Return of the Genius Photographer

‘Is that really Kang San?’

Hearing the man’s name, I was quite surprised.

If it was Photographer Kang San, he was somewhat famous in this field.

‘A free-spirited photographer who travels the world capturing photos with celebrities.’

Mostly active abroad, Kang San took photos of whatever inspired him, unrestricted by conventions. And, as free-spirited as his work was, his personality was rumored to be equally unusual.

This was my first time meeting him in person, even counting my past life.

But considering his reputation and his international presence, it would be strange not to know the name Kang San.

‘I didn’t know he had a personal connection with Photographer Jung Woong.’

Of course, just knowing his name didn’t mean I knew much about him.

At the time I’d heard of his work, I was extremely busy myself, so my knowledge was mostly limited to rumors.

In fact, I didn’t even recognize him by sight.

‘They say he’s peculiar… maybe he’s choosy about people?’

Anyway, despite the introduction, Kang San just stared at me silently.

I couldn’t tell if he was just choosy or if he was bothered by my presence, but his demeanor made it clear I wasn’t particularly welcome.

From his perspective, I had entered suddenly, so he probably saw me as an uninvited guest.

“Photographer Jung Woong, I’ll come back a bit later,” I said, sensing the awkward atmosphere in the room. It wasn’t urgent; I could talk to him later.

“That would be appreciated. I’ll reach out to you once we’re done here.”

With a slight nod to the apologetic Photographer Jung Woong, I left the studio.

*

As Woojin exited, silence once again settled in the room.

Kang San continued staring blankly at the door where Woojin had exited, and Jung Woong sighed softly, as if reprimanding him.

“You’re still the same, aren’t you? Why do you act like that?”

“What do you mean?” Kang San grumbled, feigning ignorance.

Jung Woong looked at him quietly, unsure whether to be glad or frustrated at his friend’s unchanged demeanor. He knew all too well what Kang San was like.

Stubborn. Lone wolf.

Those words suited Kang San perfectly.

“To think you’ve taken on a student… Why would you even bother with that?”

Though Jung Woong had intended to scold him for the earlier incident, Kang San instead looked at him dismissively.

“Of all people, you should know that mentoring is pointless.”

Clicking his tongue as if unimpressed, Kang San gave Jung Woong a look that said he already knew where this was going.

Of course, Jung Woong understood his sentiment.

Becoming a photographer is easy, but making a living as one is extremely difficult. Even now, dozens debut as photographers each year, drawn to the glamour of the profession. But after a few years, those who remain can be counted on one hand; the rest disappear as quickly as a candle blown out by a storm.

Kang San and Jung Woong had weathered these storms and emerged as successful photographers. They had seen countless others come and go along the way, each departure underscoring the transient nature of human connections.

“Why bother forming attachments when they’ll just disappear soon enough…”

It was all pointless–this was what Kang San was implying.

“Haha, well…” Jung Woong let out a dry laugh. There was a time when he had thought the same way, when even the simplest connections had felt exhausting, and he had kept everyone at arm’s length.

But now…

“This kid is different,” he said firmly.

His voice carried a quiet confidence that Woojin wasn’t someone who’d disappear easily.

“Different? How? They’re all the same. Stop saying nonsense. It’s been ages since I came back to see you, and you’ve completely changed.”

Kang San looked at him in disbelief.

“Well, maybe if you took on a student, your mind would change too.”

“Oh, please. Not a chance. From my view, it’s just child’s play,” he replied, swinging his leather jacket over his shoulder and getting up.

“It’s gotten quite late. Since coming back to Korea, I’ve had too many meetings to keep track of.”

Whether he found this reunion dull or simply had other appointments, he checked his watch and, just as abruptly as he had entered, made to leave.

“Let’s meet again sometime.”

With that, he left the studio without a backward glance, as unburdened as ever.

Watching his friend leave, a faint smile tugged at Jung Woong’s lips. In the quiet that remained after Kang San’s departure, he sat in thought for a moment before calling Woojin back in.

It was to have the conversation they couldn’t finish earlier.

***

“Chairman Han Gun-ho wanted to recruit you? And you even turned him down?”

“Yes, but I did get a phone number in return.”

“Haha…”

When I explained what had happened at the exhibition, Jung Woong appeared both surprised and amused.

“Your first piece was auctioned off for 300 million won… Seoul Auction will be eagerly awaiting your next work.”

“No, it’s all thanks to Chairman Han Gun-ho.”

“Even so, 300 million is an exceptional number. It wouldn’t be surprising if agencies or art dealers start seeking you out soon.”

Jung Woong spoke as if it were his own success, genuinely pleased.

“It’s all thanks to you, sir, for telling me about the exhibition,” I replied, bowing to show my gratitude.

“Nonsense. I didn’t do anything. It’s all because of your talent.”

Though he waved his hand as if embarrassed, I was truly thankful.

Reflecting on it, I couldn’t count the times I had benefitted from his support. Being known as Jung Woong’s student not only helped me shed some prejudices but also gave me a unique track record that few could rival. This background had even enabled my participation in the recent exhibition.

While my skills were part of it, there was no denying that the opportunity itself was thanks to him.

“Hearing you say that… it’s me who should be grateful,” he said, smiling gently.

“Now that the exhibition is over, you must have more free time. What’s next on your agenda?”

Not wanting to dwell on his emotions, he quickly changed the subject. I smiled, playing along, and answered.

“I got an invitation from a TV station earlier. I’m thinking of appearing on their program.”

“TV? Don’t tell me… you’re talking about Supermodel Korea?”

“Oh? Yes, how did you know?”

He immediately guessed the show, which was a bit strange.

I hadn’t even mentioned the name, so how could he know?

