Yi So-Yeon Quotes

I feel bad that I'm the one always blamed for the failure of the space business - even though there are problems with government policy toward the space business.

- Yi So-Yeon

There is something addictive in space that makes you want to go back - like the mountain climbers who want to go back to the Himalayas although their fingers were cut by frostbite.

- Yi So-Yeon

On Earth, men are seen as superior because of their physical strength, but it means nothing in space, where there is no gravity.

- Yi So-Yeon

They gave me 18 experiments to complete in my 10 days in the ISS. That's a lot. Everyone told me I didn't have to complete all of them, that it wasn't expected of me. But I knew everyone was watching me, so I gave up meals and sleep and completed all 18 experiments. It's a very Korean thing to do.

- Yi So-Yeon

I've decided to study the MBA, as it's crucial to have comprehensive knowledge of business administration and management in running science technology institutes as well as making science-related policies.

- Yi So-Yeon

Only in space did I realize how lucky I am to be Korean. Only in Korea could I have gone to space before turning 30 years old.

- Yi So-Yeon

I cannot believe I became some kind of hero. I'm just a common Korean woman.

- Yi So-Yeon

I will try and make peace between North and South Korea.

- Yi So-Yeon

It's not uncommon in South Korea for a building to not have a women's bathroom.

- Yi So-Yeon

If you ask me what's harder, being famous or flying to space, I'd say fame is much harder.

- Yi So-Yeon

I felt so free in space, flying around and unrestrained by any social relationships, but my life since has changed a lot. Now I am extra-careful about what I say and do because everyone recognises me.

- Yi So-Yeon

California is an easy place to be an Asian woman engineer.

- Yi So-Yeon

I will do my best to support science in Korea and space programs in Korea.

- Yi So-Yeon