The portrait depicts Kang Io in official attire. Kang Io, a grandson of Kang Sehwang, was a literary painter highly praised by his contemporaries, including Shin Wi (申緯, 1769–1847) and Kim Jeonghui (金正喜, 1786–1856). The main features of the face are expressed by lines and repeated fine brushstrokes, which provides a slight three-dimensional effect in the face. The painter Yi Jaegwan (李在寬, 1783–1838) was a court painter with the Dohwaseo, the Royal Bureau of Painting, and created royal portraits applying his excellent skill at figure painting. In 1837, Yi was selected to transcribe the portrait of King Taejo. This portrait clearly portrays Kang Io’s calm persona through exquisite but rapid brush strokes. At the top-right is a comment about the portrait offered by Kim Jeong-hui (1786-1856), a renowned calligrapher who was close to both Yi Jaegwan and Kang Io, along with his signature and seal.