"If I just do it, it works"... The meaning of challenge shared by Jeon Eun-seul, the Grand Prize winner of the National Museum of Korea Cosplay Contest

A university student who was lost in career concerns ahead of graduation is drawing attention after seizing the Grand Prize at the National Museum of Korea Cosplay Contest with original ideas and physicality.

A 40,000 won production cost and a 3-day challenge, the birth of the 'White Porcelain Carp'

Appearing on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block', Jeon Eun-seul revealed the process of winning the Grand Prize with her 'White Porcelain Carp' cosplay at the National Museum of Korea Cosplay Contest. Jeon Eun-seul, a senior in the Department of Nursing at Joongbu University, participated in this contest with the desire to reach the pinnacle of her college life before graduation. Although there was hesitation, as she completed her application at 11:59 PM, just before the deadline, the result led her beyond the finals to victory.

The cosplay production process was carried out with a focus on thorough efficiency. Based on white tights and receiving recommendations from AI, Jeon Eun-seul completed the cosplay in three days using acrylic paints. The total production cost was around 40,000 won, including the tights (about 8,000 won), acrylic paints, and face painting (about 13,000 won). The filming process was carried out over two days with the help of her high school friend, Du-hyeon.

In particular, to implement the shape of the carp, Jeon Eun-seul even underwent weight control. To bring out the volume of the carp, she combined high-intensity exercises such as 200 leg raises, 35-second plank repetitions, and sit-ups. When her weight decreased by 5kg during the exercise process, she made efforts to adjust her weight again by consuming rice noodles and chicken to achieve the perfect cosplay.

"The intimidating main stage, vitality found through challenge"

Jeon Eun-seul shared her honest feelings felt during the contest process. She confessed that while on the main stage, seeing other participants who prepared flashy choreography and props, she felt intimidated, thinking, "This is not the place for me." This was because she participated in the contest during a period when she was stressed by anxieties about the future, such as job preparation and TOEIC scores.

However, through this challenge, Jeon Eun-seul gained new energy. She said, "By spitting out all (the stress) through this National Museum of Korea contest, I felt revitalized and thought, 'This is who I am,'" and added, "After actually making it to the finals and winning, I realized, 'If I just do it, it works.'" This served as an opportunity to overcome the vague fear she felt as a student preparing for exams and employment.

Judges' evaluation and a video message to her favorite

In the judging comments that determined the Grand Prize, her performance was highly evaluated. According to the judging comments in the video, it was notable that she created an atmosphere as if jumping out of a river by wagging her tail on the runway while dressed as a carp. This also drew high scores by incorporating the symbolic meaning of passing a state examination in the past. Jeon Eun-seul expressed joy, stating that the judging comments matched the direction of the performance she intended.

Finally, Jeon Eun-seul delivered a surprise video message to Jeong-seong, a member of her favorite idol group ENHYPEN. She left a pleasant impression, saying, "Jeong-seong, I made it this far. I feel a bit closer to you," comparing the situation of appearing on a broadcasting station to 'stepping into the same industry.'