He received a promotion and special recognition for having a major role in the destruction of a Japanese flotilla during the Battle of Hansan-do.
Factionalism in Seonjo's court pushed Yi Sun Sin's replacement, an equally unenthusiastic Wŏn Kyun, to go forward with the order.
It was now nighttime and Wŏn Kyun and Yi Ŏkki, both unaccustomed to fighting at night, were forced to retreat their exhausted crews multiple times as the Japanese tried to close their trap shut.
As the Japanese destroyed the Korean fleet, Wŏn Kyun fled, but Yi Ŏkki refused to leave, fighting on until he finally jumped into the waters to his death.
[4] The Republic of Korea Navy's Chang Bogo-class attack submarine ROKS Yi Eokgi (SS-071) is named in his honor.