Domestic design showcase unveils a personal living space of Koreans in Seoul

In the heart of Seoul's Hannam-dong, the former residence of the Romanian ambassador is being transformed into a unique home gallery showcase. The exhibition, titled 'Behind Closed Doors', is set to open on September 20, 2025, and promises to showcase the best of Korean creativity in the South Korean capital.

At the helm of this groundbreaking exhibition are Jillian Choi and Hye-Jin Kim. Choi, a gyopo design darling, and Kim, a Seoul-based interior designer, are leading the way in exploring Korean creativity outside of societal expectations and traditional labels. Choi, who was the Director of Global Exhibitions for Design Miami and Director of Collective Design, and Kim, who cut her chops with interior designer India Mahdavi, are driving the conversation about the perception and reception of current Korean art and design.

Hye-Jin Kim suggests that there is a multi-cultural aspect to Korean creativity that is often overlooked. This is evident in the diverse range of artists and designers featured in the exhibition, including Kwangho Lee, Se Oh, Jesse Chun, Casper Kang, Seung Neung Kyung, and Taewon Ahn.

The exhibition, which could be seen as building blocks, features functional works that also resemble sculptures. Hakmin Lee's aluminum seating pieces and Seongil Choi's 'Mirror Blocks Stool' are prime examples of this fusion. Yerin Park's carved porcelains, while looking like vases, are not functional, adding a touch of whimsy to the exhibition.

The PARKIM founders, Sandy Park and John Kim, were part of the discussions, ensuring that the exhibition is at the intersection of art and design. Jillian Choi states that the artists are exploring the blurring of these lines, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking exhibition.

It's not customary in Seoul to open one's home to strangers, which is effectively what an apartment gallery is. However, the artists and designers featured in 'Behind Closed Doors' are inviting the public to peek behind the curtain and explore what happens outside of societal expectations.

Seung Neung Kyung, represented by Hyundai Gallery, and Kwangho Lee, represented by Salon 94 Design, are among the artists whose works will be on display. Se Oh is represented by Tang Cont, Jesse Chun by Commonwealth and Council, and Casper Kang by Studio Concrete.

Choi and Kim had discussions about the exhibition, with Choi stating that it is a celebration of Korean creativity and a step towards redefining traditional perceptions of Korean art and design. The exhibition is sure to be a must-see for any art and design enthusiast.