Lee Hyoung-gi, born in 1966 in Hapcheon, South Korea, holds a PhD in Korean history from Yeungnam University. As an expert in ancient Korean history, he specialises in the formation, political systems, and maritime trade of Gaya. He began his museum career at the Daegaya Museum in Goryeong and later served at the National Lighthouse Museum in Pohang and the National Maritime Museum of Korea in Busan. He played a key role in establishing the Incheon National Maritime Museum (INMM), where he now serves as Chief Curator and Head of the Curatorial and Research Headquarters, overseeing exhibitions, collections, and academic initiatives.