Main image of “Lineages: Korean Art at the Met.” Marquee: Kwon Young-woo (1926–2013). ‘Untitled,’ 1984. Ink and gouache on hanji (Korean paper), 88 3/16 x 66 15/16 in. (224 x 170 cm). Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul. © Kwon Young-woo Estate. Image courtesy of Leeum Museum of Art.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the world’s top five museums, has established a dedicated curator position for Korean art. Supported by the Korea Foundation (KF) and the Samsung Cultural Foundation, this marks its first permanent role for a Korean art curator at an overseas art institution. Eleanor Soo-ah Hyun, also known as Hyun Soo-ah in Korea, has been appointed as the first Korean art curator at The Met.
The creation of this position reflects an acknowledgment of the need for a role overseeing Korean art and culture within The Met. Additionally, it signifies the museum’s commitment to expanding its collection of Korean artworks in the future. Furthermore, this change is receiving positive recognition in the Korean art world as a significant step forward in introducing and appreciating Korean art to a global audience.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Met’s Korean Gallery, the museum will host the exhibition Lineages: Korean Art at The Met, showcasing a chronological presentation of diverse Korean artworks until October 20, 2024.
