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The Story of Angeli Castle : Past, Present, and Future

1. Lighting 3,650 Lanterns of Culture on Ten Trees
On May 16, 2015, in the queen’s season, wearing its crown, the Angeli Art Museum revealed its face to the world—
with a humble wish to spread culture.

Believing that the museum itself stood tall as an installation artwork, I recalled Christo’s wrapped buildings that drew
attention, since at the time, it was impossible to focus solely on the artwork. I tried to shift my mindset—to see my
architectural work as a form of art. In this way, Angeli Castle emerged into the world, breaking through the muddy
ground like a sprout pushing up to the light. At least to me, this museum was a large-scale piece I wished to complete.

Starting and finishing such a grand work wouldn’t have been possible without my life partner, my husband. It was a
journey that involved changing outfits of anguish, tears, conflict, contemplation, and doubt—moments that spanned
over ten years. Like a stationmaster at a small train stop, I greeted those who came and went with a smile and repeat-
edly said “hello” and “goodbye.” But turning away from the visitors, I often found myself sighing through sleepless
nights, disheartened by the public’s cold attitude toward cultural appreciation.
Still, I came to believe that even such sorrowful hardships were brushstrokes that made up a part of history and tra-
dition. Step by step, I kept reaffirming my resolve to approach the public with sincerity, with cultural diffusion as my
focus and truth as my weapon.

As the River of Sighs met the River of Hope flowing toward the future, more than ten years passed. The sense of duty
born from that journey grew like a tree, and over those years, I nurtured ten trees with leaves of responsibility, light-
ing 3,650 Lanterns of Culture throughout the corners and spaces of Angeli Castle, through spring, summer, fall, and
winter.

2. If I Could Call Upon Another Ten Years
With 3,650 Lanterns of Culture hung on ten trees, I nurtured hopes on the tree of the future and was able to meet
countless, diverse people. As Angeli Castle and I both aged, I found myself constantly reflecting on what true value in
life and art really means—shaping and coloring the course of my own life in the process. Carrying that weight on my
shoulders while struggling to run this place, I often heard voices—like a chorus on repeat—saying, “Why suffer? Just
go on a cruise and enjoy life.” Each time, my quiet but consistent answer, with a gentle smile, was: “Because I want to
exist, not merely survive.”

Everyone has a different meaning for existence. But if the path is already chosen, then one must walk through it. It’s
necessary to find the strength to transcend and overcome hardships—to act despite difficulty. Doing so was my way
of honoring the loyalty and love for the one who left me a gift and departed—for my husband, who supported this
dream.

At times, the lanterns went out in despair, and everything was plunged into darkness. But each time I regained my
composure and opened my eyes, the world—bathed in sunlight—reminded me that the full spectrum of life’s emo-
tions—joy, sorrow, grief, and happiness—was still there to be felt. That street of emotions was life itself. Having of-
fered my first love to Angeli Castle with a noble heart, and having chosen this path on my own, I had no other option
but to pour in my sincerity and give it my all.

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