Yi Hong (born 1974 in Seoul) is a South Korean model and entertainer. She is descendant of Joseon royalty; she is the eldest daughter of Yi Seok by his second wife, Donkgo Jeonghui, and a great-granddaughter of Emperor Gojong of Korea.

Yi Hong
Born1974 (age 49–50)
Seoul
SpouseHan Yŏng-kwang (2000–2002)
IssueA daughter
HouseHouse of Yi
FatherYi Seok
MotherDonkgo Jeonghui
Yi Hong
Hangul
이홍
Hanja
李洪
Revised RomanizationI Hong
McCune–ReischauerYi Hong

Biography

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Yi Hong was born in Chigung palace in the neighborhood of Gujeong-dong located next to Gyeongbokgung palace, Seoul, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.[1] Her father, Yi Seok is the eleventh son of Prince Imperial Ui, the 5th son of Emperor Gojong of Korea. He was a well known singer in the 1960s while in his twenties, having several hit songs including "Bidulgi jip (Dove's house). Yi Seok is currently lecturing at Jeonju University and several universities.[2] Her parents divorced when she was at the age of three in Korean age, so Yi was raised by her maternal grandmother. Since 1979, she had lived in the United States for 10 years. Yi did not know that she was a descendant of the Korean imperial family until she was at the first year of her middle school. She first met her father at her senior year of her high school 6 months before she took the university entrance exam. In an interview with a weekly magazine, she confessed that she felt glad to meet her father, and at the same time, she was in confusion.[1]

After graduation from the Industrial design department at Hansung University, she worked as an interior designer for a short period. Yi then studied business in Japan. Although she appeared in several films as a small roles, Yi officially started her career as an entertainer by starring in a KTF commercial. She also appeared in a Samsung Anicall commercial, and singer Jo Gwan-u's music video. In an interview with Hankook Ilbo in 2007, Yi Hong wished to restore the dignity of the empire.[1]

In 2000, she married Han Yeong-gwang (한영광), an actor.[3] They have one child, a daughter born in 2001.[citation needed]

Ancestry

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References

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  1. ^ a b c 이 사람이 바로 전설의 무인 '곽원갑' [This is the legendary martial artist, "Gwak Won-gap"]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). 2007-03-01.
  2. ^ Seo, Il-ho (서일호) (2006-08-19). (사람들) 연예인이 된 고종의 증손녀 이홍씨 [(People) Yi Hong, a great-granddaughter of Emperor Gojong of the Korean Empire becomes an entertainer]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean).
  3. ^ Kim, Seon-jung (김선중) (May 2000). 궁중에서 전통 공주가례식 추진중인 고종의 증손녀 이홍 영화배우 한영광 커플 [Yi Hong, a great-granddaughter of Emperor Gojong of the Korean Empire is preparing the traditional wedding ceremony for princes with actor, Han Yeong-gwang]. Women Dong-a (in Korean).
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