Quite immediately, Gim Myeong-guk appeared as a new type of artist, clearly distinctive from his contemporaries, who more or less worked as craftsmen that faithfully replicated mainstream styles.

"According to one account, Gim became distraught with exhaustion because an endless stream of Japanese enthusiasts, eager to purchase his works, would not allow him a moment of peace".

Although retained as a court painter, Gim was also a pioneering artist who insisted on creating works that were true to his personality and sentiments.

[2] Most of the Gim Myeong-guk paintings involving people have Buddhist themes (and a specific artistic style).

The Korean Copyright Commission[5] lists 24 paintings for Gim Myeong-guk, while Towooart[6] gives a short notice.