Q. At what point do you think Mr. Ilang truly became a 'green fingers'? 

Among people who grow plants, there is a saying, 'Three years of watering.' It means that after sincerely watering for three years, you can reduce watering mistakes. After those three years, I truly was able to keep my plants alive much more effectively than before.

*Green fingers: A term for someone with a talent for gardening

Q. I was curious about how the room of someone who looks after leaves all year round would be. Please introduce us to Mr. Ilang’s room. It seems it would have required more care since you moved the plants you love so much. 

It's a room filled with my tastes and plants. I removed the curtains so they can get as much light as possible for their happiness. I also displayed my books and the records I've released. A plant calendar adjusted to my exhibition schedule is attached to the wall next to my bed.

Q. I heard that plants also suffer from a change of environment. Is the best remedy for plant distress ample rest?

To grow plants healthily, I always emphasize the keyword 'ventilation.' There are countless things that wind can do.

The act of growing plants brings an honest pleasure, which is wonderful.

Q. In your book <I Recommend Plants to You Who Are A Bit Troubled>, the phrase 'Depression is said to be water-soluble. Actions like showering or swimming, where our bodies touch water, have the effect of washing away depression' left an impression. It seems like watering plants is akin to nurturing your heart. Do you actually find that caring for plants helps you care for your mind as well? 

The act of growing plants brings an honest pleasure, which is wonderful. On tough nights, I clean the leaves and empty my thoughts, guiding myself towards healthiness.

Q. You are active across various fields as a musician, writer, and DJ. Amid this life of reading, writing, listening, and singing, what does taking care of leaves mean to you?

I think everything is connected. I want to be someone who thoughtfully considers myself, takes interest in plants, and offers kind words and melodies.

It's truly great to have prepared a green world to escape to whenever I'm scared and distressed!

Q. Due to COVID, things like 'companion plants' and 'plant interior design' have gained popularity. It seems like a phenomenon arising from not being able to freely enjoy nature as before. Even if it's not inside the house, what are some ways to keep green closer in everyday life? 

Walk! I try my best to walk through beautiful seasons. If you take an interest in the trees and grass you encounter outside, the neighborhood that seemed ordinary becomes much more vibrant. Imagining the hidden stories within makes the heart feel lighter.

Q. The shape of the plant that matches the size of the window, the amount and direction of light, and humidity varies. Could you recommend plants suitable for the square window at Mangrove Dongdaemun? 

Since Mangrove Dongdaemun has fantastic windows with plenty of light, you can happily grow most indoor plants there. I think small, sharp plants like aloe or agave with a lot of charisma would be suitable.

Q. You said gardening is 'a journey to understand oneself.' Have you learned anything new about yourself while living as a plant enthusiast?

'I truly love spending time with myself.' I think. Preparing a green world to retreat to whenever external factors cause fear and distress was indeed a great idea!

Q. A person who has something they love passionately seems to be passionate even about the things they dislike. Is there anything you've particularly disliked recently? 

I dislike golf courses. Thinking of the water and pesticides used there gives me a headache. It's horrifying to enjoy a sport that kills bees and butterflies.

Q. Following <Anyway, Plants> and <I Recommend Plants to You Who Are A Bit Troubled>, your third book <Anxiety Will Take Me to a Better Place> has been released. Please boast about this book. 

Anxiety has been the most consistent thing in my life. Now, I want to view anxiety from a slightly different perspective. I wrote about anxiety, life as a freelancer, plants and peace, and people and hearts. It took over three years to complete this book, and once it was out in the world, I felt closer to the world.

I want to be a person who considers myself healthily,

and offers kind words and melodies while being interested in plants.

Q. Words like distress, anxiety, depression, and negation seem to be a driving force and inspiration to you. I'm curious about what these words mean to you individually in your life. 

They are not a driving force; they are emotions I try continuously to avoid but eventually accept and live with. I try my best to escape, but even when anxious, distressed, and depressed, I practice finding a way to keep going.

Q. You've likely killed and nurtured many plants; I wonder how old your longest companion plant is. 

I usually send mature and impressive plants to friends who have recently moved or who have larger homes. The oldest plant currently living with me is a 10-year-old orchid.

Q. What kind of space is home to you? 

It's the place where I spend the most time and where most events in my life occur. Since I work and rest mostly at home as a freelancer, I place things I love within sight everywhere.

Q. Where and when do you feel most like yourself?

At home, of course. Being surrounded by my plants, playing piano, and transcribing words is where a unique calm and joy exist.

Written by | Shin Dabo-mi

Photos by | Choi Mo-re