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- General Kim Yushin
- Family Clan: Gimhae General Kim Yushin is the 12th generation descendant of the founder of Gayaguk, King Kimsuro. He was the great grandson of King Guhae of Geumgwan Gaya who surrendered to the Shilla Dynasty in 532, (the 19th year of King Beopheung) and the son of General Kim Seohyeon who served as Daeryangjudodok, a chief governor of Daeryang province. His mother was Manmyeong, the daughter of Sukheuljong who was the granddaughter of King Galmun Ipjong and the great-granddaughter of King Jijeung. His younger sister was Queen Munmeyong, who got married to Kim Chunchu.
- He was born in 595 (the 17th year of King Jinpyeong) when his father, Kim Seohyeon, served as the governer of Manno-gun (the former Jincheon-gun) and he grew up in Gyeongju afterwards.
- He became a Hwarang in 609 (the 31st year of King Jinpyeong) when he was only 15 and led the yonghwa Hyangdo. When Shilla attacked the Nangbiseong (castle) of the Goguryeo, he participated in the battle as a Jungdangdangju and rushed into the enemy camp to overrun the enemy. He raised the moral of the forces and distinguished himself in defeating the Goguryeo. He became a prominent figure after this battle.
- In 642, (the 11th year of Queen Seondeok) Baekje forces took over 40 castles on the west of the Shilla kingdom, occupied Daeryangju (The former Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do) and killed the daugher and the son-in-law of Kim Chunsu, Kim Pumseok. The Shilla Dynasty decided to dispatch Kim Chunchu to the Goguryoe area (even though it was an enemy of the Shilla kingdom at that time) to ask for help. At this time, General Kim Yushin served as the ruler of Apryang province, and played a vital role in the return of Kim Chunchu, who was detained in Goguryoe. He took a post of Sopan in 644 and became Sangjanggun (General-In-Chief). He stormed and took possession of seven castles including Gahyeseong of Baekje and won a series of battles to defend Maeriposeong.
- He also defeated Sangdaedeung Bidam and Yeomjong who had raised a rebellion in Myeonghwalseng in 647 (The first year of King Jindeok).
- As the ruler of Apryang province, he attacked Musanseong, Gammulseong and Dongjamseong belonging to the Baekje forces in October the same year. He attacked Daeryang province, which was occupied by Baekje in 648 and captured 12 fortresses. In recognition of his great achievements, he became Yichan, and took the post of Sangjuhaenggun Daechonggwan. The next year, when General Eunsang of the Baekje forces, at the head of a large army, attacked seven castles, including Seoktoh, Kim Yushin smashed Dosalseong of Baekje in collaboration with Jukji, Jinchun and Cheonjon. He made a significant contribution to the unification of the Three Kingdoms and grew to be the most significant figure in Shilla Dynasty.
- When Queen Jindeok passed away in 654 without leaving behind any heirs, he cooperated with Sangdaedeung Alcheon to place Kim Chunchu on the throne, who became King Taejong Muyeol. Kim Yushin became Sangdaedeung in 660 and formed a military alliance with Sobangjeong of the Tang Dynasty with his army of 50,000 soldiers to attack Baekje forces. He struggled to defeat General Gyebaek and his army in Hwangsanbeol and joined the army of Tang dynasty China to capture Sabiseong and destroy the Baekje forces. Later, he transported the provisions to Sobangjeong’s army, which was in danger due to a shortage of food while attacking Pyeongyangseong of Goguryeo in 661 (The 1st year of King Munmu).
- He became Daechonggwan, the supreme commander, of the allied forces of the Shilla Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty to defeat the forces of Goguryeo. He got promoted to Taedaegakgan after Goguryoe was vanquished. After these events, Kim Yushin stayed out of political or military activities and instead served as an advisor on matters related to internal unity and strategy planning.
- He passed away in 673 at the age of 79. His funeral was held in Geumsanbeol, and King Munmu asked Yusa to erect a monument to record his accomplishments. He was granted the honorary title of King Heungmu. Memorial services for General Kim Yushin are held every year in Gilsangsa, Chungcheongbuk-do Monument No. 1 in the spring and fall. In addtion, the birthplace of Kim Yushin and Taesil are designated as the Historic Site No. 44.
