GIJS

Chapter 70 Truly remarkable.

"Welcome to the museum in your living room! Hello, and welcome to [TV Show Masterpiece Genuine Antiques]!"

With a powerful opening from announcer Son Seok-woo, the recording of Masterpiece Genuine Antiques began.

"Today, we have in the studio Yu Gunja from '7IN,' one of the hottest and trendiest idols, known for creating a buzz with their performances using traditional Korean instruments!"

"Wooooow—"

Amidst the thunderous applause, Gunja shyly nodded his head, his face flushed. Sitting in the back of the studio were Yoo Gong-jung, 7IN's manager, and Seo Eun-woo, the planning team leader.

Normally, only the manager would have been sent, but since this was Gunja's first TV appearance, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo accompanied him. Even though Manager Yoo Gong-jung was a seasoned staff member, he couldn't hide his anxiety.

"Team Leader, do you think Gunja will be okay?"

"He'll be fine. His character has been well-tested."

"That's true, but for his first appearance to be on Masterpiece Genuine Antiques..."

"..."

Seo Eun-woo also feigned a calm expression, but he was equally nervous.

It wasn't that idols hadn't appeared on Masterpiece Genuine Antiques before.

Typically, idols who appeared on Masterpiece Genuine Antiques would just stand in the background and react, or make a few lighthearted jokes to add humor to the show.

Honestly, even if Gunja did just that, it would be considered a success. After all, the mere fact that 'the hottest idol appeared on Masterpiece Genuine Antiques' would be enough to make headlines.

But if he made a mistake with his words, that would be a different story.

Given the nature of Masterpiece Genuine Antiques, discussions about history are inevitable. Regardless of how new an idol might be, any mistake related to history is unforgivable.

This concern was why Team Leader Seo Eun-woo had thoroughly briefed Gunja before coming to the studio.

Making mistakes about history can be fatal.

If you don't know the history well, it's better not to say anything at all.

Despite the repeated warnings, Gunja had responded with a bright smile.

"So, it's okay to talk about history that I do know?"

"...Well, if you really know it..."

"Thank you!"

If Gunja indeed knew his history well, it could even help build a positive image. But still, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo couldn't shake his uneasiness.

Right after arriving at the studio, Gunja had engaged in conversation with Professor Won Gyun-sang, one of the consultants. Whatever was said during that conversation, Professor Won's expression had soured.

The way Professor Won was glaring at Gunja was concerning. Had Gunja made a mistake?

However, Gunja seemed oblivious to Seo Eun-woo's worries. When their eyes met, Gunja flashed a wide smile and waved.

"Haha..."

He really is handsome. With that noble face set against the background of the folding screen, he shines even more.

Even just showing his face on camera would be enough to make an impact. But he must avoid any verbal mistakes at all costs.

To emphasize the need for Gunja to keep his words to a minimum, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo mimed zipping his lips.

However, the gesture conveyed a slightly different message to Gunja.

Oh, isn't that a gesture for opening the zipper?

Gunja was familiar with zippers. When he first encountered the geomungo, his friends had unzipped it for him. The gesture Team Leader Seo Eun-woo was making was exactly the same.

If he's unzipping his lips, that must mean I should talk as much as possible.

What a metaphorical and sophisticated way of expressing it!

Resolute to honor his team leader's wishes, Gunja decided to speak as much as he could.

Moreover, he had made a decision after his conversation with Professor Won Gyun-sang.

Professor Won Gyun-sang is probably a highly respected scholar, judging by his presence here.

But after their conversation, the professor's face had turned grim. Even after returning to his seat, he continued to send displeased looks at Gunja.

Gunja couldn't have failed to notice those looks, nor could he have missed the intention behind them.

Yes, Professor Won Gyun-sang is unhappy with the very fact that he, an idol, is here. He doesn't like that a young person like him is among such distinguished scholars discussing masterpieces and antiques.

So, he must show the professor as well.

That even though he is young, he is  someone who cherishes and loves the old.

As Gunja resolved this, today's first item appeared.

"The first item is here. It's a set of three short swords, and even at a glance, the craftsmanship is excellent."

"Oooooh..."

As soon as he saw the item, Gunja's waist bent forward. Wow, it's been ages since he've seen a jangdo (장도, Korean ceremonial knife).

Although it's read as "jangdo," the character used for "jang" (粧) means to adorn, hence why such a short knife is called jangdo.

The silver decoration is exquisitely crafted, making it undoubtedly a work of a skilled artisan. While it might not be a masterpiece, it is certainly a fine item.

"Oh, a jangdo has appeared."

Weapons are Professor Kang Yoon-sung's specialty, but this time it was Professor Won Gyun-sang who spoke first, his gaze fixed on Goonja.

"Mr. Yoo, have you seen such an item before?"

"Yes, I have."

"Hah—"

Professor Won Gyun-sang smirked at Gunja's response. Seeing such a well-made relic is rare even for scholars.

"Isn't the silver-adorned jangdo likely used by women?"

Of course, this was an obvious trap to embarrass Gunja.

A silver-adorned jangdo, often shortened to *eunjangdo* (銀粧刀), is perceived as a female accessory.

Given the setup, Gunja would likely fall for it.

However, this item was different from an eunjangdo.

"No."

"...?"

But Gunja's response was contrary to Professor Won Gyun-sang's expectation.

"This item was probably used by men."

"W-Why do you think so?"

"The size of the knife and the leather strap on the scabbard suggest that this is a paedo (佩刀), not a nangdo (囊刀)."

"!"

Both Won Gyun-sang and Professor Kang Yoon-sung were surprised.

