We live by pretending. Behind these performances lie anxiety, helplessness, and suppressed emotions, which I project onto a character called “Jeo.” Although the character appears cheerful and cute, it carries hidden tension and unspoken realities beneath the surface.

Jeo” represents both myself and others like me—people who feel obligated to meet social standards, feel guilt when they fail to do so, and remain conflicted as they simultaneously desire and question those standards. By wearing animal masks, they attempt to appear unaffected, turning themselves into “Jeo.”

When many “Jeo” gather, they become “Jeodeul.” While Jeodeul literally means a collection of multiple “Jeo,” in Korean it also functions as a term that points to “they,” those who exist outside the self. In this way, “Jeodeul” exists ambiguously between “us” and “them,” allowing the narrative that begins with “Jeo” to expand beyond the individual and embrace others who share similar emotional conditions.

The poses of “Jeo” express vulnerability, anxiety, and desperation, while the face remains blank and foolish, shaped like an animal. This contrast creates tension and reveals what is hidden beneath the mask. Using humor and lightness is not an escape, but a way to communicate emotions that are difficult to express directly.

Through this work, I aim to look honestly at invisible emotions and share them in an indirect yet accessible way. By presenting “Jeo,” I hope to offer a sense of empathy and remind viewers that they are not alone—and that their hidden emotions are valid and worthy of being acknowledged.