Yeon Gyu-Hyun, who has dedicated 20 years to painting Jirisan’s landscapes in traditional ink styles. Despite societal and material struggles, his art embodies a deep spiritual richness. As he prepares for his latest exhibition, Once Upon a Time, the Hill Where I Played, following his mother’s passing, his works are expected to resonate deeply, offering comfort and reflection in an era marked by emotional poverty. The writer sees Yeon’s art as a quiet yet powerful rebellion against a fleeting, image-driven age.