"Woman Replaces Colleague for Korea’s First Space Mission"

Followup to KR posting: First Korean To Go to Space in Russian Spacecraft

Yi So-yeon (photo) will replace Ko San as South Korea's first astronaut in space following Ko San's disqualification as a result of his breach of rules (removal of training manual and seeing unauthorized documents).

Yi will be an inspiration to Korean women, who still face lingering sexism from traditionally male-dominated society. It is hoped that she will carry on Ko's plan of mixing soil from both sides of Korea onboard the International Space Station to symbolize the union between people of the divided Korea.