The National Museum of Korea is a short walk from my home, set among bamboo groves and pagodas. Inside, the Room of Quiet Contemplation houses two of the nation’s most treasured artworks. This gilt-bronze bodhisattva statue from the early seventh century sits along with one other bodhisattva dating to the sixth century. Both are placed on a round platform in the dimly lit room. Ambient sounds suggesting deep outer — or inner — space play in a loop. The statues’ graceful outlines and cascading folds of clothes all radiate elegant simplicity. Their eyes are half shut, mouths in a faint smile, with two fingers resting on their right cheeks. Their right legs are folded, while their left legs descend toward the floor. Their eyes evoke deep contemplation of the transience of life. The smiles, according to experts on Buddhism and Buddhist art, suggest a realization of truth, and the legs represent a transition into action, to liberate all sentient beings. Visitors can scan a code to hear Blackpink singer Jisoo offer her understanding too: “This …