Goryeo Refuses to Aid Liao

Timeline

1. 1107Yalu River–Hala Plain border · Hala dianAfter Wanyan Wuyashu unified the Jurchens of Hala dian, their power pressed south toward Goryeo's Jeongju. Liao regarded the Jurchens as a subject tribe, while Goryeo long refused to hand over Jurchen fugitives and sent men to intercept Jurchen envoys heading to Liao (History of Jin). Liao expected Goryeo to cooperate in maintaining northeastern order, while Goryeo feared that Jurchen growth endangered its own territory, deepening the divergence of interests.
2. 1107Gaeui · GaeuiFrontier reports said the Jurchens were gathering for deliberation; King Yejong presented the late King Sukjong's dying oath, and the ministers requested a campaign. Remonstrating Official Kim Yeon submitted a memorial strongly advising against it, warning that a campaign would offend both the Jurchens and the Khitans and risk a two-front war, but the king would not listen. Without awaiting Liao's order or coordinating with Liao, Goryeo appointed Yun Gwan and Oh Yeonchong to lead a 170,000-strong army north, in effect rejecting handling the northeastern crisis by aiding or aligning with Liao.