“Art is an essential tool; it makes you forget the pain… Medicine cures physical pain, art cures mental pain.” Moon Kyu Lee shares the essence of her life—an odyssey of resilience, creativity, and the therapeutic power of art. Moon, a Korean native who has made Paris her home since 2007, embodies the spirit of a true artist, blending her passion for design with a deep, personal aspect.
Moon was born in Seoul, Korea, into a creative family. Her parents, both textile designers, filled her childhood with sketches and designs, nurturing a budding artist who saw the world through a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. This early exposure to the creative process inspired Moon to pursue a path that was always destined to be outside the conventional bounds. Her journey into art began in Lyon, France, at an applied-arts high school, and in 2009, she moved to Paris to further her studies. Fashion, much like art, became an important aspect of Moon’s life, influenced by her circle of friends who were deeply entrenched in the fashion and art worlds.
Her life took a dramatic turn when she decided to document her battle with cancer on Instagram. It was a decision born out of necessity—the need to keep friends and colleagues informed—but it evolved into something far more significant. Sharing her journey publicly became a source of strength, not just for Moon but for the many who found solace in her words and saw a reflection of their own struggles in her story. It is not easy to find words for such strokes of fate, and certainly, no consolation. Through her eyes, we are reminded of the power of creativity to transform pain into beauty, offering a sense of hope and healing, and deeply impacting others.
Moon, could you share with us your journey as an art director?
I started out as a graphic designer in a small agency in Paris. I then moved on to large advertising agencies, specialized in luxury goods, perfume, and beauty, and I’ve been working as a freelance art director for various clients for the past 8 years.
And what inspired you to pursue modeling alongside your art career?
I simply wanted to earn a bit of money while I was at school, and I was able to continue modeling while working as an Art Director. It allowed me to see both sides of the business, being in front of the camera and behind it. I sometimes met new clients during a shoot where I was working as a model.
I am a follower of you since 2016, and love following your life. What motivated you to document your cancer journey on Instagram?
I didn’t want to talk about my illness on social networks because I considered it too personal. In the end, I was fed up with having to tell each time that I had cancer because a lot of people didn’t know (whether it was my friends in Korea or people at work), so it was easier to announce it on Instagram. As soon as I put up a new post, people were up to date with my news and my illness, so it was super convenient.
In what ways has the process of sharing your experience publicly impacted your personal healing?
I was amazed that so many people sent me kind messages of support and gifts. Even from people I didn’t know very well, with whom I had worked just once like 10 years ago, or from childhood friends with whom we’d cut contact, or even from strangers who followed me on Instagram. I told myself that if so many people support me, I must not be such a bad person, and that my life must surely count, and deserve to be cared for. I was also able to share with strangers on Instagram their experiences of cancer or those of their loved ones, and that reassured me. I felt less alone in this story. Yet, in real life, I had the impression that it was only me who had fallen ill around me.
“I’ve learned to enjoy every moment as if it were the last moment of my life… Now it’s the people I love that matter most to me.”
How has your battle with cancer influenced your art?
I never really got into art since I’ve been working so busy as an Art Director. I don’t consider my work as an AD to be art because, for me, art is personal and doesn’t respond to client demands. I always wanted to do things too well that I never really saw my personal projects through to the end. And at the same time, I’ve always put my “AD money job” before my personal projects. Today I don’t want to make the same choice; I want my personal life to be more important than working for others, and in the end, I don’t care if my personal work sucks, the most important thing is to do it.
What kind of responses have you received from your followers and the broader art community regarding your decision to open up in such an honest way?
My story seems to have moved a lot of people. I’ve got a lot of supporting messages about our story with my boyfriend and the one with my family; it probably seemed comforting. I used Instagram as a diary, I didn’t want to hide anything because I wanted people to know how this disease made me feel and did damage. It was important to me because the first thing I looked for when I was diagnosed with cancer was testimonials from people who’d had the same cancer as me. I needed to know what to expect. I hope that my posts will be read and will be able to comfort some people who needed.
“I didn’t want to hide anything because I wanted people to know how this disease made me feel and did damage.”
I noticed on your website a section labeled ‘Personal Drawings (coming soon)’. This piqued my curiosity. Could you share more about this upcoming project?
This section has always been there. I used to put my student projects when I was still making drawings for myself. I wanted to post paintings and sculptures, but I was never satisfied enough to post them on the website. In the end… I think to myself, do those works need to be “published” or “seen”?
What changes would you like to see in the modeling industry to better support and represent diverse artists and models?
I think the industry should tell more about the inner beauty, the life of each individual, their character, and not just their surfaces. It’s thousands of times more interesting to hear the story of each person than just look at their physical beauty.
What role do you believe art can play in the lives of people dealing with health challenges?
Art is an essential tool; it makes you forget the pain. I think Medicine cures physical pain, art cures mental pain. I made pottery during my cancer, and it made me forget that I was ill. We should all do art, every day, with or without illness. Touching clay, mixing, paint, doodling… It activates another part of our brain.
“I think the industry should tell more about the inner beauty, the life of each individual, their character and not just their surfaces.”
How has your perspective on life and art changed since your diagnosis?
A lot of things have changed. I no longer get upset over little things. I’ve learned to enjoy every moment as if it were the last moment of my life (as cancer can return at any time now… in my case). My purpose in life has changed. I used to focus on my career and success. Now it’s the people I love that matter most to me. I could give up everything to leave my job and start a new life if I’m with the person I love. For the art, it’s more difficult; I need to be honest with myself, and believe in me. It will be a challenge, but also my own therapy.
What has been the key source of strength that has helped you navigate through it all?
Love!!! We forget the power of love. The love of our loved ones, and of our family. When we feel loved, we feel stronger, and it makes us want to live just to have those moments of love.
Looking back at your journey so far, what are you most proud of?
Proud of my own body. For having endured, for having resisted, for not letting go, and for having fought. I couldn’t control my body cells; they live their lives, all I can do was feeding them. (smiles)
Thank you so much for your time, Moon!
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