Yi Jae-gak was born in
Seoul as a member of
Jeonju Yi clan. His father, Yi Sung-ung, was grandson of
Crown Prince Sado. Yi was posted to Seungjeongwon as a Ga Juseo. On 16 November 1897, Yi was appointed as 3rd class member of the Junchuwon; on September 21 1899, Yi was ennobled as Uiyang Dojeong (義陽都正), and on 19 November 1899, Yi was ennobled as Prince Uiyang (義陽君). Being appointed as Special official of the
Gungnaebu and Senior Imperial Appointee (4th grade), Yi resided in the
United Kingdom from 22 June 1902 to 2 July 1902. After returning to Korea, Yi was appointed as the director of the Artillery in
Ministry of Military, contributing to the modernization of the army. and stayed in Japan for 1 month. In March 1905, Yi received
Order of the Plum Blossom for his diplomatic careers. On 24 April 1905, Yi was appointed as the first president of
Korean Red Cross. In January 1907, Yi was appointed as Special official of
Gungnaebu. On 21 January 1907, Yi awarded
Order of the Auspicious Stars. On 22 April 1907, he received the rank of Major General with
Yun Taek-young and Yi Gi-hong. On 24 April 1907, he was again appointed as the president of the Korean Red Cross, and Yi guarded
Korean Emperor during his visit to Southern Korea. He got
Order of the Golden Ruler on 27 August 1910. After the annexation of Korea, Yi got the title of Marquess. In 1911, Yi got 168,000 Won from the Japanese Government for the merits of annexation. On 1 August 1912, Yi got decoration for colonization of Korea from the Japanese Government. He was part of the state funeral of
Gojong of Korea. On 11 May 1935, Yi died in Keijiō. wearing his military uniform == Honours ==