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Meet Me in Seoul: Dew Kim
The Seoul-based visual artist maps the creative world that inspires his performance, sculpture and video work about the power structures within queerness, religion and K-pop
The Seoul-based visual artist maps the creative world that inspires his performance, sculpture and video work about the power structures within queerness, religion and K-pop
To watch the film with English or Korean subtitles, click on the ‘subtitles’ option in the menu bar at the bottom of the video.
‘When you keep talking about uncomfortable topics,’ reflects Dew Kim, ‘you can tell a new story, a more expanded story.’
Kim takes us to the pockets of Seoul that weave his creative world, from the historic Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine and Seoul Central Mosque to Euljiro’s industrial streets and ‘Homo Hill’ in Itaewon-dong.
In the gardens of the shrine, Kim draws inspiration from stories of persecution and sacrifice, which he translates into metal and silicone sculptures that subvert such power structures. Kim likens saints to K-pop idols – both ‘beings that exist on a stage’ – and sees the music’s popularity as Korea’s ‘desire for recognition’.
Exploring the changing streets of Bogwang-dong, the neighbourhood where he was born, Kim discusses his upbringing in a devout family. Across video, sculpture and performance, Kim reckons with religious iconography alongside queer and BDSM cultures. ‘I find queerness in religion and religiosity in queerness,’ says Kim, reflecting on the realities of being a queer artist in Korea today.
Transgression and play drives Kim’s work: ‘I think we could embrace and talk about more things, and see them as they are. It’s just so much fun to keep learning new things, and if it weren't fun, I don’t think there would be any reason for me to make art.’
Dew Kim is presented by sultana at Frieze Seoul.
Further Information
Frieze Seoul, COEX, 3 – 6 September 2025.
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Frieze Seoul is supported by Headline Partner LG OLED, in a collaboration that merges the worlds of art and technology, and Global Lead Partner Deutsche Bank, continuing over two decades of shared commitment to artistic excellence.
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