He was qualified as a military officer and was first assigned to the northern border to defend against the Jurchens, who frequently raided Korean villages.

Upon passing the qualification exam, he was assigned to the northern border to defend against the Jurchens, who frequently raided Korean villages.

With four ships left under his command, Wŏn called for help from Yi Sun-sin, who had prepared for war and raised a smaller and battle ready fleet.

Yi refused to carry out the orders purely due to tactical reasons, but the act of insubordination itself, no matter how justifiable, frightened the King beyond his breaking point.

Wŏn also knew the information was false and did not advance toward Busan for the same tactical reasons Yi had reported to the royal court before his removal from the post.

Wŏn attacked the Japanese – who were mostly unarmed and protected under the cease-fire treaty to support the negotiation process which was about to be terminated – and defeated them.

Then Field Marshal Gwon Yul, who was also under heavy pressure from the king, recalled Wŏn to his headquarters and once again ordered him to attack Busan.

Only the small detachment of twelve warships under the command of admiral Bae Sŏl – who refused to participate and fled even before the battle began – survived.

However, Japan's hopes were crushed again by Yi Sun-sin's return at the Battle of Myeongnyang, which would decide the winner of the devastating war.

Next to his military career, Wŏn Kyun is perhaps best known for his personal faults, which included excessive alcohol consumption and attempts at adultery.

Widely panned by scholars and historians, there is recent research to suggest that Wŏn Kyun may have been excessively vilified during the Park Chung Hee administration to elevate Yi Sun-sin by juxtaposition.

While fault exists for Wŏn Kyun's mistakes as a naval officer, much of the blame of the troubles during that period lies in the factionalized incompetence of the royal court.

However, it is still hard to ignore his actions and lack of competency as a naval commander, and blame the political instability and indecision of the royal court for the result of the battle of Chilcheonryang.