“Milanonna’s words carry a power that prompts reflections of oneself.”

- You Heeyeol, Artist

“Throughout the book, we are captivated by the portrayal of an individual characterized by flexibility and uniqueness rather than waywardness and stubbornness.”

- Kim Ina, Lyricist

“The unadorned encouragement contained in this book seems more necessary than ever in times like these.”

- Chung Serang, Novelist

Sunshine is Bright and Life is Precious is a comprehensive record of Milanonna’s career and efforts. From the first page to the last, the writing reflects her flexible conviction rather than stubborn determination. The stories in her book span her journey from childhood, where she entered the fashion industry with a determination to overcome criticism about her appearance and evolve into an individual with style, to her student years in Italy, where she studied intensely. It delves into her experiences of juggling work and parenting during her time as a working mother, her relentless efforts to achieve her dreams, and the challenges faced on her path to success. The book also illustrates the transformation brought about by starting a YouTube channel and her practices toward a life that ends in sound death. Milanonna’s life history and experiences are intricately woven into these narratives. With a horizontal attitude, discarding vertical authority, she shares courage and hope through a resolute gaze and a free style of expression.

The book organizes sixty-four entries around key themes such as self-respect, loyalty, dignity, and responsibility. Milanonna articulates life principles and imparts valuable messages to those striving for a better life through phrases like “Respecting oneself as a unique being,” “Living frugally for 24 hours,” “Becoming more comfortable as you gradually empty,” and “Becoming someone who understands and embraces.” These entries serve as insightful guides, reflecting Milanonna’s life mantras on leading a fulfilling and meaningful life.

At first glance, Milanonna may seem perfect from every angle, possibly appearing unrealistic. However, she has soldiered on through her professional career, leading a life of intensity and meticulously allocating her time between work and parenting, necessitating effective time management. This habit of rigorous time management persisted even after retirement. Contrary to the common belief that age brings more free time, Milanonna works out every morning and evening, ventures outside in the afternoon, even without specific plans, and attends Mass regularly. She spends one day a week with children at a sponsored institution and also dedicates time to reading. While life’s course can cause the body and mind to become disheveled at times, Milanonna, through the creation and steadfast adherence to self-made rituals, brims with vitality. She embodies her desire to “be productive as long as I live.” Her happiness philosophy which emphasizes the importance of observing and loving oneself, resonates with many. Milanonna’s theory of happiness emphasizes, “Observing and loving oneself is essential to be happy – more frequently. One should not just live by their head but with their heart, and let the body also take in the emotions. Happiness comes when one consoles and cares for their own body.”

One of the most frequently asked questions Milanonna receives, especially from young people, is “How can I dress well?” Her answer is clear. “Wear clothes that bring emotional stability, and that aren’t overwhelming or uncomfortable. Choose clothes that are not flashy and go well with accessories or scarves, and has a basic design that doesn’t become outdated even after decades. Clothes that can, depending on how it’s styled, achieve various different looks. Preferably monochromatic colors, that have a plain pattern rather than extravagant ones. Go for clothes that feel like a friend you’ve known for years, even if you meet after several years.” She emphasizes that she prefers clothes that seep into someone’s memory rather than clothes that are conscious of someone’s gaze. When you see her wearing her father’s shirt that’s over 80 years old, skillfully patched up with worn-out fabric, a brooch made from her grandmother’s golden binyeo hairpiece, earrings made from her father-in-law’s old magoja buttons, or a knit sweater gifted by her mother when she was young, you can’t help but think that she is elegantly carrying on the legacy of traditions and values.

When Milanonna’s eight-year-old refrigerator broke down, instead of immediately considering buying a new one, she expressed concern about the increasing quantity of appliances humans would need throughout their lifetime. This consideration stems from the fact that the lifespan of machines is getting shorter while the lifespan of humans is increasing. She worries about the future of the Earth, which is becoming filled with garbage. But that’s not all. Her concerns go beyond, delving into issues such as solitary death, domestic violence, and single parenthood. She particularly reflects on the situation of adults who must leave orphanages when they turn eighteen, questioning what role she can play in helping them. In a heartwarming gesture, she has pledged to donate the proceeds from this book to places in need. Her empathy extends not only to her own pain but also to the pain of others, making her truly admirable.

While writing this book, Milanonna expressed that she simply lived her life with sincerity and that she isn’t particularly hip or trendy, but rather just strives to be herself. She noted that people seem to view this aspect of her as admirable. In the closing remarks of the book, she says, “I, too, faced numerous choices and deliberated deeply about them, and each time, I tried to think as simply as possible. ‘If it seems fun, why not?’ I hope every adult and child can summon courage in their own lives.” Sunshine is Bright and Life is Precious is filled with a heartfelt wish for everyone to find strength and support in living brilliant lives. As you unfold the pages of the book, it feels as if it warmly greets you with a “Ciao Amichi” (which translates to ‘Hello, Friends’ in English), and as you close the final chapter, it seems to offer encouragement by saying, “Isn’t the sunlight brilliant, and isn’t life precious?”

Milanonna, whose real name is Jang Myungsook, was born in 1952 in a shelter made of straw during the Korean War. Dreaming of a life a la mode, she entered the fashion industry and became the first Korean to study fashion design in Milan. After graduating from Ewha Womans University with a major in Decorative Arts and Milan’s Marangoni Fashion Institute in Italy, she taught at institutions such as Duksung Women’s University, Dongduk Women’s University, Hanyang University, and the Korea National University of Arts. She also worked as a design consultant and purchasing director for Esquire, Samhwa Department Store, Samsung Foundation of Culture, and more. In 1986, she designed costumes for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Seoul Asian Games, as well as for numerous theatrical productions, operas, and dance performances such as Aida, Chunhyangjeon, Don Juan, The Dawn of That Day, and Hwan. She also introduced some of Italy’s symbolic brands, such as Ferragamo and Max Mara, to South Korea and worked as a coordinator for various cultural and industrial exchange programs between South Korea and Italy. After facing personal challenges, including her eldest son’s major surgery in 1994 and the tragic collapse of the Sampoong Department Store in 1995, which took the lives of her colleagues, she shifted her focus to entirely different areas beyond the glamorous field she was known for. Recognizing her contributions to fostering friendship between South Korea and Italy, the Italian government awarded her the title of Honorary Knight in 2001. In her late seventies, she unexpectedly became a YouTube creator, embarking on exciting new ventures.