Yi I

Yi I (; 1536–1584) was a Korean philosopher, writer, and Confucian scholar of the Joseon period. Yi is often referred to by his art name Yulgok ("Chestnut valley"). He was also a politician and was the academical successor of Cho Kwangjo.

Biography Yi was born in Gangneung, Gangwon Province in 1536 into the . His father was a Left Second State Councillor Yi Won-su, and his mother, Shin Saimdang, was an accomplished artist and calligrapher. He was the grandnephew of Yi Ki, Chief State Councilor from 1549 to 1551.

In his early years, he was a student of Baek In-geol, the successor of Cho Kwangjo. It is said that by the age of seven he had finished his lessons in the Confucian classics, and passed the Civil Service literary examination at the age of 13. Yi secluded himself in Kumgang-san following his mother's death when he was 16 and stayed for 3 years, studying Buddhism. He left the mountains at 20 and devoted himself to studying Neo-Confucianism.

He married at 22, and visited Yi Hwang at Dosan the following year. He passed special exams with top honors with a winning thesis titled , which was widely regarded as a literary masterpiece, displaying his knowledge of history and the Confucian philosophy of politics, and also reflecting his profound knowledge of Taoism. He continuously received top honors on civil exams for a consecutive 9 times. His father died when he was 26.

Due to his vast experience in different offices over the years, Yi was able to garner a wide vision of politics and with the deep trust of the king, became one of the central figures of politics by the time he was 40. His many documents and theses were presented to the royal court but when political conflicts escalated in 1576, his efforts proved fruitless and he returned home. Following his return, he devoted his time to studies and education of his disciples and authored several books.

Teachings Yi was not only known as a philosopher but also as a social reformer. He did not completely agree with the dualistic Neo-Confucianism teachings followed by Yi Hwang. His school of Neo-Confucianism placed emphasis on the more concrete, material elements; rather than inner spiritual perception, this practical and pragmatic approach valued external experience and learning. Unlike Yi Hwang, who suffered through tumultuous times and did not enjoy being in politics, Yi was an active official who thought it important to implement Confucian values and principles to government administration. He emphasized sage learning and self-cultivation as the base of proper administration. Questions and Answers at East Lake - Eleven articles about political reform. The Essentials of the Studies of the Sages - Fundamentals of Confucian ethics, self-cultivation and statecraft. The Secret of Expelling Ignorance - Systematic guide of learning. Daily Records of Lectures before the Throne - Record of political events and happenings. The Complete Works of Yulgok was compiled after his death on the basis of the writings he bequeathed.

Legacy

Yulgongno, a street in central Seoul, is named after him, and he is depicted on the South Korean 5,000 won note.

The Taekwon-Do pattern Yul-Gok was also named in his honor. This is the pattern required to advance from 5th geup (급) green belt with blue tag to 4th geup blue belt. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th degree latitude.

The "Yulgok Project", a modernization project for the South Korean military, is named after him as well.

Family Father: Yi Won-su (; 1501–1561) Grandfather: Yi Cheon Mother: Shin Saimdang (; 1504–1551) Grandfather: Shin Myeong-hwa Grandmother: Lady Yi of the Yongin Yi clan Siblings Older brother: Yi Seon Older sister: Yi Mae-chang , Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan Older brother: Yi Byeon Older sister: Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan Younger sister: Lady Yi of the Deoksu Yi clan Younger brother: Yi Woo (; 1542–1609) Wife and children: Lady No of the Goksan No clan (? – 1592) Daughter: Lady Yi Son-in-law: Kim Jip (; 1574–1656) Grandson: Kim Ik-hyeong Grandson: Kim Ik-ryeon Concubines Lady Kim Lady Yi of the Gyeongju Yi clan

Popular culture Portrayed by Jung Joon-won in the 2017 SBS TV series Saimdang, Memoir of Colors.