Condivi, The Life of Michelangelo, p. 106

Condivi, The Life of Michelangelo, p. 106.

"It was not uncommon for him to fall asleep on his bed without even taking off the clothes and boots he had worn all day outside. Sometimes, he would go days dressed like that, until his skin peeled off like snake scales from his boots."

Late afternoon.

A car sped through a beautifully decorated street set against the backdrop of a glowing sunset.

It was heading in the opposite direction from where everyone else seemed to be going—toward the big church. The SUV glided effortlessly along the streets of Seoul.

"Bongeunsa on Christmas? Gwanghwa Tathāgata? Since when did my brother get so weird?"

Kang Chaeyeong glanced sideways in disbelief. Sitting in the passenger seat beside her was Kang Seok. Then Baek Myeonghee, in the front passenger seat, turned around to look at them.

Baek Myeonghee glanced at Kang Hyeondo, who was driving, and smiled.

"Why not? Your dad and I love that we're all out together like this. Makes buying the car worth it."

"Right? After all that talk your mom did about getting an SUV for the whole family to go places, we didn't really have a reason to use it. Thanks to Seok, it's finally finding a purpose."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm driving. I'm driving right now."

"I know. Geez. Let's talk when we get out of the car."

"Well... if Mom and Dad are happy, then it's fine. I don't mind either."

As the family chatted, Kang Seok sat silently with a sleep mask on, lips twitching slightly. He didn't answer Chaeyeong out of laziness, but he was listening to everything.

Having returned to Korea, Kang Seok had spent several hectic days. Now, he was finally settling down and heading to Bongeunsa Temple with his family.

Bongeunsa.

A thousand-year-old temple nestled in the heart of Gangnam.

As they arrived, Ven. Beobgyeong, the head monk of Bongeunsa, greeted them at the front gate, Jinyeomun, with a warm smile.

"Shall we go?"

"Yes."

With a calm expression, Kang Seok followed Beobgyeong's lead, and the family quickly followed behind. They weren't religious, so visiting a temple during a holiday wasn't something they were used to.

"Even on Christmas, Bongeunsa is quite crowded."

"It really is."

"...It's all thanks to you, layman. Since the Gwanghwa Tathāgata was temporarily installed here, we've seen a large number of visitors on holidays like this."

Being Bongeunsa, it naturally drew visitors even on holidays, but Beobgyeong wanted to give more credit to Kang Seok—out of a desire to stay on his good side.

Kang Seok, fully aware, shook his head with a resigned smile. Kang Chaeyeong looked at him anew, surprised. Meanwhile, Kang Hyeondo and Baek Myeonghee, proud and emotional, walked on with flushed faces.

The Gwanghwa Tathāgata was installed in a courtyard just past Jinyeomun and Beopwangru, then off to the right.

In the center of a courtyard surrounded by the Seon Hall, Jijangjeon, Maehwadang, and the Traditional Culture Experience Center, the Gwanghwa Tathāgata stood in all its majestic glory.

People were standing nearby with palms together in prayer. Because it was a temporary installation, there were no wish boxes present.

As the late sunlight faded, Kang Chaeyeong, Kang Hyeondo, and Baek Myeonghee each let out a soft gasp at the sight of the Gwanghwa Tathāgata, bathed in the sunset's glow.

It shimmered, as though it were reflecting the prayers of all.

"...There's a wider space behind Yehoeru, but since there's the Maitreya Buddha Plaza nearby, the lighting wasn't ideal. That's why we placed it here instead."

Ven. Beobgyeong, careful to stress it wasn't a hasty decision, explained once more. Kang Hyeondo responded with a smile.

"So, it's the Gwanghwa Tathāgata during the day and the Maitreya Buddha at night? Haha."

"Yes, indeed. All of it is a blessing for Bongeunsa. Thank you, layman."

At that, Kang Seok smiled meaningfully.

Unlike the plaza with the Maitreya Buddha, the temporary yard housing the Gwanghwa Tathāgata had no wish boxes and a limited prayer space, but people continued to flock to it.

The fact that it would soon be moved to Thailand's White Temple—and thus wouldn't be viewable permanently—surely contributed to its popularity.

"By the way, Cardinal Stephen Yeom Jinseok mentioned during tea that you still haven't responded. Has something happened?"

"Haha. I've been a bit busy. Honestly, I thought there'd be fewer people here than at churches on Christmas, so I came to see the Gwanghwa Tathāgata. But it's quite packed."

Kang Seok deflected.

Ven. Beobgyeong, smiling gently like a Hahoe mask, nodded.

If Kang Seok didn't want to answer, he had no reason to press.

