The Pensive Bodhisattva’s pose—a tranquil gaze downward, a gentle touch to the cheek, and the subtle grace of a half-crossed leg—evokes an infectious serenity. Likewise, the statue's lithe form and sweet smile, highlighted in Choi’s photography, have been described as "jaw-droppingly beautiful" by the New York Times (2013). This representation is not just an artistic choice; it is a symbolic reflection of the bodhisattva’s introspective journey. It speaks to the promise of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, embodying hope and contemplative calm. Through Choi’s intimate portrait, “Smile of Serenity” captures this emblematic gesture perfectly, offering a visual meditation that resonates with the inner peace sought by seekers over millennia.

Infectious Serenity

Photographer Joon Choi's journey is a tale of transformation, 
weaving through the corridors of two distinct worlds. 
Following two decades of ascension in Korea's advertising realm, 
Joon's life took an unexpected turn upon encountering Buddha relics, 
altering his perception forever. Amidst the hustle of advertising campaigns for giants like Samsung and LG, he realized the transient nature of beauty and the fallacy of perfection. Embracing this epiphany, he ventured into a craft where imperfection thrived, allowing nature and happenstance to mold his photography.

His portfolio, enriched by encounters with the holy and the everyday, 
paints narratives of cultural heritage and human resilience. 
In particular, his documentation of Jeju Island’s Haenyeo (elderly female divers) was praised for its humanity- and ultimately aided in their addition to UNESCO’s list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage (where his photos were displayed in Paris). Although he has exhibited in Paris and Busan art museum, his most famous work to-date is his profile of “The Pensive Bodhisattva” (featured here), which endures as a rare glimpse into the sublime.

http://joonchoi.kr/

*Video produced by Arirang TV

Photographer Joon Choi

*A Portrait Granted ExclusiveAccess by the Korean National Museum

Joon Choi’s opportunity to officially photograph one of Korea’s most revered cultural treasures stands as a rare honor, unmatched by any photographer before or since. Granted exclusive access by the Korean National Museum, his lens reveals the “Pensive Bodhisattva” in a new light, transforming it from a mere statue into a profound portrait of peace and hope. “Smile of Serenity” skillfully highlights both the statue's exquisite artistry and gilded contours, hallmarks of Korea’s 6th-century Golden Kingdom, while also capturing the essence of tranquility and compassion that the Bodhisattva embodies. Through “Smile of Serenity” this national treasure is experienced on a deeply emotional level, drawing viewers into a rare and reflective opportunity to not simply observe, but to see inside this emblem of serene wisdom.

[Joon Choi] Smile of Serenity: Korean National Treasure No. 83

In 2013, the 14,000-year-old statue’s unparalleled allure captivated audiences as a centerpiece of the ‘Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom’ exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. A rare sight outside of Korea, its presence was electric and well-received, elevating its monumental significance at the zenith of artistic and spiritual achievement internationally. Scholars and art connoisseurs, echoing the sentiments of renowned figures like Karl Jaspers and Dr. Soyoung Lee (Harvard Museum Chief Curator), have lauded it as a pinnacle of living artistic beauty, the Mona Lisa of Korea, and a treasure that bridges the ancient and modern worlds. Today, it resides in the National Museum of Korea and is considered the most important national treasure in the nation. Aside from photography from Joon Choi, photography is strictly limited, making the “Smile of Serenity” NFT collection incredibly rare.

Historical and Cultural Significance

OrangeHare is proud to present “Smile of Serenity,” an ultra-rare collection of 95 NFTs featuring the “Mona Lisa of Korea”—the Pensive Bodhisattva. Praised by the New York Times for its jaw-dropping elegance, the gilded-bronze statue exudes a profound serenity that has mesmerized the faithful and the curious for nearly 14 centuries, earning its spot as Korea’s most important national treasure. Through exclusive access granted to photographer Joon Choi by the Korean National Museum, these intimate portraits provide a closer look than ever before at the intricate details and sublime beauty that make it a global masterpiece. This initiative by OrangeHare not only offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of divine artistry but also marks a pivotal moment where ancient history and modern technology converge, ensuring that the Pensive Bodhisattva’s “Smile of Serenity” continues to inspire awe and wonder across generations, connecting the past, present, and future in a single frame.