As a member of Gaewha clique, Yi cooperated with Bak Jeongyang and Kim Hong-jip but ended up having struggles.

[2] Upon Gojong's return from the Russian legation, Yi rose into power as commander of police, and Mayor of Seoul.

[2][3] On 1 October 1897, Yi was promoted to Lieutenant general, and appointed as minister of military of Shim Soon-taek cabinet.

[4] In 1901, Yi was commissioned as the director of Military affair section of Board of Marshals,[5] and wrote a guide about Army Ceremony.

[2][13] After March First Movement, Yi felt guilty about owning a title, and attempted to return it.