I believed that representing my country required
courage, not hesitation.
Dr. Soyeon Yi
Selected from more than 36,000 candidates in a highly competitive, traditionally male-dominated field, Dr. Soyeon Yi became South Korea’s first and only astronaut — breaking barriers in science, aerospace, and national history.
On the International Space Station, she performed scientific experiments spanning biology, physiology, and the effects of spaceflight on the human body.
On descent, Soyeon's spacecraft had a major issue, landing 400+ kilometres off-target, with seconds separating the crew from a heat death.
Nowadays, she helps tech and biotech startups in the space sector.
Drawing on her rare experience as an astronaut, Dr. Yi inspires audiences with powerful insights on resilience, adaptability, innovation, and performing under pressure.
interviews
How I became Korea's First Woman Astronaut
Cosmopolitan
Soyeon Yi - South Korea's First Astronaut
Humans in Space Podcast
Soyeon Yi - To Space and Back
The Museum of Flight
I cannot believe I became some kind of hero
I'm just a common Korean woman
Book Dr. Soyeon Yi
Dr. Soyeon Yi brings audiences into a story few people on Earth can tell, a perspective from beyond the planet. As South Korea’s first and only astronaut, she speaks about what it takes to prepare for the unknown, perform under pressure, and stay human in the most extreme environments. Her talks are thoughtful, personal, and highly inspiring for teams navigating change, innovation, and high-stakes decisions.