"Not everyone worships the same god. It's a rare holiday, and this temple is conveniently located downtown. And of course, the Gwanghwa Tathāgata is here. Who wouldn't want to come?"

Beopgyeong ended with a nod toward the sculpture, smiling kindly.

"That's true."

"Indeed."

As they chatted quietly, Beobgyeong suddenly lifted his head.

The sun had set.

Believing it was the perfect time, Beobgyeong smiled.

"Now that the best part of the day is over, people should begin leaving soon. Would you like to join me for tea?"

A moment to sit and discuss the piece—Beopgyeong's eyes sparkled as he looked at Kang Seok.

"...Would it be alright if I visited the Gwanghwa Tathāgata first?"

"Oh, yes, of course. Please take your time. I'll wait here."

Nodding at Beobgyeong's smile, Kang Seok walked slowly toward the sculpture. Watching him, Chaeyeong tilted her head.

"Why now, oppa? Is something wrong with the sculpture?"

Sensing her innocent curiosity and concern, Kang Seok shook his head.

The truth was, despite it being Christmas, Kang Seok had many reasons for coming here.

He wanted to spend quiet time with family in a less crowded place. He wanted to grant his mother's wish to go on a drive in the SUV. He wanted to see his work again after a long time.

But the real reason he came to Bongeunsa on Christmas to visit the Gwanghwa Tathāgata was this:

"I thought maybe they still hadn't figured it out, even after all this time."

"...What?"

Before Chaeyeong could ask what he meant, Kang Seok pulled a candle from his pocket—the kind sold at Bongeunsa for wishes.

When did he even buy that? Not only Chaeyeong and Hyeondo but also Myeonghee and Beobgyeong were surprised.

Regardless.

From his other pocket, Kang Seok pulled out a lighter.

"Oh my god!"

Myeonghee exclaimed, pointing at the lighter. Where did that even come from? Before anyone could stop him, Kang Seok lit it with a click, the sound of metal scraping echoing through his thumbnail.

He was already standing before the Gwanghwa Tathāgata.

People were heading toward the main gate as darkness fell quickly in winter.

In that moment of indifference, Kang Seok moved to the side of the sculpture, bringing the lit candle toward it.

Ven. Beobgyeong instinctively took a step forward, worried that the white marble might get scorched. He hesitated—should he stop him?

But he was not the owner of that statue.

In that fleeting moment of hesitation...

The flame passed under the statue's thigh, slipped between the lotus pedestal and the thigh, and disappeared into a hidden crevice.

"...What!"

Beopgyeong was shocked. Though he knew there was a gap there, he hadn't realized it was large enough to insert such a long wish candle.

At that moment—

In the twilight, a small light began to glow.

Kang Seok, like someone who had swallowed the flame himself, watched as the Gwanghwa Tathāgata began to glow—as if it had become a lantern.

Yes.

That was it.

White onyx.

Reminiscent of white porcelain, this white onyx transmitted light more beautifully when lit from within than from without.

Its signature cloud-like patterns spread the light softly through the stone, like a painting.

The humble candle ignited the entire sculpture like a wax figure burning from within.

It was like a full moon hidden within its core.

"This... this is what I wanted to see."

Gwanghwa—"Radiant Splendor."

It was exactly that.

Brilliant, beautiful, dazzling.

Kang Seok turned slowly to see Beobgyeong's stunned face. He had hoped someone would notice—but unless he spelled it out, it was hard to recognize such intention.

As the temporary exhibition neared its end, he didn't want Bongeunsa to miss this. That's why he'd come.

"Aah…"

Whether or not he understood Kang Seok's intent,

Ven. Beobgyeong, staring at the earthly moon that lit the darkness, pressed his palms together.

By day, it held the sun; by night, it held the moon—this was the true form of the Gwanghwa Tathāgata.

Moved, Beobgyeong turned to his attendant.

"Sangjwa."

"Yes, Master?"

"Turn off all the lights in the courtyard."

"...What? But Master, if we do that—"

"I said it would be better to turn them off. Sangjwa."

"...Y-yes. Understood."

The timid attendant hurried off to extinguish all the lanterns around the courtyard. Lights in nearby buildings also dimmed.

Darkness fell quickly.

"What's going on?"

"A power outage?"

People paused in confusion as the lights suddenly went out. Winter had already turned to night.

Then—

A crimson shadow stretched across the ground, swallowed by the black night.

"...Is that a candle?"

"What is that?"

People slowly turned their heads, following the light.

A silent night.

A holy night.

A world drowned in darkness.

While others celebrated Christmas with trees and gifts at churches, cathedrals, or home…

One candle flickered gently against the winter wind.

