Yeonggyeong (2) - Leader of the Confucian scholars. Easterner. Arrested and tortured to death in Ep2 after being accused of association with Jeong Yeorip.
Sakadou (2) - Korean who turned traitor and was helping Japanese pirate operations.
Dongdong (3) - Waitress at a café frequented by Ryu Seongyeong.
Lady Jang (3) - Ryu's wife.
Lady Park (5) - Consort Kim's head attendant.
Yeongdal (8) - Villager in Gyeongsang Province; part of a group who killed some soldiers after being arrested for trying to flee their village. Killed by military archers in Ep8.
Gwak Jaeu (19) - Commoner who forms and leads a highly effective citizen militia. In Ep36 we learn that he's been appointed a local magistrate in Gyeongsang Province; he resigns that position to go back to being an independent militia leader.
Sim Daesung (19) - Associate of Gwak Jaeu.
Heo Naeman (20) - Elderly man who offers his service to Yi Sunsin and is appointed a scout for Busan.
Bau, Chilseong, Yeongchul (22) - Citizens who led an organized effort to steal government rations from their village storehouses.
Ko Gyongmyeong and his sons Inhu and Jongmu (23) - Leaders of a large citizen militia. The father was a government official (not specified what position). Kim Gyongmyeong and Inhu are killed in action in Ep23.
Guk Gyeongin (24) - Disgruntled citizen with a grudge against the government; turns against Joseon and sides with Kato. (Note: Guk was never specifically identified by subtitle in the KBS World version but the character is certainly him. Likely he was identified in a scene that was edited out for the KBS World broadcast.)
Choi Gyeonghoe, Im Gyeyeong (28) - Militia leaders from Hwasun; seen at Jinjuseong fortress.
Yujeong (29) - Monk who organizes an army of 2,000 Joseon monks.
Eonbok, Dongji, Anseong (35) - Three slaves who did metalwork to help construct prototype rifles at the Left Jeolla naval HQ. Yi Sunsin says in Ep35 that he'll elevate them to commoner status as their reward.
Song Yujin (41) - Leader of an attempted rebellion against the Joseon government.
Kim Deokryeong (41) - Militia leader in Jeolla Province. Died while being tortured in Ep45.
Samyeong (43) - Buddhist priest who meets with Kato Kiyomasa on behalf of the Joseon government.
Lee Monghak (44) - A military training officer who leads an attempted rebellion against the Joseon government. Killed by his own supporters in Ep44.
TSUSHIMANS
So Yoshitoshi (1) - Feudal lord of Tsushima, serving as Japanese envoy to Joseon. Son-in-law of Konishi Yukinaga.
Genso (1) - Buddhist clergyman.
Tachibana Yasuhiro (1) - Envoy to Joseon on Japan's behalf in 1587; executed for not succeeding in his mission. Seen only in flashback.
JAPANESE
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1) - Ruler of Japan. Initially has title of gwanbaek. In Ep11 gives himself the emeritus title taehap upon installation of his nephew Hidetsugu as gwanbaek. Dies in Ep49.
Kato Kiyomasa (1) - High official under Hideyoshi.
Konishi Yukinaga (1) - High official under Hideyoshi. Christian believer.
Tsurumatsu (2) - Infant son of Hideyoshi.
Nene (2) - Wife of Hideyoshi.
Yodo (2) - Hideyoshi's mistress; mother of Tsurumatsu.
Ukita Hideie (5) - Councilor to Hideyoshi.
Ishida Mitsunari (7) - Councilor to Hideyoshi.
Maeda Toshiie (9) - Councilor to Hideyoshi.
Toyotomi Hidetsugu (11) - Nephew of Hideyoshi and Nene. Installed as gwanbaek in Ep11.
Koichi (12, identified 13) - Subordinate of Kato's.
Sayaka (12, identified 13) - Subordinate of Kato's. Surrenders to Joseon in Ep17 with 3,000 of his soldiers; narration tells us that Seonjo later gave him a government rank and the new name of Kim Chungseon.
Dodo Takatora (19) - Japanese admiral (or general).
Wakizaka Yasuharu (20) - Japanese general who leads the naval forces.
Hasegawa, Kimura and Hosokawa (27) - Three generals present in the meeting with Ukita in Ep27.
Yoshimura (30) - A subordinate of unknown position who Hideyoshi nearly killed for some unstated failing in connection with the war, before Maeda intervened and saved him.
Naito (35) - Officer in Konishi's army who serves as one of the fake envoys to Ming along with So Yoshitoshi.
Hiroimaru (42) - Second son of Hideyoshi and Nene. Born in Ep42.
Mitsuki (43) - Female attendant to Hideyoshi.
Saisho Jotai (45) - High-ranking Buddhist priest who serves in Hideyoshi's government; oversees foreign-relations documents.
Dodo Takatora (47) - Naval officer seen leading the main fleet for Japan's second invasion.
CHINESE
Shi Xing (7) - Defense minister.
Wanli Emperor (7) - 13th emperor of Ming Dynasty.
Zu Chengxun (22) - General; vice commander of Yodong.
Shen Weijing (25) - Envoy sent by Shi Xing to negotiate with Japan.
Li Rusong (28) - Commander of the Ming army.
Luo Shangzhi, Zhang Shijue (29) - Subordinate Ming generals.
Song Yingchang (31) - Chief administrator sent by the emperor to oversee the Ming war effort. In Ep49 we learn that his title was Inspector General.
Si Xian (38) - High official in Ming's ministry of rites; serves as envoy to Joseon.
Yang Fangheng, Li Zongcheong (45) - Ming envoys.
Yang Hao (48) - Military commander. In Ep49 we learn that his title is Inspector General. Removed from his position and recalled home to face punishment in Ep49, for submitting a false report to the emperor.
Chen Lin (50) - Ming admiral.
RYUKYU
Ryukyu prince (6) - Name not given; prince of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
