Return of the Genius Photographer

Monthly Photography is a fairly reputable magazine among photographers. It provides the latest news on domestic and international photographers, trends in photography, and discussions about the art each month. Even those who aren’t professional photographers but have an interest in the field often make it a point to follow this magazine.

The biggest news recently featured in Monthly Photography was none other than Jung Woong’s exhibition.

“Senior, slow down a bit!”

“Hurry up! We don’t know when Jung Woong will show up!”

Wonsik, a reporter for the magazine, hurried towards the exhibition hall, urging his junior colleague to keep up.

‘No matter what, I have to get this interview!’

Wonsik was determined.

Jung Woong’s photography exhibition was already big enough to be covered by several media outlets, but what Wonsik really wanted was to interview Jung Woong himself.

Jung Woong was one of the top photographers in Korea, always mentioned among the greats. However, outside of his photography work, he rarely participated in any public activities. The fact that he had such influence without relying on media exposure was quite impressive. Because of this, Wonsik’s magazine was always keeping an eye on his movements.

If Wonsik could manage even a brief interview with the elusive photographer, it would be a huge scoop. This was the perfect opportunity—the exhibition where Jung Woong himself might appear. He couldn’t afford to miss it.

Surely, other photography magazines were thinking the same thing. Wonsik knew that many reporters would likely be present at the exhibition, hoping for a chance to speak with the legendary photographer. That was why he was in such a hurry to get there before the competition.

But when they arrived…

“Jung Woong? He just stepped out. I don’t know when he’ll be back,” said the curator standing at the entrance.

Wonsik’s hopes were dashed.

“So, he’s not coming back today?”

“I can’t say for sure. Are you a reporter?” the curator asked.

“Yes.”

“If you came to interview him, I’d suggest you give up. A few people tried earlier, but he firmly declined any interviews.”

Despite asking the curator about Jung Woong’s whereabouts, all Wonsik got was confirmation that the photographer wasn’t there and wouldn’t likely agree to any interviews.

This was far from the outcome Wonsik had hoped for.

“Senior, you knew this was likely from the start,” his junior colleague pointed out.

“Haa… you’re right.”

“Let’s just stick to the original plan and review the exhibition, okay?”

As Wonsik sighed in disappointment, his junior tried to console him. It was true—he had known all along that securing an interview with Jung Woong would be difficult. Though he was frustrated, he couldn’t dwell on it forever.

“You’re right. Let’s take a look at the exhibition.”

Wonsik began to tour the exhibition with his junior in tow.

“Wow, Jung Woong’s photos are truly something else. Just looking at them, I can feel emotions rushing over me like waves.”

“That’s a good line. Remember that one. You can use it in your article—might as well jot it down.”

There was little else to say about the exhibition. The photographs spoke for themselves, radiating the power and prestige that matched Jung Woong’s reputation.

But Wonsik wasn’t just looking at the photos—he was watching the people.

‘He left earlier in the morning, so he might come back in the afternoon…’

He still hadn’t given up on the idea of interviewing Jung Woong. If the photographer made an appearance, Wonsik wanted to be ready to jump at the opportunity.

And if not, there was always the chance to interview other notable figures attending the exhibition. With that thought in mind, Wonsik continued to scan the crowd as they walked through the gallery.

“Senior, look at that photo.”

“What is it?”

“Come on, hurry! That photo—take a look at it.”

Wonsik’s junior nudged his side while pointing towards a particular photograph.

Wonsik, puzzled by his colleague’s excitement, turned his head in the direction of the outstretched finger.

What he saw was indeed unusual. It was a large mosaic of Jung Woong’s face, and within the mosaic, countless smaller images of Jung Woong. The photo radiated a strong sense of self-love. On its own, the photo was nothing short of impressive, but Wonsik couldn’t help but tilt his head in confusion.

“Is this the kind of photo Jung Woong takes?”

“Right? Doesn’t it seem off? Compared to the other photos, this one has a completely different vibe. Almost like it was taken by someone else.”

Wonsik’s junior echoed his sentiment.

Each photographer’s work usually carries their unique signature style. After all, photography is a medium through which the artist conveys their view of the world, and their message. The more renowned the photographer, the more pronounced their personal style or individuality becomes.

In extreme cases, if you were to gather the works of highly skilled photographers, you might even be able to guess who took which photo just by looking at them.

Wonsik, who spent every day analyzing and evaluating photographs, was someone who could easily spot such differences.

And the photo he was now looking at felt strikingly different.

Jung Woong was a master of introspective photography, often exploring dark and melancholic emotions. Yet this mosaic portrait of him was strangely bright and hopeful. Even more peculiar was its placement—right in the middle of the gallery, surrounded by somber photos, making it stand out even more.

Could it really be someone else’s work, as his junior suggested?

‘No, that doesn’t make sense either.’

Wonsik shook his head. While it wasn’t unheard of for personal exhibitions to feature other people’s work—some photographers displayed the works of close colleagues or even gave space to their students—this was Jung Woong.

Though much of his life was shrouded in mystery, it was an open secret in the industry that Jung Woong was a perfectionist.

Would someone like him allow another person’s work to be featured in such a prominent spot at his exhibition?

It didn’t add up.

