Introduction
Gaebaek (died 20 August 660) was a general in the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje during the early to mid 7th century. Little else is known of his personal life—including the year and location of his birth.
The last battle
In 660, Baekje was invaded by a force of 50,000 from Silla, supported by 144,000 Tang soldiers. Gaebaek, with only 5,000 troops under his command, met them in the battlefield of Hwangsanbeol. Before entering the battlefield, Gaebaek reportedly killed his wife and children to prevent the thought of them influencing his actions or causing him to falter in battle.
His forces won four initial battles, causing severe casualties to Silla forces. General Gaebaek fought very courageously and killed many Silla soldiers. However, in the end, exhausted and surrounded, Gaebaek's army was outnumbered and overwhelmed. Baekje's forces were annihilated in battle along with their leader Gaebaek.
Aftermath
Baekje was destroyed, shortly after Gaebaek's defeat and death at Hwangsanbeol.
As Neo-Confucian philosophy became more influential in the later Korean Dynasties, Gaebaek was recognized by historians and scholars as exemplifying the Confucian ideals of patriotism and devotion to his King and praised as such. Although not much else is known about Gaebaek's life, his actions leading up to his last battle are well known to many Koreans.
In Taekwon-Do
Gaebaek is the 12th pattern or hyeong in the International Taekwon-Do Federation form of the Korean martial art taekwondo. It is part of the criteria for the 2nd Dan black belt.The diagram (I) represents his severe and strict military discipline.
Popular culture
- Portrayed by Choi Won-young in the 2009 MBC TV series Queen Seondeok.
- Portrayed by Lee Seo-jin and Lee Hyun-woo in the 2011 MBC TV series Gyebaek.
- Portrayed by Choi Jae-sung in the 2012-2013 KBS1 TV series The King's Dream.
- Featured in Age of Empires II HD-Edition.