The Korean kingdom of Baekje under its king, Wideok, who has reigned since the disastrous battle of Gwan Mountain Fortress in 554, in which his father and nearly thirty thousand men died fighting the Silla army, is inimical to both Silla and Goguryeo, launching various battles and border incursions against the rival kingdoms.

To avoid isolation, and to strengthen the royal position against the power of the aristocracy, Wideok maintains friendly relations with the Chinese dynasties of Chen and Northern Qi.

Although ties had been largely broken following the cataclysmic events of the 550s, he had in 567 sent Baekje's first mission to Northern Qi; this may have been facilitated by an improved relationship with Goguryeo.

In 570, the Northern Qi had granted him titles including "Duke of Daifang prefecture", and he had sent another tribute mission in 572.

After Northern Qi had been conquered by Northern Zhou in 577, Baekje had also sent a congratulatory mission including musicians to the Zhou court.

The following year a second and final embassy is sent to Northern Zhou.