In May 1975, a small classical jewelry store opened in Myungdong, where many art and culture loving people were coming and going. I was able to realize my dream at the age of forty, having grown to love classical omaments since I was young. Myungborang was born with my heartiest wish to make it a first-rate jewelry craft shop.

I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without the help of numerous people since, at that time, a woman working outside the home was not well understood. There were people all around me whom I will never forget: the Chairman of the Board of Directors fo ES-Mode, Park Yoon-Jung, who has been at my side giving me advice, answering my difficult questions, and willingly providing me with a suitable location: the former director of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Lee Kyung-Sung, who named the store and designed its symbol ; and the late architect Kim Soo-geun, who designed the interior of the small but pretty store, just to name a few. They all gave me courage and confidence in the early days of Myungborang.

Based on the encouragement and genuine advice of these dear people, I thought that I would be able to revive our classically traditional patterns on the jewelry and silver and copper wares at Myungborang. With that thought in mind, I did research about many antique artworks where those patterns were engraved, and visited numerous museums in order to improve my artistic sensibility since opening the store. As little as I was able to do, the silver wares of Myungborang were made through this process. And yet, I was still faced with some limitations. I, who didn’t have much knowledge about art, started to feel very anxious about the future without any clear recourse. Then Kim soo-geun advised me to arrange for a Myungborang metal work invitation exhibition, and the first exhibition subsequently opened in 1981. It hasn’t been easy, but I have been happy to hold The Invitation Exhibition of Myungborang every year.

In 1989 at last, I opened Gallery Bing, which was the metal craft specialty gallery and my long-cherished ambition, in front of the Hyatt Hotel. I am very grateful that I have been able to keep a close relationship with Kim Won, who designed Gallery Bing beautifully and has continued to be supportive up until today. I have always been thankful and proud to simply be able to exhibit the artworks of great artists. I have felt some regret, though, that I haven’t been able to repay the artists and professors enough, in comparison with the inspiration and comfort that their works have given me.

While I have been managing Myunborang, I have never forgotten and always kept in my mind that the most important thing in life is “trust based on love.” There are too many unforgettable acquaintances, artists, and professors who have encouraged me with love and trust whenever I was in need, for me to cite every name. Even if I cherish my gratitude to them for life, it will only pale in comparison to what they’ve given me. The debt of gratitude has been engraved in my mind like a delicate relief.

I am preparing for the next future of Myungborang, with the thought that life and art, ultimately, create their own reality. Now, Myungborang will try even harder to open a new era as a ‘specialty shop for metal craft and jewelry’ in order to repay the debt of gratitude to so many people for our 33rd anniversary.
Thank you.

May 2007
Director of Myungborang Nam Ki-sook