Yi Tjoune was born in 1859 in Pukchong County, South Hamgyong Province, Joseon.

He was commissioned to announce to the international community that Korea was an independent state and that the Japanese invasion was unlawful.

His cause of death is unknown, but in South Korea it is assumed that he committed suicide due to the rejection by the international community.

The direct result of their mission was that the Korean Emperor, Gojong was forced to resign in favor of his son Sunjong.

[citation needed] On several occasions postage stamps have been issued by North Korea honoring Yi Jun.