Near where all electric lights were off.

People gathered around the Gwanghwa Tathāgata, forming a circle and quietly gazing up at it.

It was a strangely moving scene.

Ven. Beobgyeong looked upon it and deeply reflected.

"To think... I didn't even know this was hidden within."

It was neither the passage of time nor fate that was to blame, but my own shortcomings and carelessness. As Beopgyeong reflected on himself, he closed his eyes, trying to feel the silence that surrounded them.

Be your own light. Rely on the Dharma as your light.

You must each be a light unto yourselves and rely on yourselves. Likewise, rely on the Dharma as your light and do not depend on anything else.

This very moment.

Here, that teaching remained.

Originally, hanging lanterns in Buddhism symbolizes lighting a lamp. By lighting a lamp, it embodies the Buddha's teaching—Be your own light, rely on the Dharma—symbolizing the illumination of ignorance and darkness.

The Buddha's words urged people to light the lamp of their own minds to realize the truth, to live lives of continuous practice and self-reflection.

That message was once again blooming here.

"Across thousands of years, here and now, at Bongeunsa…"

As Beopgyeong gazed at it, eyes brimming with unspoken longing, he turned to his disciple.

"…Isn't it a shame we have to send this away?"

"Well… it was promised."

"Even if it was, isn't it still a shame? If Hyechong Sunim were here, he'd understand perfectly what I meant… But you…"

This wasn't the time to dwell on such things.

It wasn't just about the cardinal wanting to meet Kang-seok.

Bongeunsa was more urgent right now.

What did Kang-seok like?

As Beopgyeong's thoughts grew heavier, Kang-seok returned, looking satisfied.

"Then, I'll be going now."

"Already? Won't you stay for tea?"

"I'd like to, but… I want to rest a bit with my family before I go back to work."

"Ah…"

"I'll come by next time for tea."

"Please do. By the way, Mr. Kang."

"Yes?"

"You mentioned working on a new piece… May I ask what kind?"

"Ah, I got a commission from SanGang Group's CEO, Park Sun-woo. It's a piece that'll be installed outdoors at the new hotel spa…"

As Kang-seok continued speaking—

Park Sun-woo. Park Sun-woo.

Beopgyeong repeated the name, smiling with eyes full of crinkled, mask-like wrinkles. If it was that Park Sun-woo from SanGang Group, Beopgyeong knew him too.

Just as the group's founder, Park Eun-soo, once received the Buddhist name Cheonghwa at Bongeunsa, the entire owner family followed Buddhism and regarded Bongeunsa as their spiritual home. He'd heard they'd attend the New Year ceremony soon.

A glimmer of desire appeared in Beopgyeong's eyes.

If he spoke with him, he might learn just how Mr. Kang had gotten this commission.

Thinking thus, Beopgyeong smiled brightly at Kang-seok. It was a night in which everyone held their own hopes, lighting the lamps in their hearts.

A few days after Christmas...

On December 27th, Kang-seok headed straight to a hanok in Yangseon-gu. The holidays had begun, he had no plans to take the college entrance exams, and there was nothing stopping him.

Upon arrival, he unpacked his things and started a live stream right away.

Because Yangseon-gu had protected the work from snow with waterproof coverings and nailed down the base, the marble and camera setup remained just as it was.

[Hi, hi][Good to see you!][Been waiting. Saw news about Art Basel Miami Beach… If I'd known about the merch, I would've gone… I could've bought the Florence Sunset ink… and that dip pen was gorgeous… I want it… Please restock it…][Ah, the ink 😭😭][You didn't even tell us about the ink merch before you left 😭]

As soon as Kang-seok started the stream, the chat was filled with lament. Most were talking about the limited edition Florence Sunset ink and dip pen set released at Art Basel Miami Beach—only 100 units.

Having learned that the set was inspired by Kang-seok's piece Sunset and handcrafted by him, many were heartbroken and begged for a restock.

[(I went and bought it. Sold out on the first day. A group of black-haired people dashed to the booth the moment it opened, so I followed instinctively. Korean navigation is next-level. And to the guy up there—if you'd come on the first day, you could've gotten one too.)]

[Watching this makes me feel like my foreign language skills are improving in real time. Educational and inspiring. I have my college interview tomorrow and I'm watching this. Legendary.]

[Where is this place? The forest in the background is stunning. Is this even in Korea?]

[Pretty sure it is. I think I know where, but I'm not saying in case reporters show up like last time. If anyone ruins this again, I'll report them.]

[Agreed 1111][Agreed 222]

Regardless of what the chat said, Kang-seok focused solely on his work. He barely cared about sleep or food.

