The Jeonju Yi clan or Jeonju Lee clan () is a Korean clan with the surname Yi. Their bon-gwan is in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. The clan includes the House of Yi that led Joseon and the Korean Empire.
Their founder was . He was Minister of Works () during the Silla Dynasty and became the ancestor of a prestigious and powerful clan that held influence from the Unified Silla period to the Goryeo period.
While there are no clear records of the ancestors of Yi Han, the founder of the Jeonju Yi clan, there are theories that he originated from the imperial family of the Tang Dynasty in China and lived in Jeonju after he came to Silla or that he branched off from the Gyeongju Yi clan, a native Silla clan.
Yi Han's descendant, Yi Sŏng-gye, seized power in a military coup and founded Joseon in 14th century.
In the 21st century, the Jeonju Lee Royal Family Association manages the affairs of the clan.
Notable people of history Lee Beom-seok, Korean independence activist and politician Lee Bong-chang, Korean independence activist Yi Ŏkki, Joseon naval commander during the Imjin War Yi Je-ma, Korean medicine scholar during the late Joseon period Yi Su-gwang, Joseon military official and diplomat (?) Yi Ŭi-bang, military ruler of Korea during the Goryeo period
Notable contemporary people Lee Ahyumi, South Korean singer and actress Lee Chae-yeon, South Korean singer Note: Information taken from Chae-yeon's official Instagram account. Lee Hoi-chang, South Korean lawyer and politician Lee Ji-eun, (better known as IU), South Korean singer-songwriter and actress Lee Jun-ho, South Korean singer-songwriter and actor, member of boy band 2PM Lee Ki-poong, South Korean politician Lee Kyung-kyu, South Korean comedian and actor Lee Man-hee, founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a new religious movement Syngman Rhee, South Korean politician Yi Seok, South Korean entrepreneur Yi Tjoune, Korean prosecutor and diplomat
See also House of Yi Lee (Korean surname)
References