Among modern figures, Baekbeom Kim Gu is one of the most revered, not solely for his steadfast dedication to the independence movement or his unwavering principles. Baekbeom is admired for his purity, kindness, benevolence, perseverance, and consideration—qualities that embody the virtues cherished by the Korean people.
When observing Baekbeom’s handwriting, one is reminded of the *Gwanggaeto Stele*, erected in 414, with its robust, powerful, and majestic characters. The strokes in his writing are neither thin nor dry; they are full and soft, reflecting his kind and magnanimous nature. The enlarged “口” in the character for “middle” (中) indicates an abundance of energy and strength. Furthermore, the unrestrained and free-flowing nature of his writing is apparent in the way the strokes begin straight and firm, without any curves. This conveys a sense of freedom, simplicity, and innocence. The clean, unembellished strokes may appear somewhat clumsy at first glance, but this is not due to a lack of practice—it’s because his genuine, innocent heart shines through.
The shape of his characters is almost square, suggesting a conservative, cautious, upright, and righteous person. Those with small, densely packed handwriting often do not reveal themselves easily, tending to be introverted and conservative, preferring the company of those closest to them. The narrow spacing between characters and the wide gaps between lines suggest a strong sense of self-awareness, deep thought, and a careful, considerate nature that avoids causing harm to others. Additionally, the regularity in the size of the characters, the spacing between them, and the consistency of the line spacing hint at a person who is trustworthy.
The upward flick at the end of the vowels (often referred to as “wings”) signifies strong willpower. His habit of beginning letters immediately without leaving any space reflects his proactive and assertive nature. Due to the aftereffects of being shot during the independence movement, Baekbeom suffered from tremors, which are visible in his writing. Standing before what Baekbeom himself called his “Bullet Script,” one cannot help but feel a sense of reverence.
