By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The news has finally broken that the Bank of Korea (BOK) would introduce 50,000-won banknotes in June, and that Shin Saimdang would be featured on them. And for artist Lee Jong-sang, who drew the portrait of the famous mother figure, it was more than mere currency.
``The 50,000-won banknote is the most cultural and artistic of Korean banknotes. It may seem strange at first because it looks a bit different, but there are interesting features here and there. I feel like we can now compete with other countries' banknotes. I am even thinking of bringing them to my art exhibition in Paris this July and recreating them into modern artwork,'' Lee said during an interview with Yonhap News agency.
Shin Saimdang was a female writer and calligraphist during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) and is renowned as the mother of famous scholar Yulgok. She will be the first female to appear on a Korean banknote.
``Shin Saimdang was a modern woman and an artist,'' Lee said when asked what he thought about her being the figure featured on the bill.
For Lee, this is not his first time he has brought prominent figures from the past to life through currency, as he also drew the portrait of Yulgok on the 5,000-won banknote.
``The BOK first came to me to propose the idea. When there was a rumor that there would be a new bill and that the candidates for the portrait were King Gwangaeto and Jang Bo-go, I thought it would be easier for me to work on them as I'd already worked on their portraits. I think the BOK still considered me even after deciding on Shin Saimdang, as I had a lot of experience,'' he said.
Drawing prominent figures on banknotes is a great honor, according to Lee ― but he added that it was also a great burden.
``I tend to be more careful with every move I make. When I was chosen to draw Yulgok's portrait, my teacher and artist Kim Eun-ho told me to never reveal the fact that I drew the portraits and to avoid any misbehavior,'' Lee said.
As such, Lee never lent any money nor got involved in situations regarding the misuse of it.
``When somebody crumples money, it feels like I am being crumpled as well. Money is the face that represents our nation. I was also thrilled to have an artist representing one of our banknotes for the first time,'' said Lee.