"My Life, My Way... Can't Stay Home Because of COVID-19," Kang Kyung-hwa Minister's Husband Heads to the US to Buy a Yacht

Minister Kang Kyung-wha (right) and her husband, Professor Lee Il-byeong, attending the appointment ceremony of Minister Kang Kyung-wha at the Blue House in 2017. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Controversy has arisen as Professor Emeritus Il-byeong Lee of Yonsei University, the spouse of Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, traveled to the United States to purchase a yacht during the Chuseok holiday, when recommendations to refrain from overseas travel were issued to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Facing severe criticism, Minister Kang expressed her "regret."

According to a KBS report on the 3rd, Professor Emeritus Lee announced on his blog "Il-byeong's Happy Travels" that he traveled to the U.S. to purchase a yacht and for leisure. He wrote, "The owner of the New York aluminum boat 'Canter 51' in Europe replied. He said to meet on October 3rd," and mentioned plans to wrap up his life in Korea and prepare for sailing. The 'Canter 51' is a 51-foot (approximately 15 meters) sailing yacht made by the company Canter.

When KBS reporters asked, "Did Minister Kang say anything about this?" Professor Emeritus Lee replied, "We are both adults. It's not like she said I shouldn't go on a trip," and added, "It's just a trip. A free trip."

When pointed out that the government recommended refraining from overseas travel, he responded, "COVID-19 is not going to disappear in a day or two. You can't just stay at home all the time."

He continued, "I live my own life, so should I yield because of what others think? I can't live worrying about everything because of others," he added.

Earlier, it was revealed that Professor Emeritus Lee also traveled abroad in February, when the COVID-19 outbreak was intensifying.

On January 16th, he posted on his blog a post titled "Vietnam Tennis Travel Plan Version 1.0." In the post, he disclosed travel schedules including flights and accommodations related to a Vietnam trip from February 8th to 17th. Subsequent posts included content about visiting tourist sites in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 4th, Minister Kang said at a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "I feel sorry for the public who are refraining from overseas travel and other external activities, and such an incident has occurred regardless of the circumstances."

She added, "He (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."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.