In the 21st century, South Korea has solidified its position as a global cultural powerhouse. K-pop dominates the global music industry, and K-dramas and K-literature have seamlessly entered people's daily lives worldwide, bridging popular culture and fine arts. However, Korean contemporary art has yet to establish a strong platform on the international stage. Why are we still confined to outdated frameworks?
 
Why has Korean contemporary art failed to achieve global recognition comparable to K-pop?

The answer to this question is clear. It's because we lack systematic preparation and strategy.

The inaugural exhibition of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Seoul in 2025 will be an international artist Ron Mueck. Ron Mueck is a great artist, but his exhibition is only imported content.

The Essential Responsibilities and Roles of the MMCA

As Korea's leading public art museum, the MMCA should be a key platform for the future of Korean art.

Just as the Tate Modern (UK) and the Whitney Museum of American Art (US) strategically discover and promote their own artists to the international stage, the most important part of the MMCA's raison d'être is to grow Korean contemporary artists internationally.

In an era of global cultural competition, Korean contemporary art can no longer remain within the confines of its own country. "Young Korean Artists" should be the starting point for such a change.

MMCA, Seoul: The Practical Effects of a Global Hub

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and the center of the country's cultural scene. It functions as a global hub for art officials and collectors from around the world. Holding "Young Korean Artists" here will open up more international opportunities for young artists, and the optimized facilities and resources of the Seoul Pavilion will help to raise the level and scale of the exhibition.

Seoul is also a highly accessible city, making it easy for domestic and international visitors to visit.

This will maximize the opportunities for young artists' works to connect with the public. The "Young Korean Artists" exhibition at the Seoul Museum is not just a change of venue, but an important strategic turning point for Korean contemporary art to communicate with the world and make a leap forward.

Successful Strategies for K-pop are also Necessary for the Art World.

K-pop has dominated the global music market through a thorough system and strategy. It was a combination of talent discovery, systematic training, global market analysis, and strategic marketing. Now, Korean contemporary art needs the same preparation and system.

"Young Korean Artists" exhibition could be the first step in establishing a “K-pop system” in the art world. The MMCA should organize this exhibition in Seoul, showcase the work of young artists on an international level, and create a strategic support system that leads to biennial and global museums.
 
Major countries around the world are already strategically introducing their artists to the world. France, the United Kingdom, and the United States have public institutions that take the lead in discovering, nurturing, and promoting artists to the international stage. Korea, however, still relies on the efforts of private galleries and individual artists. It is time for the National Museum of Contemporary Art to fulfill its responsibilities as a public institution and change the tide.

Conclusion: "Young Korean Artists" Exhibition is a Strategic Choice for the Future of Korean art.

"Young Korean Artists" exhibition is an important step toward the future of contemporary Korean art. The exhibition's move to Seoul is not just a change of venue, but a strategic decision that shifts the paradigm of the Korean art world.

The exhibition will provide young artists with more opportunities and international attention and will open a new chapter for Korean art to communicate with the world.

It's time for the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to step up. Sanction that the 'Young Korean Artists' exhibition is held in MMCA, Seoul. This will open up a new future for Korean art and be the first step toward Korea becoming a truly culturally advanced country.

Jay Jongho Kim graduated from the Department of Art Theory at Hongik University and earned his master's degree in Art Planning from the same university. From 1996 to 2006, he worked as a curator at Gallery Seomi, planning director at CAIS Gallery, head of the curatorial research team at Art Center Nabi, director at Gallery Hyundai, and curator at Gana New York. From 2008 to 2017, he served as the executive director of Doosan Gallery Seoul & New York and Doosan Residency New York, introducing Korean contemporary artists to the local scene in New York. After returning to Korea in 2017, he worked as an art consultant, conducting art education, collection consulting, and various art projects. In 2021, he founded A Project Company and is currently running the platforms K-ARTNOW.COM and K-ARTIST.COM, which aim to promote Korean contemporary art on the global stage.