Especially for Professor Kang, who mainly studies ancient weapons and martial arts, his eyes almost had hearts in them.

How did he know? The item list for today wasn't shared in advance.

He tried to hold back, but couldn't resist speaking up. Eventually, Professor Kang Yoon-sung asked:

"Oh, so you know the difference between nangdo and paedo?"

"Of course. Nangdo is a small knife used for carrying in a pocket or hanging from a string, typically used by women. In contrast, paedo is worn at the waist or tied to clothing, usually by men. The leather strap indicates it was worn at the waist."

This was a perfectly accurate deduction, to the extent that Professor Kang Yoon-sung didn't need to add any explanations.

"Excellent."

Professor Kang Yoon-sung's praise had been hanging in the air.

It might be more appropriate to say he was impressed, but at this moment, he was exceptionally impressed with the young man.

He was grateful just for spreading the beauty of Joseon costumes and martial arts, but such knowledge was unexpected.

Soon, Professor Kang Yoon-sung became deeply absorbed in the conversation with Gunja.

"The hilt and scabbard are decorated with Taeguk patterns?"

"Yes. The Taeguk, symbolizing prosperity and abundance, also implies a wish for good fortune."

"It looks like the hilt is covered with leather. The pattern is beautiful."

"Yes. The intricate repetitive patterns suggest it was embossed with a heated leather on a cheonghwa (菱花板) plate."

"Wow, you even know the cheonghwa technique?"

"Yes. I'm familiar with it from frequent exposure."

Watching the conversation between Professor Kang Yoon-sung and Gunja, people behind the camera were astonished.

The most surprised was Han Gu-heon, the responsible PD of [TV Show: Masterpiece Genuine Antiques].

"Writer Kim, who is that guy?"

"Well, I didn't see the audition, so..."

"Did the assistant director spoil the items that would be shown today?"

"Impossible. They definitely did not."

"But how does he know all this? Even if he studied, it's impressive..."

"Indeed."

"Hmm."

Han Gu-heon, who had been directing [Masterpiece Genuine Antiques] for ten years, had never encountered such a case before.

When a young guest appears, all staff members are naturally tense.

They worry about possible mistakes and how to edit them if they occur.

But instead of mistakes, Gunja's current performance was almost at the advisory level.

"Professor Kang was right to invite him."

Han Gu-heon finally understood Professor Kang Yoon-sung's enthusiasm. An idol accurately appraising a 17th-century jangdo! Such a thing was unheard of.

The first item's estimated appraisal began. While everyone else estimated around 5 to 6 million won, Goonja alone wrote 10 billion won, surprising everyone once again.

"10 billion won? Mr. Yoo, are you serious?"

"The value of an old item can't be measured in money. If I must set a price, I'll say 10 billion."

"Haha, a big-hearted idol with abundant knowledge!"

Not only did Gunja's estimate impress with a huge amount, but his sense of humor was also well-received.

The final appraisal value was 12 million won. Although Goonja's 10 billion won was not close to the correct price, it was enough to make everyone laugh.

"Shouldn't this be a special feature?"

"That might be a good idea."

The expressions of the PD and staff were all smiles.

Having a hot idol on the show naturally increases the program's appeal. But if the idol performs unexpectedly well? The buzz would naturally multiply.

On the other hand, Professor Won Gyun-sang's condition was not good at all.

Having set a trap, he found himself instead falling into it.

The next item, a 17th-century iron-painted white porcelain (철화백자), was no different.

"Mr. Yoo, the pattern on the rim of the porcelain resembles roof tiles, doesn't it?"

Once again, Professor Won Gyun-sang had set a trap for Goonja.

"From my perspective, it looks like the chrysanthemum petal pattern. Given the colorant, it's not a flashy blue-and-white porcelain but a simple, rustic iron-painted porcelain."

"!"

"That's truly beautiful. May I take a closer look?"

Gunja consistently overcame the traps set by Professor Won Gyun-sang, astonishing everyone.

"This is a piece of wooden furniture. Mr. Yoo, is this usually called a jang?"

"No, because it's separated into layers, it's called a nong (籠). The fish decorated with white bronze seems to be a kind of sea bream, likely made in fishing towns like Tongyeong or Pohang."

Now, every time an item was presented, everyone looked at Gunja first.

Gunja couldn't be happier. Just by sharing his knowledge, he received so much attention and praise!

Watching Gunja, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo and Manager Lee Yong-jung of the Solar System also felt relieved.

"...Phew."

"We don't have to worry about mistakes anymore, right?"

"Exactly."

"It seems like the professors are getting outshone."

"Manager Lee, lower your voice."

"Oh, sorry."

Although Team Leader Seo Eun-woo scolded Manager Lee Yong-jung, he was secretly proud.

He had been uncomfortable seeing Professor Won Gyun-sang's disdain towards Gunja.

He would have stepped in to defend Gunja himself if needed. However, Gunja overcame the situation brilliantly with his own abilities. Even making Professor Won Gyun-sang flustered.

Now he was looking forward to Gunja's next performance.

"Now, let's see the last item of today!"

With the MC's announcement, the final item was brought in—a genre painting on a hanging scroll.

"Wow..."

From the delicate and sophisticated brushwork depicting grass and insects, Gunja immediately recognized whose painting it was. To feel the artist's style here! His whole body trembled with joy.

However, Professor Won Gyun-sang seemed to have a different opinion.

"Hah—"

As Professor Won Gyun-sang examined the painting closely, he sighed and made his first comment.

"The preservation is excellent, but... this is highly likely to be a fake."