In the early 6th century, Silla was undergoing a period of significant national consolidation and territorial expansion under the reign of King Jijeung. King Jijeung focused on stabilizing domestic affairs and strengthening national power, promoting ox-plowing and prohibiting the practice of human sacrifice (soonjang). Building upon this growing strength, Silla sought to subjugate Usan-guk, an island nation located in the East Sea. Usan-guk, encompassing present-day Ulleungdo and its affiliated islets, including Dokdo, had historically maintained its independence, never paying tribute to Silla. For Silla, the subjugation of Usan-guk was a crucial endeavor to secure maritime control over the East Sea and expand its national territory. In 512 CE, the 13th year of King Jijeung's reign, the brave and resourceful General Isabu of Silla was tasked with conquering Usan-guk. General Isabu understood that the people of Usan-guk were fierce and that a direct military confrontation might prove difficult. He devised an ingenious strategy: he had large wooden statues of lions (or other fierce beasts) constructed and loaded onto his ships. Approaching the coast of Usan-guk, he threatened the island's king, declaring, "If you do not surrender, I will unleash these beasts to devour all your people." The islanders, having never seen such land predators, were greatly intimidated by the massive wooden statues and, out of fear, ultimately surrendered to Silla. Consequently, Usan-guk was incorporated into Silla's territory, marking a pivotal historical event as the first recorded instance of Ulleungdo and Dokdo being integrated into the Korean historical sphere. The subjugation of Usan-guk played a decisive role in extending Silla's maritime dominion into the East Sea and establishing stable control over its eastern coastal regions. Furthermore, it stands as a testament to King Jijeung's ambitious vision and General Isabu's exceptional strategic brilliance. Crucially, this event remains one of the oldest records proving Ulleungdo and Dokdo's historical affiliation with Korean territory, serving as a vital historical basis for modern South Korea's territorial claims over Dokdo.