The Master And The Follower

May 27,2009

Thanks to Happie Bb , she translated this article in Josie Jishin ( a Japanese Mag) in English. Though I can understand some Japanese language, but I can't read Kanji (Kanji are the Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese logographic writing system along with Hiragana and Katakana). I can read Hiragana and Katakana but not Kanji, it's so difficult for me.


original in japanese: josei jishin 2009/05/26
translated into chinese: snowkin / loveyongjoon
translated into english: happiebb / bb's blog

Lacquer Teacher Reveals
the Teacher-Student Relationship
for the First Time!

"In his works, pain and loneliness have been expressed...."

"I didn't ask him to come, but at around 7pm, Bae Yong Joon suddenly appeared. In his hands were a high-grade suit in gray and a shirt, that's his birthday present for me." Mr Jun Yong Bok who is Yonsama's (36) teacher said this with a smile.

It was 16th April, and Mr Jun held a birthday party for himself with ten other friends at Gorilla restaurant in Seoul. At that time, Yonsama had specially hurried over to send his birthday wishes. Yonsama has been Mr Jun's student for three months alreadys, and there are still exchanges and contact between the two.

"There's even a lacquer drying room in Yong Joon's home. The facilities were airflown from Japan, and it was my son who had gone over to his place to help install and set up everything."

Yonsama had turned one section of his own home into a lacquer studio, and that's for him to learn and create diligently as a lacquer artist.

"Each time I go to Seoul, I will instruct and guide Yong Joon on the techniques of lacquering. As a lacquer artist, he's really outstanding, it's really beyond words. His enthusiasm is also commendable. When I'm talking, he will be taking notes and he even uses IC record to record what I say.

I've taught about 2,000 students so far, but this is the first time I've had a student like him."

They address each other as teacher (sonseungnim) and you (jane?). Even when they are at a dinner party, their teacher-student relationship is also clearly displayed.

"Yong Joon will never raise his chopsticks to eat before I do. And when drinking, he will also turn his body to one side and cover his mouth to drink."

Of course, in korea, such courtesy and practices are quite common and expected towards one's elders, but Yonsama does it so thoroughly and mindfully. Mr Jun said, "He's too polite, I wish that he will be more relaxed." (laughs)

The Lacquer Fantasy event - a Collaboration of Lacquer and Musical Instruments - and also the joint lacquer exhibition of Jun Yong Bok and Bae Yong Joon was supposed to be held in June, and it has been postponed (date TBA) because of the flu situation.

Yonsama whose works are to be on display together with Mr Jun's works in the exhibition, did not step out outdoors for a week and he spent a week to create this big work. "Two works measuring180cm in height and 120cm in width, the titles are 'Sea at Dawn' and 'Romance between Two'.



The artist's life, philosophy and thoughts tend to be reflected in his lacquer works. We can feel the depth of life, loneliness and pain in his works."

On another note, the Iwate Lacquer Art Centre which had closed last November will be re-opening come 1st August.

"Yong Joon will be the honorary Centre Director! There will also be a special exhibit area that is newly added specially to showcase his works. In future, I would like the Art Centre to be under his care."


Now, Mr Jun is making preparation for Yonsama's fluid and moving stage (read: platform for performance), and he is also creating lacquer pieces. Let us watch this summer closely!