"Art museums are not meant to be passed down. They should be returned to society."
Gu Jeong-soon, a first-generation CI designer appearing on "Neighbor Millionaire," attracted attention by revealing her conviction that "instead of leaving my inheritance to my nephews, I will return it to society."
The episode of "Seo Jang-hoon's Neighbor Millionaire," aired on the 7th, featured Gu Jeong-soon, a designer who has designed the corporate images of major corporations in South Korea for over 50 years. Known for creating logos for iconic brands from an era, including LG's predecessor Geumseongsa, KBS, Samsung Anycall, and Cyworld, she is currently residing in a self-made mansion of 1400 pyeong located in the heart of Cheongdam-dong.
Gu Jeong-soon stated, "My job is a graphic designer, mainly working on corporate identity logos." She added, "Most people think of logos when they hear CI, but it involves researching, strategizing, and developing concepts before moving to the design development phase. Whether it was 50 years ago or now, I sketch designs with a pencil. I have probably drawn thousands of them."
The broadcast shed light on Gu Jeong-soon's life as a property owner who became one through an investment in a Cheongdam-dong site 30 years ago, which included over 500 pieces of art worth hundreds of millions of won and a chair worth hundreds of millions by legendary designer George Nakashima.
Seo Jang-hoon posed the question, "Who will inherit Mr. Gu's wealth?" Gu Jeong-soon responded, "I am not married yet. I have many nephews, but I cannot pass down an art museum," displaying a firm stance. She went on to say, "I have never used art for financial investment, and art holds value in itself," and added, "I am currently preparing a foundation, and ultimately, it will be returned to society."
Gu Jeong-soon expressed, "The space I created is not for showcasing personal wealth, but for sharing with society as a part of our country's design and cultural assets" and noted, "Returning what I have created back to society is a natural thing to do."
In regard to this decision, Seo Jang-hoon remarked, "After meeting with you today, I had to rethink the word rich. It has humbled my heart and served as an opportunity to return to my original intentions."
Meanwhile, Gu Jeong-soon has never collected artworks for the purpose of "investment" and continues the philosophy that design is a task "not for making money, but for leaving a meaning behind." He added, "I hope that even if someone continues this space in the future, it will be returned in value to society as a whole."
[Photo] Capture from the broadcast of "Seo Jang-hoon's Neighbor Millionaire"
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