‘If it were someone else’s work, the only person I can think of is Professor Lee Kang-sik. But…’

He wanted to push through the crowd to confirm the name of the photographer displayed next to the photo, but causing a scene at the exhibition wasn’t an option.

After waiting patiently for the crowd to disperse, Wonsik finally caught sight of the name.

“Nam Woojin?”

It wasn’t Jung Woong or Professor Lee Kang-sik, but a completely unfamiliar name.

The large name Nam Woojin was written prominently, with smaller names listed beneath it. Presumably, the names were of those who had helped with the production of the mosaic. After all, creating such a large piece likely required more than one person.

‘Could this be a new protégé?’

A sudden realization flashed through Wonsik’s mind.

‘If what I’m thinking is right, this could be huge.’

Years of experience as a journalist had sharpened his instincts, and right now, they were screaming at him that there was something here worth investigating.

‘Nam Woojin… Why does that name sound so familiar?’

It wasn’t just any name. Wonsik, who rarely remembered names without reason, felt a vague sense of recognition. If it was familiar, it could mean that Nam Woojin had either been featured in the magazine or was slated to be covered in an upcoming issue.

“Nam Woojin… Nam Woojin. Nam Woojin?”

Wonsik kept repeating the name, as though searching his memory for the person behind it.

***

“Is someone talking about me?”

At that moment, Woojin scratched his ear in the corner of the exhibition hall.

Even though quite a bit of time had passed, the venue was still crowded. People were strolling around, each admiring Jung Woong’s photographs with expressions of fascination.

It was somewhat surprising to see such a large crowd for a solo exhibition by a single photographer, especially when it wasn’t part of a special event. This clearly reflected the influence Jung Woong held in the photography world.

How wonderful it must feel to witness so many people enjoying your work.

‘He must be happy,’ Woojin thought.

To be honest, he was a little envious.

He wanted to show his photographs to a wider audience, too.

He wanted to create a space filled solely with his works, a place where people could find joy in his art.

The value of a photograph isn’t determined solely by how well it’s taken. In the end, photography exists to be seen by others. The greatest value of a photo lies in its ability to evoke emotion in those who view it.

So, the sight before him must be a photographer’s dream come true.

It made Woojin wonder: when was the last time he felt such emotions?

He had been content with his life so far, but watching someone else’s exhibition stirred memories he had long forgotten.

If his eyes had been healthy, perhaps he would be living a life similar to Jung Woong’s. A life spent completely absorbed in his craft, earning praise from many for his achievements. The way Jung Woong lived now was remarkably similar to the life Woojin had once dreamt of in his past life.

But how long would it take for him, as he was now, to reach the same level as Jung Woong?

Even though his growth had been fast, it was clear that becoming a master like Jung Woong was still a distant goal.

‘Damn. What pathetic thoughts. This is all because of that talk earlier.’

Woojin shook his head, trying to dismiss the lingering thoughts, but they clung to him stubbornly.

Damn it.

The reason he felt so restless was because of the mention of studying abroad he had heard earlier. He recalled Richard’s words once again.

“Have you thought about studying abroad?”

That simple suggestion had deeply shaken him, as it was something his past self had always regretted not doing.

In his previous life, he had impulsively left for America to become a photographer. With nothing but a camera and a bit of cash, he had ventured out, only to be met with harsh realities. Within days, his money ran out, and he found himself living almost like a vagrant.

‘Back then, I was practically running away from Korea. I had no time to think.’

It was probably the most difficult period of his life.

Even though it hadn’t lasted long, the experience remained vivid, like it had happened just yesterday. What he had craved most during that time was a proper education. Not the self-taught, trial-and-error approach he had taken, but real, structured learning—like what one could gain from a university.

‘How I envied those who could attend university back then…’

Should I really consider studying abroad this time?

The thought struck him suddenly, likely because his mind was so preoccupied.

Truthfully, studying abroad wasn’t a bad option. It wasn’t that he was seriously considering Richard’s suggestion, but the merits of studying abroad were certainly appealing.

For one, he had no language barriers. Plus, having worked in the US in his previous life, he didn’t expect adapting to life there to be too difficult.

If he dropped out of high school, passed the GED, and prepared for studying abroad simultaneously, he would be able to pursue his career more freely and quickly than he could by continuing with a normal school life in Korea.

‘Wasn’t Yale famous for its photography program?’

Universities like Yale, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the New York School of Visual Arts came to mind as he considered his options.

Moreover, the additional benefits of graduating from a prestigious overseas university were undeniable. If he were to study abroad, he’d aim for the best schools.

But in all honesty, his real desire was simply to take photos in a new and exciting environment abroad.

However…

‘No, I don’t need to think about studying abroad right now.’

Woojin shook his head once again, trying to clear his mind of unnecessary thoughts. The exhibition had made him sentimental, causing him to ponder things that weren’t important at the moment.

‘I can always travel abroad to take photos. I just need the time for it.’

While studying abroad had its merits, giving up everything he was currently doing just to pursue it wasn’t the right decision. The work he was doing now was equally valuable.

He had recently succeeded in his challenge against Jung Woong, something he had viewed as a major turning point in his career.

Thanks to that, there would soon be new opportunities coming his way through his connection with Jung Woong. Whatever those opportunities were, they would undoubtedly benefit him in some way.

There was no need to rush.

He just had to focus on what was right in front of him.

With that thought settled, Woojin made his way toward Jung Woong.