“Hmm…”

As I looked at him, puzzled, he took a brief pause before responding unexpectedly.

“Have you thought carefully about appearing on the show?”

I couldn’t understand his intent. Had he ever opposed anything I wanted to do? Why would he this time?

“I was pretty set on it. Why? Is there a reason you’re asking?”

“Do you know who you’ll be working with as judges?”

“No, I haven’t heard anything about the other judges yet.”

“Then, do you know the photographers Kang San and Kim Jin-goo?”

“Photographer Kang San? You mean the man I met earlier? I don’t know Kim Jin-goo. But why mention those two…?”

“Those two will be your fellow judges on the panel. If you really want to do this, I won’t stop you, but be aware—they’re both difficult people.”

It finally made sense.

Apparently, he already knew who the judges would be—probably from his earlier conversation with Kang San.

“As you saw, Kang San is an eccentric one. He might not mean any harm, but you might find him challenging.”

I nodded. I’d been fortunate so far, meeting mostly kind people. But I knew photography attracted unique personalities, maybe due to the industry’s skill-centric nature. It was a field where, once you reached a certain threshold, you could rely solely on your abilities, and that attracted many independent-minded people. So yes, there were plenty of quirky individuals in the field, as he said.

I understood why he was concerned, but I didn’t mind.

‘If everyone were the same, life wouldn’t be interesting.’

The world’s diversity is part of its charm. We all just live differently, after all.

‘And I’d much prefer a quiet, capable person over a loud one.’

At least quiet people don’t cause unnecessary trouble.

“How about Kim Jin-goo?” I asked.

“His personality is terrible.”

“Ah…”

“I worry that you might end up caught between those two.”

I couldn’t help but wonder if he had experienced something bad with Kim Jin-goo.

‘Kim Jin-goo… I feel like I’ve heard that name before.’

A faint memory almost surfaced, but then slipped away. The name felt oddly familiar.

Still, even if he had a difficult personality, we’d only be working together briefly. Was it really worth giving up a great opportunity over one person?

“No need to worry. It’s a fantastic opportunity, after all.”

After a moment’s hesitation, I decided to stick with my plan.

When I left his studio and messaged the TV station, they replied almost immediately. The meeting date wasn’t far off and was now just around the corner.

***

“Hello, Photographer Nam Woojin! I’m Kim Hyun-ji, here to guide you. Let me show you to the waiting room.”

It was the day of my first meeting for Doshuko, and I had arrived a bit early. A staff member greeted me politely and led me to the waiting room.

“We’ll start the meeting once all the photographers have gathered. Please feel free to relax until then.”

It seemed I was the first to arrive, with plenty of time remaining.

‘Nice and quiet.’

I glanced around the small waiting room, feeling slightly excited. It was my first time in a celebrity waiting room, and I hadn’t thought much of it before arriving, but being here made me feel a bit thrilled.

‘Should I read through the script while I wait?’

I took out the script left on the table, hoping it might give me a sense of how the show would flow.

I had just started reading when the door opened quietly, and someone walked in.

A man wearing a black leather rider jacket with ripped jeans and slicked-back hair—a rugged look. It was none other than Kang San, the photographer I had met at Photographer Jung Woong’s studio.

He seemed taken aback when our eyes met, clearly not expecting me.

I already knew he’d be here from what Photographer Jung had told me, but he seemed unaware.

“Hello.”

But that moment was fleeting; Kang San quickly turned his gaze away without even acknowledging my greeting.

‘Some things never change.’

I thought he’d at least greet me this time, but getting him to respond felt like pulling teeth.

The air in the small room grew a bit awkward with Kang San’s arrival. Feeling slightly stifled, I decided to get up and grab some water.

Then—

Bang!

The door suddenly burst open, and a large man with a prominent belly strode in, his face filled with irritation.

The annoyance was almost palpable from his expression alone. Even his walk seemed grumpy.

And then…

“Hey! You gonna move?”

He stopped in front of me and looked down with a tone dripping with displeasure, as if I were blocking his way.

The waiting room was small, but there was more than enough space to pass by.

However, the man seemed to have no intention of doing that.

Seeing as we were expecting only one more person, I figured this must be Kim Jin-goo, the other photographer. I had heard he had a bad personality, but this was worse than expected.

As I stared up at him, dumbfounded, Kim Jin-goo became even more irritated.

“Hey! Who are you, just standing in the way? Are you staff? Looking clueless and annoying as hell.”

At that, the staff member who had shown me in quickly introduced me.

“Photographer Kim Jin-goo! This is Photographer Nam Woojin, your fellow judge.”

“What? You mean I’m judging alongside this wet-behind-the-ears kid? I came expecting something big, and this is what I get? Unbelievable.”

But he didn’t stop there. Seeing me, he seemed to conclude I was beneath him, and his voice grew louder, his irritation escalating.

“Dragging a busy person like me here to mess around? Seriously?”

The cramped waiting room was growing increasingly tense and chaotic.

‘What do I do? I really don’t want to blow this out of proportion…’

As I stood there, unsure how to handle the situation, I met Kang San’s gaze. Or rather, I noticed him watching me.

‘Since it’s gotten so noisy, maybe he’ll do something?’

From what I knew, he was the senior in both age and reputation here. If he disliked noise, he might step in.

So, I looked at him, silently hoping he’d intervene.

But Kang San simply glanced away, as if uninterested. Then, he pulled out a pair of earbuds, placed them in his ears, closed his eyes, and began to bob his head to the beat.

I could even faintly hear the rock music blaring from his earbuds.

One guy is openly annoyed with me.

The other is lost in his music.

In the midst of this chaotic situation, Photographer Jung Woong’s words echoed in my mind.

‘Should I just turn around and go home?’