Golden Print [EN]: Chapter 220

Woojin first became known when the TV show “Why Did You Come to My House?” started.

The most articles about Woojin appeared online around the time he was first on that show.

After that, Woojin became more influential and recognized as a designer.

But that was mainly recognition within the industry, not with the general public.

His fame as an architect didn’t really connect with people unless they were interested in architecture.

So, Woojin faded from people’s minds for a while. Then, his name came up again when the EAC became a big deal.

The EAC was important in architecture and design, but it also appealed to the general public because it was seen as a matter of ‘national prestige’.

Now, as May ends, articles about Woojin are appearing much more often than when “Why Did You Come to My House?” was on TV.

Actually, his fame had started to grow slowly after the EAC event. But now, it was growing much faster, like adding oil to a fire.

[World-renowned architect, Bruno Sanchez. Who is the Korean architect in his 20s that he praised highly?]

[Korean architect in his 20s, amazes the world.]

[Korean architectural designer Seo Woojin. Presents a new way of digital architecture.]

[Architect Seo Woojin, silences the EAC bubble controversy.]

It’s been about six months since the EAC article appeared in Korea.

At that time, the fact that Woojin’s design skills were recognized worldwide was first shared with the public.

But at the time, many people were doubtful.

It seemed unrealistic that an architect in his 20s and still a student was recognized at a global conference. Also, Woojin didn’t have many projects to show, except for the nursing home that won the grand prize at SPDC, a design contest Woojin won before.

People had seen many articles that were exaggerated before, so they thought this might be the same.

People don’t easily believe what they haven’t seen themselves.

“But it’s different this time, Hyung.”

“That’s right. Because there’s something real to see this time.”

“Thanks to you, CEO, we’re going to be busier.”

“That’s a good thing.”

Wangsimni, a very busy and crowded area in Seoul.

Wangsimni Parafield, a shopping mall in this area.

Woojin’s pavilion, built in the main lobby, made many people stop and look.

People who were interested in space or architecture had to see it.

People were amazed by the space, especially by the pavilion.

They wanted to know who designed it.

“I heard from the business department that we’re getting five emails a day.”

“Emails?”

“Yeah, emails. Request emails.”

“Ah……!”

“I heard there are all sorts of requests.”

“For example?”

“There were emails from public organizations, requests to design company headquarters… The strangest thing was a request to design a villa?”

“Is it for a very rich family or something?”

“Something like that.”

The WJ Studio office is in Seongsu-dong, an area with many new offices and businesses.

Seokhyun and Jintae each got a cup of coffee and went up to the roof to enjoy the cool air.

“Do we even need a sales team now?”

Jintae smiled and shook his head.

“We still need a sales team, no matter how many requests we get.”

“I see. Not all the requests are good ones…….”

Seokhyun sipped his coffee next to Jintae, who was smoking.

Seokhyun doesn’t smoke, but he often goes to the roof with Jintae and they talk.

“I wonder if the CEO has arrived?”

“Probably?”

“Then I should go down. I have to prepare for the meeting.”

Seokhyun nodded and threw his empty cup in the trash.

“I have to work too.”

Seokhyun wasn’t going to be at the design meeting, but he still had a lot of work to do.

Screeeech-!

Jintae put out his cigarette and started to move, and Seokhyun followed him.

“Hyung, today’s meeting is… the design contest for the Seongsu-dong area?”

Jintae nodded.

“That’s right.”

“That seems like the most important project we’re working on.”

“Of course. If we win, that’ll be enough work for our design team for a year.”

“How much is the design fee for this?”

“I’m not sure, but it’s at least 10 billion won.”

Seokhyun was surprised.

“Wow… We won’t get projects like that through email. We’ll definitely need the sales team.”

“But it seems like the CEO brings in all the big projects, not the sales team…….”

“That’s true.”

Jintae and Seokhyun talked as they walked to the stairwell.

WJ Studio was on the 14th floor, just two floors below the roof, so they didn’t need to take the elevator.

Creak-!

He opened the door and saw the busy employees.

Seokhyun’s desk was in the opposite direction from Jintae, so he had to walk across the office.

He looked at the employees working hard.