He chewed on some bread left on the floor and drank grape soda only to refresh himself.

Not even bothering to change clothes or take off his shoes, he sprawled out on the floor to sleep—prompting Yangseon-gu, in traditional hanbok, to scold him on the stream and drag him into a heated room.

Because he refused to change, Yangseon-gu ordered him work clothes. Kang-seok didn't care about his matted hair—he focused only on the sculpture.

He seemed reluctant to waste even a second, or perhaps he feared breaking his concentration. Either way, it was a level of focus beyond normal comprehension.

People in the chat wondered if Kang-seok was an ice man, marveling at how he could work in winter cold without even red or cracked hands.

He never got sick. He never tired.

He struck his chisel like a furnace boiled within him.

If viewers hadn't occasionally seen him eat or sleep on stream, they might have thought AI had progressed this far—his dedication was almost inhuman.

And then, on the fifth day of this relentless work:

December 31st.

The year's final day.

Chat comments trickled in slowly through the midnight quiet.

[Watching this while waiting for the New Year's bell.][You've all worked hard this year. Let's do our best again next year.][This is lovely. I've been avoiding social media, but this warm community gave me a lot of comfort. Watching Kang-seok's quiet work makes me want to live my life with the same intention. If I live sincerely at my own pace, maybe someday I'll create something beautiful too.][Are you an artist? Wishing you the best.][Thanks for all your hard work this year.][Less than an hour left of the year now.]

While they chatted and watched, Kang-seok's movements gradually slowed.

He was sculpting the eyes—the soul of the sculpture. As he carved a statue whose face was partially hidden, viewers typed:

[I can't take my eyes off it.][It's incredible.][Wait, aren't the positions off if the woodcutter and the fairy are both looking up? Maybe the installation spots differ?][I really want to see this in person.][Does anyone know where this piece will be shown? Gwanghwa Buddha was temporarily installed at Bongeunsa. That was amazing in person. I want to see this one too.][I don't think he's announced it yet.]

Long-time viewers typed freely; newcomers simply watched, awestruck.

Kang-seok's sculpture was captivating.

Like a painting that commanded attention, it pulled your gaze.

Unlike other sculptures that became mere decoration—blamed on curators' poor placement—his pieces always demanded attention.

They were sublime and awe-inspiring.

They compelled the viewer's soul.

You couldn't understand until you saw it, even through a screen.

A topknot.

A cloth headband tied carelessly.

A face full of desperation and longing.

An opened robe.

A strong, sculpted chest revealed.

Billowing hanbok pants.

Running forward, reaching toward something. The sculpture captured the woodcutter chasing the fairy, freezing that instant in stone. No actor could replicate such a sincere expression.

If not for its size, you might have believed someone had brought a real person from a fairytale and turned them to stone.

Granted, the muscles were a bit too intense. But that masculine power was enough to make many female viewers blush.

It was a different kind of allure from the fairy figure.

As the New Year's bell tolled from somewhere out of earshot, Kang-seok quietly continued.

They say the soul is revealed through the eyes.

And now, he was giving the final breath to his work—chiseling the soul into the eye. With infinite precision, he struck the chisel as delicately as dandelion fluff.

Beneath bright filming lights, Kang-seok worked in silence.

And when he finished the final circle of the left pupil, he exhaled the breath he'd been holding—he'd held it for 4 minutes and 29 seconds while inscribing a ring of despair into the stone.

He slowly stepped down the ladder.

Then, clearing it away, he stepped back. At the same moment, Yangseon-gu kicked off his electric mat and stood up.

On the right stood a woman soaring toward the sky. On the left, a man reaching for her.

Right: female. Left: male.

Right: softness. Left: hardness.

Right held sorrow in the pursuit of hope and freedom; left held longing, despair, and dread.

A sculpture containing hope-filled sorrow and yearning saturated with despair.

Could such a contradictory piece even exist?

As the bell rang, inaudible to the two...

The "Fairy and the Woodcutter" was complete.

It was finished in the liminal moment between December 31st and January 1st.

Kang-seok gazed at it quietly, then turned to Yangseon-gu, who was watching with a gulp in his throat.

"Sir. I have a favor to ask."

"Hm? What kind of favor?"

After showing such an incredible work, how could he not grant it? Yangseon-gu nodded without hesitation.

"Remember the equipment you used back when we moved the marble from the school? Could you bring that here?"

"Ah, so you want to move it to the hotel right away?"

"Partly. But first… I want to combine them."

"…Combine?"

Kang-seok pointed to the sculptures.

"These two."

"Hm?"

"Didn't I say? This piece is both one and two."