Before stepping into a universe filled with blue, let's pause for a moment. In our world, where everything corresponds through our senses, the notion that nothing is predictable becomes a stark reality. The chilling truth that we cannot even be sure of the immediate future approaches us like a mirage of stability, tilting our hearts towards it. We must steadfastly endure this splendid time called life, accompanied by our souls and senses that have resolved to head towards that place, making it not in vain. Please view the preceding ramblings as nothing more than the struggles of a young painter attempting to embody the truth that the best writing is short and concise. Nevertheless, for a not-so-short time, I've stubbornly adhered to the somewhat clichéd slogan, 'a painting to see, not to read.' Once, under the guise of an evaluation for an award from a foundation, it was ambiguously and uncomfortably stated that, 'while seeking a unique path with strong imagery, diverging from trends, there's a hint of banality that leaves a bit of regret.' I recall simply accepting this assessment at face value. However, I want to emphasize that my series "TRUE-BLUE (2021~)" is a crystallization of my focus and aspiration towards the pure substance of painting. The title "TRUE-BLUE" is based on several firm reasons. First, the color blue has long been considered a symbol of fidelity. Second, it also refers to an unwavering attitude, consistent with my worldview of not being engulfed by transient trends. Speaking more tangibly, just as a deficiency in magnesium can trigger eyelid spasms, a deep-seated inferiority complex regarding a certain color has materialized into a will to overcome through painting, and that color is blue. Looking back as far as my apprenticeship, I reached the question, 'Why have I never been honest with the color blue?' There wasn't any particular reason, but strangely, it was so. Humans instinctively avoid fear, so in a way, it could be seen as my intuition functioning well. But I have always confronted and overcome fear through painting, so blue has become another object of conquest, as well as the driving force behind the TRUE-BLUE series. In recent years, I've focused on material originality to not be swept away by the tides of universality in my works. It was then that I witnessed how the unique, heavy pressure exerted by the color blue acts as a neutralizer to the overwhelming nature of grand landscapes. In short, after realizing the potential for viewers to feel at peace with the grand and sublime, yet somewhat intimidating, presence of nature, the legitimacy of this series became even more solidified. Prompted by this, I wanted to go further. Thus, I moved beyond the conventional canvas frame, painting directly onto sturdy, refined aluminum plates. Ironically, in resisting the waves of universality, I ended up painting waves. The future brought by today seems quite valuable. The exploration of the uncertainties embedded in life will be recorded in today's blue. Speaking of what lies ahead is like delving into the unfathomable depths of a piece in the ocean, difficult to assert confidently. But one thing is certain – I am ready to be more stubborn. (End of translation)