Park West Gallery Presents SoHo’s Got Seoul

Curated by Dr. Stephanie Seungmin Kim, this is the first of its kind comprehensive exhibition of artworks from Korean artists, K-Pop, and K-Drama stars in New York.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, January 17, 2024 – Park West Gallery is thrilled to announce SoHo’s Got Seoul, a first-of-its-kind art exhibition of over 20 works by five Korean artists, K-Pop, and K-Drama stars, Jae-Yong CHOI, KO Jun, Jian KWON (Solbi), Min-Woo LEE, Jun SHIM (Negativ). The exhibition is curated by Dr. Stephanie Seunmgin Kim, a frequent collaborator of Korean artists and responsible for introducing many emerging artists to global audiences. Dr. Kim has curated exhibitions and festivals in 22 cities across the globe and worked with over 600 artists across a range of disciplines.

Park West Gallery will host the opening night of this extraordinary exhibition on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at its SoHo location – 411 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012.

SoHo’s Got Seoul is a compilation of visual art from five Korean artists, who are recognized for the rise of K-Pop and popularizing Korean entertainment in the West. These works are a window into the world behind their public persona, who they are, different from the roles they’ve played onscreen, and an exciting new look at this unique duality in Korean pop culture.

“These artists have devoted decades to perfecting their original art form, such as acting or performing. These paintings allowed the artists to express something more intimate. The maturity and commitment to the art and brilliance deeply moved me to tell their stories”, said Dr. Stephanie Seunmgin Kim.

In the last five years, Americans have been exposed to the richness of Korean art and culture; some of our most significant pop-culture moments have been imported from Seoul. This exhibition expands our experience; we are privileged to see a different side to these performers who shine as visual artists.

“Park West aims to curate a remarkable collection and create a new experience for art enthusiasts and buyers,” said John Block, Executive Vice President at Park West Gallery. “This celebration embodies Park West Gallery’s commitment to pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and connecting collectors with exceptional art that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries.”

In addition to the K-Pop exhibition, attendees can explore Park West Gallery’s collection of works by iconic master artists, including Salvador Dalí. For more information about Park West Gallery, please visit www.parkwestgallery.com. To RSVP to SoHo’s Got Seoul, please email RSVP@HudsonCutler.com.

About the artists:

• Jae-Yong CHOI is a contemporary and conceptual artist based in Seoul. After receiving his BA in Religious Fine Arts from the Incheon Catholic University, he went on to study under Professor Joachim Blank in Class Installation and Space at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig. CHOI was a finalist for the 2013 Arte Laguna Prize in Venice. He is most well known for his large installations using industrial materials.
• KO Jun is a director and actor known for his roles in Midnight Runners, What a Man Wants, The Good Wife, Dr. Champ, and more. He made his acting debut in 2001 and has won several awards including Best Supporting Actor in the 2019 SBS Drama Awards for his performance in The Fiery Priest.
• Jian KWON (Solbi) is a singer, television personality, and former member of the K-pop group Typhoon. Solbi then reinvented herself as an artist to heal from the cyberbullying she endured as a K-Pop star. Her unique art style combines color and depth to create deeply emotive textile pieces.
• Min-Woo LEE was a member of the South Korean boy band Shinhwa, one of the most influential 1st generation K Pop artists. LEE debuted as a solo artist in 2003. In 2007 he established his own agency – M Rising Entertainment – to manage his solo pursuits.
• Jun SHIM (Negativ) is a photographer and a music video director for many well-known pop artists including BoA, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, Solbi, Muzie, and Jay Park. He is currently CEO of Purple List Films, specializing in, commercial and entertainment production.

About Park West Gallery:

Park West Gallery has brought the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969. No other company has the expertise, insight, or variety of art as Park West Gallery. Whether it’s masterpieces from history’s greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons, Park West offers something for everyone.

For decades, Park West Gallery has brought its unmatched knowledge and customer service to art auctions on cruise ships, fine hotels, weekly live-streaming broadcasts, and gallery locations in New York, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hawaii. With top-notch framing and delivery services available from our logistics center in Miami, Park West Gallery ensures that art lovers and collectors anywhere can enjoy their art for years to come.

Park West Gallery strives to create an entertaining, educational, and welcoming atmosphere that ignites a passion for the arts. Park West’s mission is to make the art world accessible, helping its clients build lasting memories through collecting events, educational seminars, and art exhibitions.