‘Everyone’s working hard.’

It’s only been a year since WJ Studio was started, but it felt like home to Seokhyun.

WJ Studio was now a part of Seokhyun’s life.

For the first time in a while, many people were in the Architects Association office.

Chairman Kwon Juryeol and other executives were there, along with people from an architectural design firm called ‘Leeho Design Office’.

Kim Junho, the CEO of Leeho Design Office, was one of Kwon Juryeol’s favorite juniors from school.

He was also a professor at S University and a well-known architect in Korea.

He was the architect closest to Kwon Juryeol.

“Junho, is the contest preparation going well?”

“Yes, Senior. Haha, that’s obvious.”

“You rascal, you’re so sly……. Sit down, don’t just stand there.”

Junho and Juryeol didn’t go to the same school.

They were more than ten years apart in age.

But Juryeol liked Junho the most among his juniors, and there was a reason for that.

“Junho.”

“Yes, Senior.”

“How far along is the drawing?”

First, Junho was very quick-witted.

“The basic design has already started.”

“Already?”

“I’m working hard. Haha. It would be embarrassing if I failed when my senior is supporting me like this.”

Second, he was incredibly quick-witted.

“Hey, you. You haven’t even shown me the concept sketch yet?”

“Hehe, that’s right.”

“Don’t you know I’m an advisor? You have to get it checked before you move on.”

“Haha, Senior. Who am I?”

“Who else but Junho.”

“I’ve already done all the paperwork for the inspection.”

“What?”

“I put the document envelope on your seat, Senior. Please review it, stamp it, and send it back.”

“Hmm…….”

“Anyway, isn’t my design based on what I learned from you, Senior?”

“……”

“I didn’t want to bother you when you’re already so busy, Senior. Hahaha.”

Juryeol laughed and shook his head.

“Oh, this guy, if only he couldn’t talk…….”

Juryeol pretended to flick Junho’s forehead, but he was smiling.

Juryeol decided to support Junho in the Seongsu-dong area design contest.

He had already talked to his junior in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport about Junho.

He had also put his name as an advisor on Junho’s design.

He called Junho and Leeho Design Office officials to inspect Junho’s design for the contest.

This was just a formality, but it had to be documented to prevent problems later.

But Junho had already done all the work Juryeol needed to do and brought it to the office.

Juryeol liked that Junho took care of everything for him.

“Then why did you come here today?”

“Yes?”

Juryeol pointed to his room and said,

“You could have just sent the file by mail. I would have stamped it and sent it back.”

Junho smiled and answered,

“When else would I see my senior’s face?”

Juryeol smiled and scolded him.

“You’re going to freeze to death.”

Junho said,

“Do you remember the meat restaurant you took me to last time, Senior?”

“Ah, the one in Samcheong-dong?”

“Yes, Senior. I’ll treat you today.”

“Seniors have to buy the meal. What are you talking about?”

“No. I’m always getting things from you, so I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what…….”

“You gave me such a good opportunity this time, so please let me buy it.”

Juryeol got up and organized his office and left with Junho.

Juryeol smiled as he watched Junho have the employees clean up.

‘It would be nice if the other guys were half as good as Junho.’

Juryeol felt good because of his junior.

Juryeol thought it was a good idea to support Junho.

‘That’s right. If it’s Junho, he won’t fail the contest even with my support. He’s a good guy.’

Juryeol got into Junho’s car and felt great.

The meat restaurant was one of Juryeol’s favorites.

A delicious dinner was the perfect ending to the day.

‘I feel good for the first time in a while.’

But Juryeol’s good mood didn’t last until he got to the restaurant.

While he was talking to Junho in the passenger seat…

Whirr-!

His phone rang.

“Answer the phone, Senior.”

“Oh, okay. Just a moment.”

It was the head of the association, who was also his secretary.

“Oh, what’s going on? At this hour.”

The conversation ruined Juryeol’s good mood.

“What? What are you talking about? You couldn’t make an appointment?”

[That’s what I said, Chairman. The Mayor is busy and said to follow the official procedure…….]

“Hey, that guy. Isn’t he Dongjun’s junior?!”

Juryeol’s face turned red.