**Ku Yi: A Biography Incorporating Human Design Insights**

Ku Yi, known in English as Yi Gu, was a prominent Korean prince and the head of the House of Yi from 1970 until 2005. Born on December 29, 1931, in Kitashirakawa Palace (now the Akasaka Prince Classic House) in Kioicho, Kojimachiku, Tokyo, Japan, he was a grandson of Emperor Gojong of the Joseon dynasty. His lineage and upbringing positioned him uniquely in a world of tradition and modernity.

As a Manifesting Generator in Human Design, Ku embodied a dynamic energy that enabled him to engage with life’s opportunities with enthusiasm and creativity. His Sacral Inner Authority guided him to make decisions based on his gut feelings, which played a significant role in shaping his diverse career path. This innate ability to respond to the world around him was evident in his educational pursuits; he attended the prestigious Gakushuin Peers’ School in Tokyo before furthering his studies in the United States. There, he studied architecture at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and later at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

From 1959 to 1964, Ku worked as an architect with the renowned firm I.M. Pei & Associates in Manhattan, New York. His journey was marked by significant transitions, including becoming stateless in Japan in 1947, acquiring U.S. citizenship in 1959, and later gaining Korean citizenship in 1964. These shifts reflect the restless energy characteristic of his Manifesting Generator type, which often seeks new experiences and challenges.

Ku married Julia Mullock on October 25, 1959, at St. George’s Church in New York, and together they adopted a daughter, Eugenia Unsuk. After the fall of Syngman Rhee, Ku returned to Korea in 1963 with the assistance of the new president, Park Chung-hee. He settled into Nakseon Hall at Changdeok Palace with his mother and wife, where he shared his passion for architecture by lecturing at Seoul National University and Yonsei University.

In Human Design, Ku’s 3/5 Profile signifies his role as a natural problem solver and innovator, often learning through trial and error while also serving as a role model for others. This was particularly evident in his management of his own airline, Shinhan, which, despite its eventual bankruptcy in 1979, showcased his willingness to take risks and explore new ventures. Following this setback, he returned to Japan to rebuild his financial stability.

In 1982, Ku faced personal challenges when family pressures led to discussions about divorcing his wife due to her infertility. After the death of his mother in 1989, he began a new chapter in his life, living with a Japanese astrologer, Mrs. Arita. In November 1996, he made the decision to reside permanently in Korea, continuing to navigate the complexities of his life between Japan and Korea.

Ku Yi’s life was characterized by a restless energy, reflective of his Manifesting Generator type, until he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 73 on July 16, 2005, at the Akasaka Prince Hotel, the former residence of his parents in Tokyo. His legacy is not only tied to his royal heritage but also to his multifaceted life as an architect, educator, and innovator, driven by the unique energies of his Human Design.

His Incarnation Cross, the Right Angle Cross of Service (58/52 | 18/17), signifies his commitment to serving others, a theme that resonated throughout his life and work. Ku’s channels, including 17-62, 16-48, 26-44, 46-29, 25-51, and 18-58, further illustrate his capacity for communication, innovation, and the deep understanding of human experiences, enriching his contributions to architecture and education.