Why Yi Sun-sin was so difficult to replace

Could another admiral have accomplished what Yi Sun-sin did during the Imjin War?

Comparable tactical ability would be insufficient without experience of Korean politics and the ability to manage local loyalties.

Other admirals possessed comparable operational skills, but they would struggle to enter the Korean political system without Yi Sun-sin's background and experience. His removal and recall after a replacement's defeat illustrate how court politics affected command. Local spiritual beliefs and personal authority also form part of the guests' explanation of his effectiveness. Collingwood is offered as a possible comparison for political skill, with the qualification that such a commander would still need experience of Korea. Tactical ability alone would be insufficient to reproduce Yi's wider achievements.