Younggon Kim, Make a dream, Mixed media on canvas, 130.3x130.3cm, 2022

Younggon Kim

Studied Visual Communication Design at Hongik University and majored in Advertising Design at its Graduate School of Fine Arts.

Founded Ida Communications Inc., a design production company, serving as CEO from 2000 to 2006.

Taught Illustration at Hongik University and Namseoul University from 2004 to 2010.

Served as a Public Relations Ambassador for the Community Chest of Korea (Love Fruit) from 2014 to 2016.

Published the illustrated essay book “It’s Okay, Spring Will Come Again” (Login Publishing, 2021).

"Sometimes, while piecing together the small, ordinary moments we often overlook, we unexpectedly encounter those rare and touching fragments of life that tug at our hearts."

I cherish the ordinary words of daily life. In gathering the unnoticed fragments of everyday moments, I often find myself deeply moved in the most unexpected ways. That is where my work begins.

Everyone dreams. Whether it’s a dream that unfolds beyond our will during sleep, or a hopeful vision stacked layer by layer toward an uncertain future, whether simple or grand, clear or vague—I still dream. If those dreams, once visualized, can bring even the slightest smile to someone’s face, then I believe that’s what makes my work worthwhile.

Rather than complex or overly embellished themes, I wish to create works that approach viewers with warmth and intuition—something that shares empathy and a smile. Perhaps it’s because we dream that we are able to continue on into the future. My ‘Dream Boys’ and ‘Dream Girls’ carry out those dreams in place of my quietly reserved self.

When creating, I try to set aside my own emotions as much as possible. I want to respect the emotions of my audience. Even when looking at the same piece, interpretations can shift depending on the viewer's emotional state. The characters in my work often wear expressionless faces. Most don’t even have mouths—an essential element of facial expression—and sometimes their eyes are hidden behind glasses. This lack of expression is intentional. Their emotions are entirely left to the viewer.

My work is a conversation. Rather than speaking myself, I want to offer viewers more space to speak. I hope the questions posed by the blank spaces and visual elements within the artwork can be answered through the audience’s own feelings. That is where the most genuine exchange lies—and that is the greatest value.

Even after many years of creating, I rarely offer answers in my work. Instead, I pose questions—“Why?”—and seek answers through the audience. Perhaps I’m even asking myself, hoping to hear the response through them.

Rather than aiming for perfectly drawn or technically impressive pieces, I wish for my work to feel slightly awkward and approachable. I want my art to be something that allows people to come closer, like a small but certain joy—a sohwakhaeng. I dream that my work becomes a quiet comfort to someone, a gentle emotional warmth, and a beautiful moment that quietly seeps into their everyday life.

Younggon Kim, I don't hate you, Mixed media on canvas, 130.3x130.3cm, 2022

Younggon Kim, Pain, Mixed media on canvas, 130.3x130.3cm, 2022

Younggon Kim, Relationship, Mixed media on canvas, 130.3x130.3cm, 2023