GRAMMAR DETAIL

をよそに

heedless of

Indicates continuing to act without paying attention to the concerns or expectations of those around one.

Examples

周囲の心配をよそに、彼は単独で出発した。

He set out alone, heedless of everyone's concerns.

家族の反対をよそに、彼は留学を決めた。

He decided to study abroad despite his family's opposition.

周囲の批判をよそに、会社は計画を進めた。

The company proceeded with the plan, heedless of the criticism around it.

Structure: Attach をよそに to a noun naming others' concerns, opposition, or criticism to describe acting heedless of it.
Basic usage: 周囲の心配をよそに、彼は単独で出発した。 means that he set out alone without heeding the concerns around him.

Difference from a despite construction
- 反対にもかかわらず進めた contrasts proceeding with the opposition that existed. 反対をよそに進めた more strongly foregrounds the actor's disregard for that opposition.