One day, I was watching the news on television. It was snowing heavily in the middle of bustling Seoul, and a reporter was conducting a survey about Christmas. On the streets, young couples were hugging, and people were sticking their thoughts onto a survey board with colorful stickers. That scene stayed with me.
To me, a hug has always been something I long for, yet hesitate to give — an act that feels like a small kind of yearning or absence, held back by the fear of burdening someone else. When I paint WE HUG series and the image comes together beautifully, I feel a sense of calm — a peace that requires no one’s permission or understanding.
