Q. It seems like you've had many changes, such as launching a brand, publishing a book, and expanding your studio. How have you been these days?

I hardly notice how time flies, and it's hard to believe it's already August. While working for Oth, I'm really grateful these days because so many people reach out to me, allowing me to collaborate with a variety of places and continuously broaden my experiences.

Q. People will get to directly experience your space through this exhibition. What's the most important value when organizing your own space?

Everything has to be something I truly love. Even when buying small objects, instead of following trends on Instagram, I ask myself, 'Do I really like this?' I think about it a lot before purchasing. As these things accumulate, my taste starts to show. I'm building my space only with things I truly love. Guests often say my home feels like a personal exhibition space, which makes me very happy. And above all, I believe it should be comfortable. Even if I bring in my favorite items, I want the space to be natural and real, not artificially showroom-like.

Many people like my room, so I envisioned a room that exactly replicates my current place. Instead of displaying only new items, I staged it using things I've used for a long time to avoid the model house feel. I hope those visiting for the first time feel like they're visiting a close friend's room and can drop by comfortably.

ⓒ Song Si-young

Q. There are so many beautiful objects!

What's hanging like curtains on the window is a photo I took while in Yangyang. This fabric poster depicts the landscape that gave me the strength to stand up again during a difficult time when I lost all my passion for life. I wanted to bring this scene into my home, so I created it.

The incense holder on the shelf, called "Haemu," was inspired by the mist rising over the sea. Before lighting the incense, the holder resembles a calm sea, but when the incense is lit, the smoke creates a mist-like effect over the sea. It's also versatile as an object when placed where the light shines, creating water reflections.

The colorful vase you see as soon as you enter the room is sold in Murano, Venice. During my trip, I couldn't afford to buy it, which I regretted, but four years later, I encountered a Murano vase at Big Sleep in Yeonnam-dong and bought it immediately out of surprise. When flowers are placed in the vase and hit by the light, it becomes even more beautiful.

ⓒ Song Si-young

Q. The Han River fabric, which was introduced along with the brand launch, received a lot of love. I heard you took the photos yourself, which was quite surprising. What inspired you to turn the photo into a curtain?

Most people think of photos as prints on paper. I've sold paper posters a few times, but this time, I wanted to theme it on the Han River and find something new. I desired to give a static image a sense of movement. I searched extensively for a material that conveys the transparency of water, allowing light to pass through. I wanted the fabric to evoke ripples when the wind blows, making it feel like the river light enters the home, appearing as if the Han River is outside the window.

Q. I'm curious about your life at home and what your daily routine looks like.

Right after waking up, I handle urgent matters from OTHcomma or other projects. I then tend to the plants throughout my home. At 2 PM, the sun shines the brightest in my place, so I sunbathe and read on the sofa. Sometimes I even take a nap. (laughter) In the evening, I cook a simple meal. After eating, I make my favorite desserts. Then, I watch a movie using a projector. Though it seems leisurely, I spend each day surrounded by things I love.

Q. It seems like you make good use of every part of your home in your daily routine.

Yes, my home is completely divided by function. In most small homes, the role of the kitchen and living room is unclear, but in my home, they're clearly separated. This logic applies to other rooms as well. In the small room, I placed a large table to use as a workspace, where I work alone most of the time. When friends visit, it becomes a place to drink and chat. The living room is for reading—whether books or taking naps. The main room solely hosts the bed for sleeping. Although I've decorated every corner with things I love, I don't place objects around the bed. I want a space where I can rest uninterrupted.

Q. It seems having a comfortable space at home is essential for you.

Absolutely. If homes lack things you love or are messy, you don't develop an attachment to them and don't feel like staying inside. This leads to wandering outside frequently. I was the same way. Before my home was settled, I wandered a lot, looking for beautiful spaces on Instagram. Once you develop a desire for the space, you not only crave more space, but you also gain interest in utilizing that space effectively. You start developing an attachment to different aspects of home life.

ⓒ Song Si-young

Q. How many homes have you lived in since living independently?

This is my fourth home. When I first moved out, I lived with four classmates in a studio for about three months. After getting employed, I lived in a four-square-meter studio for a while, and that's when I started developing my criteria for evaluating houses and their prices. After that, I lived in an eight-square-meter officetel. Through the Small Business Administration’s loan program, I found a house nearby in Jongno-gu.

In a small home, you have to use spaces for multiple purposes, which can really interfere with relaxation. Previous homes were studios, with everything open, making it hard to differentiate the use of spaces. They also had limited storage. When I moved into this fourth home, I clarified the function of each room. It solidified my appreciation for the value of rest and comfort.

Q. After touring the Mangrove Sinseol, which space was most memorable for you?

I love everything, what should I do? It's a big problem. The lounge’s cultural spaces, the first-floor café, even the kitchen and laundry room are so beautiful... Having a glass of wine on the 20th floor overlooking Dongdaemun-gu would feel amazing. The rooms are also splendid with their furniture and fixtures. Their meticulous attention to detail was touching.

My house is right next door, but I feel like living here at Mangrove. Staying here would allow me to enjoy everything... I might actually move in.

ⓒ No Kyung

Q. You're always welcome. Do you have any rituals to maintain your mood?

Checking on the plants is the most important part of my day. Next is writing a journal before bed. It's a ritual I've kept for over a decade. This habit has become part of my history, and it helps maintain old memories and sometimes inspires me. It serves as a stepping stone for self-improvement. Recently, it even inspires OTHcomma product designs. Mainly, I draw inspiration at home and express it at the studio. If something strikes me while journaling, I jot it down on my iPad and later bring it to the studio to develop further.

Q. Finally, could you share a simple dish you make at home? French toast! It's simple and truly delicious.

Ingredients: Burrata cheese, 2 slices of bread, 2 eggs, jambon ham, honey, cheese, sugar, cinnamon powder, salt, milk

1. In a large bowl, mix 2 eggs, milk, half a tablespoon of cinnamon powder, and about four pinches of sugar.
2. Soak each slice of bread in the egg mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute while heating a small pan with butter. (The more butter, the tastier it is.)
3. Once the bread is well-soaked, place it on the preheated pan for 20-30 seconds (on low heat) before flipping it.
4. Drizzle plenty of honey over the cooked bread and place the jambon ham on top.
5. Place burrata cheese in the center of the ham-topped bread and finish by grating cheese on top.

TIP! If you have maple syrup, use it instead of honey.

ⓒ Yejin Moon

Writing | Park Jun-woo, Kim Jin-young

Photography | Song Si-young, Yejin Moon, No Kyung