RAN Focus Artists

Ayoung Kim

Born in 1979, Seoul-based artist Ayoung Kim utilizes a mix of CGI, live-action footage and video game engines to tell stories referred to as “speculative fiction." It fuses geopolitics, mythology, technology, and futuristic iconography, with the artist commenting on present society through the speculative future. Kim won the Golden Nica in the New Animation Art category at Prix Ars Electronica in 2023, and the LG Guggenheim Award at Guggenheim Museum in 2025.

Program:
Delivery Dancer’s Arc: 0º Receiver

Jaewon Kang

Born in 1989, Jaewon Kang is a Seoul-based artist and sculptor. He creates works using 3D programs and his tablet rather than traditional tools like a carving knife. As demonstrated by his works involving inflated and other materials, Kang is fascinated by sculptures that exist beyond traditionally defined physical matter. He explores them as ever-evolving forms that can exist across various planes and sizes. He has exhibited his works in various museums and galleries, including the Ho-Am Art Museum in Korea and Korean Cultural Center in Poland.

Program:
Exo2_crop_xl and Flame

Jibin Im

Born 1984 in Busan, Jibin Im made his debut in 2009 at the Animamix Biennial held at the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art. Since then, he has been based in Seoul. He began his public art project EVERYWHERE in Seoul in 2011 and has gone on to exhibit in more than 50 cities in Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, exploring new possibilities for urban public art. He continues to expand the social capacity of art through collaborations with numerous museums such as the Seoul Museum of Art, Daegu Museum of Art, and Abu Dhabi Manarat Al Saadiyat Museum; public institutions including UNESCO, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF, and the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and Special Olympics; and diverse global brands such as Gucci, Coca-Cola, Nike, and Samsung.

Program:
EVERYWHERE
You Are Not Alone, JOY and HELLO

Young Sup Jin

Born 1958 in Busan, Young Sup Jin graduated from Kyungsung University Graduate School with a major in metal crafts. He has held numerous solo exhibitions in locations including Busan, Seoul, Kobe, and Fukuoka. From 2009 to 2018, he ran the creative artist residence space Art Factory in Dadaepo and organized community art activities in Busan’s Gamcheon Culture Village to further the social participation of art. Additionally, he has served as artistic director for the Hainan Haikou Art Project in China and the Kuroshio Art Project on Tanegashima Island (2011–2023).

Program:
Five-colored Wooden Fish Bench

TAGO

TAGO means lighting up the world by beating drums.Young Korean percussion group dedicated to sharing the wonders of Korean culture with the world through powerful and creative performances. A dynamic blend of traditional Korean instruments — from gigantic drums to small percussions — infused with elements of martial arts. In 2015, TAGO was designated as a Seoul professional art organization. In 2016–2017, they received 5-star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2017, they were invited to perform at the world-renowned music festival WOMAD. Between 2018 and 2025, TAGO actively toured across Europe, South America, and North America.

Program:
BEAT of KOREA THE DRUM SHAMAN

Namjae Seo

Namjae Seo is a contemporary circus performer and creator based in Korea, specializing in object-based physical theatre and interactive performances. He has created original works such as Polosseum and One two! One two! and has performed internationally across Asia and Europe, including Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Italy.

Program:
POLOSSEUM