"‘Painter Debut’ Jeon Inji: 'I Feel Like I'm Back as a Rookie'"

Jeon In-ji Debuts Exhibition with 'Parrot Painter' Mentor Artist Park Sun-mi
Starts Full-Scale Work from May, Works 27 Hours Straight Eating Standing Up
Declines Caffeine During Exercise, Drinks Coffee While Painting
Departs for Palm Springs on January 2: "Please Look Forward to the Synergy of Painting and Golf"

Jeon In-ji is explaining her artwork titled 'Route'. Photo by Bright Future

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae Noh] "Please look forward to rookie artist Jeon In-ji."

It couldn't be happier. Her face is full of smiles. This is the story of "Flying Dumbo" Jeon In-ji. At a press conference held on the 15th at Bon Gallery in Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, rookie painter Jeon In-ji said, "I feel like I'm living a new life," and smiled brightly, saying, "My body is tired, but my heart is happy." She continued, "Everything became new after I started painting," and smiled, "If I keep this feeling while playing golf, I think I will achieve good results."

Jeon In-ji will hold a painting exhibition titled "Parrot Meets Dumbo: When Curiosity Becomes Art" from the 17th to January 7th. The exhibition is a collaboration between artist Park Sun-mi, who mainly paints parrots, and Jeon In-ji.

◆Second life... "Gained strength to stand up again"= Jeon In-ji is a "major hunter." She is a strong player ranked 8th in the world with a total of 4 wins on the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. By winning three different major tournaments, she can achieve a "career grand slam" by adding one more win at the AIG Women's Open and the Chevron Championship, thus conquering all four major tournaments.

Jeon In-ji fell into a severe slump after winning the KEB Hana Bank Championship in October 2018. Mentally shaken, she even considered quitting golf. Then, in December last year, she met artist Park Sun-mi, famous for her parrot paintings, and picked up a brush. Park Sun-mi prepared a sketchbook and pencils that could be used on the plane for her prot?g?. Through the process of reflecting on her golf career in front of the canvas and expressing it in paintings, Jeon In-ji gained the strength to stand up again. In June, she won the major KPMG Women's PGA Championship, her first victory in 3 years and 8 months.

Jeon In-ji recalled, "When I first met Park Sun-mi, the 'question marks' in my life were fading. I wondered if I could ever win again and why I was in this situation." She added, "The time spent with her was a meaningful moment. I was able to face golf again with enthusiasm and sparkling eyes."

Jeon In-ji (right) and her mentor, artist Park Sun-mi, are answering questions from the press at a press conference. Photo by Bright Future

◆Golf and art synergy... "Improved concentration"= Jeon In-ji sought a breakthrough outside of golf. She explained, "Hobbies relieve stress and also help improve performance. For me, that is painting." She is a player who manages herself well. She avoided coffee while exercising because caffeine made it hard to sleep. However, this time was different. She held a cup of coffee. Jeon In-ji laughed, "I think I drank the most coffee at 29. I've never drunk this much coffee before."

There were also difficulties debuting as a painter. She felt like she had done something too big. Jeon In-ji honestly confessed, "I cried a lot alone in the studio. There were times I was exhausted from crying." She said, "There were worried looks from people around me saying it’s hard for an athlete to have two careers, but painting improved my concentration. It seems golf and art create a synergy effect."

Jeon In-ji will depart for the U.S. on January 2 next year. She will set up a training camp in Palm Springs, California. She is determined to perfectly fill the gaps from last year. She plans to skip the LPGA Tour 2023 season opener, the Tournament of Champions in January, and start the season at the Honda LPGA Thailand in February.

Jeon In-ji expressed, "It’s already been 10 years since I started touring, but debuting as a rookie artist makes me feel like a rookie in golf again. I think I can start my golf life again with a rookie’s mindset next year." She added, "While painting, I realized that good mistakes can lead to good works. I am ready to accept missed shots on the field positively without shaking. I’m already looking forward to and excited for next year."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.