Yi Jong-geon

He was born in 1843 as the son of Yi Gue-jeong and was adopted to Yi Gue-cheol. In 1859, Yi passed the military examination Gwageo.[1] During the Imo Incident, Yi executed some culprits related to the coup. For this merit, Yi rose his rank under the reign of Yeoheung Min clan during 1880s. As a member of Gaewha clique, Yi cooperated with Bak Jeongyang and Kim Hong-jip but ended up having struggles.[2]

Upon Gojong's return from the Russian legation, Yi rose into power as commander of police, and Mayor of Seoul.[2][3] On 1 October 1897, Yi was promoted to Lieutenant general, and appointed as minister of military of Shim Soon-taek cabinet.[4] In 1901, Yi was commissioned as the director of Military affair section of Board of Marshals,[5] and wrote a guide about Army Ceremony.[6] About the Korean invasion of Manchuria, Yi justified the deployment Korean forces in Manchuria is for being a solution for continuous Chinese banditry.[7]

In 1903, Yi was appointed as special officer of Gungnaebu.[8] He was also appointed as minister of military in 1905.[9] On 29 July 1906, Yi was appointed as Vice Speaker of Junchuwon.[10] On 31 May 1907, Yi was appointed as chief of equerry replacing Cho Tong-yun.[11] On 13 September 1907, Yi retired from the army.[12]

In 1910, Yi received the title of baron from the Empire of Japan.[2][13] After March 1st Movement, Yi felt guilty about owning a title, and attempted to return it. However, his attempt failed; he lived until 1930 and died in Korea under Japanese rule.

For his attempt to return the title, Yi is not considered as Korean collaborators to Imperial Japanese rule, despite receiving a title after annexation.

 Korean Empire

• Order of the Palgwae 3rd Class in 1901[14]