Hong Rahee, Suh Kyungbae, RM Among the 'Power 20' Shaping Korea's Art Market
Korea Art Market 2025 Report
Hong Rahee, honorary director of the Leeum Museum of Art and mother of Samsung Group Chairman Lee Jae-yong; Suh Kyungbae, chairman of Amorepacific Group; and RM of the group BTS have been selected as the most influential figures in the Korean art market.
On October 12, the 'Korea Art Market 2025' report, published annually by the Paradise Cultural Foundation and the Seoul National University Business Research Institute, announced that it had selected, for the first time this year, 20 key individuals leading the Korean art market.
The report described Honorary Director Hong as "a member of the Samsung family and a discerning collector," and added, "By collecting major works both domestically and internationally, she has shaped the landscape of the Korean art world."
Among business leaders, Suh Kyungbae, chairman of Amorepacific Group, was also included. Chairman Suh founded the Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) and is known as an art collector.
In the field of the arts, RM was the only artist named. RM, who is also well known as an art enthusiast, is scheduled to hold a special exhibition of his private collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in the United States in October next year. The report described him as "a passionate art collector and cultural influencer," noting that "he frequently visits museums and contemporary art exhibitions both in Korea and abroad, and shares his experiences through social media, thereby increasing public interest in art."
Among artists, Lee Bae, Suh Doho, Yang Haegue, and Kim Ayoung were selected. Lee Bae was described as "the second Lee Ufan" and recognized as an artist with strong influence in the Korean art market. The report introduced Suh Doho as an artist who "explores themes of dwelling, space, identity, and mobility through works using fabric and paper."
Other figures included Kim Inhye, Head of the Curatorial Research Office at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art; Lee Sook-Kyung, Director of the Whitworth Gallery at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom; and Seo Jinseok, Director of the Busan Museum of Art.
Additionally, Doh Hyungtae, CEO of Gallery Hyundai; Tina Kim, founder of Tina Kim Gallery in New York; Lee Sunghoon, chairman of the Korea Gallery Association; Son Emma, senior director at Lehmann Maupin; Lee Youngjoo, senior vice president of Pace Gallery Seoul; Park Kyungmi, founder of PKM Gallery; Noh Jaemyung, CEO of Art O&O; Jung Yeonsim, professor at Hongik University; Son Younghee, founder of Art Busan; Frieze Seoul director Patrick Lee; and Kwon Minjoo, VIP Asia director, were also named.
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The report stated, "The purpose is to highlight the 20 key figures currently exerting the greatest influence on the Korean art market," and explained, "Based on a survey of key gallery officials in Korea and finalized through consultation with field experts, the list is not ranked."
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