"My Life, My Way" Gyeong-hwa Kang's Husband Who Went to the US to Buy a Yacht Eventually Closes Blog

Amid recommendations to refrain from overseas travel to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, controversy has arisen as Ilbyung Lee, honorary professor at Yonsei University and spouse of Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, proceeded with travel. Photo by KBS News footage

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Despite the government's recommendation to refrain from overseas travel to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the travel blog operated by Lee Il-byeong, honorary professor at Yonsei University and spouse of Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa, who departed for the United States to purchase a yacht, has been closed.

The blog 'Il-byeong-ssi's Happy Travels,' personally managed by Professor Lee, was a public blog featuring posts about his travels, cultural activities, and family stories. As of the 5th, all posts have been made inaccessible and the blog has been closed.

According to a KBS report on the 3rd, Professor Lee announced through his blog 'Il-byeong-ssi's Happy Travels' that he had left for the United States to purchase a yacht and for leisure. He wrote, "The owner of the New York aluminum boat 'Cutter 51' in Europe has responded. He said to meet on October 3rd," and mentioned plans to wrap up his life in Korea and prepare for sailing. The 'Cutter 51' is a 51-foot (approximately 15m) sailing yacht made by the company Cutter.

When KBS reporters asked if Minister Kang had said anything about it, Professor Lee replied, "We are both adults. It's not like I was told not to go on a trip," and added, "It's just a trip. A free trip."

According to posts written by Professor Lee while the blog was public, he also traveled to Vietnam for ten days in February, when the COVID-19 spread was emerging.

On January 16th, he posted a blog titled 'Vietnam Tennis Travel Plan Version 1.0.' In the post, Professor Lee disclosed travel details such as flights and accommodations related to his Vietnam trip scheduled from February 8th to 17th. Subsequent posts included content about visiting tourist sites in Vietnam.

As criticism surged over this, Minister Kang Kyung-hwa said at a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 4th, "I feel sorry regardless of the circumstances, as the public is refraining from overseas travel and other external activities."

She added, "My husband is well aware of the situation, and I have explained it to him, but ultimately he made the decision to leave, and I feel sorry about it in any case."