Yi Gwal’s Rebellion

Yi Gwal, a general of the Injo Restoration aggrieved at his reward, rebelled in Pyeongan Province and occupied Hanyang; King Injo fled to Gongju.

Ranked only a second-class merit subject despite his role in the coup and posted to the northern frontier, Yi Gwal rose at Yeongbyeon when his son was accused of treason. His army beat the government forces, entered Hanyang and set up Seonjo’s son Prince Heungan as king — the first time rebels held the Joseon capital.

Government troops defeated the rebels at Anhyeon outside the walls, and Yi Gwal was killed by his own men while fleeing. Survivors who fled to the Later Jin urged it to invade, one cause of the 1627 Manchu invasion.