Korean traditional calligraphy (Korean: 서예) is not just the art of writing the Korean script Hangeul or Hanja. It is a unique part of the country’s culture that conveys the spirit of the times and strengthens the self-identity of Koreans around the world.

At present, traditional calligraphy is a unique, authentic element that is actively used in the fields of fashion, entertainment, and media. Calligraphic elements appear in the design of clothing and accessories, in stage productions and visual designs of Korean artists’ performances, fueling interest in this art in the Hallyu era. But what is the secret of its appeal? The answer to this question could be found through the work of the world-famous conceptual calligrapher Mrs. Shin Jeong Kyun, creative pseudonym So Yeop (Korean: 소엽). Just as we recognize an artist’s personality through a painting, through calligraphic texts we feel the special meaning and energy conveyed by the master. Behind every word, there is a person.

On May 5, 2025, within the walls of the Korean Cultural Center at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Moscow, the exhibition “Healing Hangul” (original Korean: 약글, which literally means “약” - medicine and “글” - writing) by Mrs. Shin Jeong Kyun was solemnly opened, and it will last until June 5, 2025.

The opening exhibition took place in stages, allowing attendees to get to know the artist’s personality more deeply, the importance of the venue, and the meaning of her work. Moreover, the grand opening concluded with a unique opportunity to receive a personal calligraphic message from the artist herself.

This event truly turned out to be special—full of warmth and an atmosphere of well-being. The name of the exhibition was not chosen by chance: even before the viewer has time to look at the works, the very communication with Mrs. Shin Jeong Kyun fills the soul. Furthermore, her attention, kindness, and deep gaze penetrate the heart. This energy is also transmitted through calligraphy. As the artist herself says: “After visiting my exhibition, everyone will find one phrase that can change their life.”

The acquaintance began with a story about the artist’s history. So Yeop is a creative pseudonym that, according to her, means “thin sheet.” She appeared before the audience without pathos, but with that inner strength that evokes sincere applause.

I was lucky enough to hear her story of becoming an artist. Not only has Mrs. Shin Jeong Kyun been practicing calligraphy for over 30 years, but she is also deservedly called the “Hangul Ambassador” and the “Artist of Healing Words.” Nowadays, she travels worldwide, creating live works and touching people's hearts.

According to the Number One newspaper in Paju (https://blog.naver.com/atpaju/223835309987), Master So Yeup, Mrs. Shin Jeong Gyun, was born in Gwancheol Dong, Seoul, in 1949. Professionally, she graduated from the Department of Calligraphy, College of Fine Arts, Kyung Hee University, and studied under Iljung Kim Chung-hyun, Chojeong Kwon Chang-ryun, and Hanbyeol Shin Du-yeong.  Moreover, as Mrs. Shin said, she began her search in the 1980s, and for a long time, she looked for a hobby that would bring inspiration and joy. The master tried various decorative arts, and, as a result, her heart chose calligraphy.

At present, her exhibitions are held in the USA, Canada, France, Guatemala, China, and many more countries. In Korea itself, her work is exhibited at the National Gugak Center, the Unification Research Institute (KINU), and Yulgok Shrine. According to the Number One newspaper in Paju (https://blog.naver.com/atpaju/223835309987), in 2025, the artist had just finished exhibitions in New York and Paju, and now here in Moscow, Russia, we have a unique opportunity to see these works live.

Calligraphy therapy occupies a special place in her work. From the early 1990s, she worked for more than 15 years in one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Seoul, using calligraphy as a therapy method for patients with psychiatric and mental disorders. Master So Yeop was so inspired by these patients’ works that it marked a major beginning for her art. This is how the direction of “healing calligraphy” was born.

“Writing is a healing elixir for the soul. When the body hurts, we take medicine. And when does the soul hurt? We need a friend who understands. Working with patients, I came to create healing writing as a recipe for the soul,” says the artist.

The main idea she conveys is to be happy in the present. People often suffer by living with regrets about the past.

“The past is a corpse. There is no need to return to it and torment yourself with thoughts of what was done wrong. It poisons the present. According to statistics, about 60% of people cannot let go of the past and suffer from it. I often write in my works: ‘The past is a corpse.’ Leave it where it is,” says So Yeop.

The exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Moscow was also opened by the director of the center, Mr. Park Jung Gon (박정곤). Like Mrs. Shin Jeong Gyun, he noted the importance of Korean calligraphy as part of the national heritage and emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural friendship between Korea and Russia. The artist opened the exhibition with a live performance, writing a calligraphic message about the friendship of nations.

Mrs. Shin Jeong Gyun's calligraphy is not just traditional art. Each of her strokes is filled with deep meaning, and her style carries healing power.

Nowadays, in turbulent times, many seek support outside, forgetting that the foundation lies within us. The artist’s works are not just beautiful; they create an internal dialogue that helps you hear yourself and become a better person. This is precisely what the central work of the exhibition conveys with the message: “The only person standing in the way of your success is yourself.”

It is important to note that Mrs. Shin Jeong Kyun flew to Russia specifically to personally participate in preparing the exhibition. Moreover, some of the works on display were created just before the opening, giving them a unique feature. After the opening, the next day, she again met with visitors to the center, personally talked with everyone, and wrote memorable phrases—individual manifestos that may change someone's life.

Having said that, I realized how lucky I was to communicate with her in person—the meeting left me with the feeling of touching something profound. I truly believe that we are guided by the right person and the right words at the right time. And maybe right now, you should read this article and discover something new in yourself. Moreover, as Mrs. Shin said, she is going to visit all countries around the world during the rest of her life, so maybe you will have an opportunity to meet this unbelievable artist in person.

Most of all, even after meeting the artist, I realized I wanted to return to the Korean Cultural Center and engage in a mental dialogue with her works. Is it not a miracle?

The exhibition “Healing Hangul” can be visited until June 5, 2025, at the Korean Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Moscow, Russian Federation, at the address: Moscow, st. Arbat, 24.

This article was prepared by Honorary Reporter Svetlana Klimenko from Russia