Yi Wan-yong

Yi Wan-yong (1858–1926) entered government through the civil service examination and studied English at the Yugyeong Gongwon in 1887. He accompanied Korea's first permanent mission to Washington as a counselor and later served as chargé d'affaires. His American experience preceded his rise through senior educational, foreign affairs, and provincial offices. ¹

During his Washington years, Yi traveled with other legation members to observe American institutions. In May 1889 he visited Mount Vernon with his wife, Yi Chae-yeon and his wife, Yi Ha-young, and Horace Allen. The party wore Korean dress at George Washington's former home. ²

After returning to Korea, Yi supported Gojong's refuge at the Russian legation in 1896 and held leadership positions in the Independence Club. The club expelled him in 1898 over concessions granted to foreign interests. He later supported Japan's imposition of the 1905 protectorate and became acting foreign minister. That December he ordered Washington chargé Kim Yun-jeong to hand the Korean legation's archives and property to the Japanese mission, ending the independent representation he had once helped establish. ^{1, 3}

As prime minister, Yi helped force Gojong's abdication in 1907. On July 24 he signed an agreement with Resident-General Itō Hirobumi that subjected Korean legislation, important administrative measures, and senior appointments to Japanese approval. The agreement also required Korea to appoint Japanese officials nominated by the resident-general and obtain approval before employing other foreigners. ^{1, 4}

On August 22, 1910, Yi signed the annexation treaty with Terauchi Masatake. Its first articles transferred Korea's sovereignty to Japan and authorized annexation, while later provisions promised rank and grants to members of the Korean royal family and favored collaborators. Yi received a Japanese countship and was later promoted to marquess. He served the colonial administration and died in 1926. ^{1, 5}