To celebrate the most outstanding cultural and artistic figures of 2024, Hankyung Arte conducted an extensive survey.

Hankyung Arte is a cultural and arts magazine published by the Korea Economic Daily. The magazine provides in-depth coverage of diverse cultural content, including visual arts, music, performances, and film, offering readers comprehensive analyses of the latest trends and key issues in both the domestic and international art scenes.

The survey involved 378 participants, including 288 members of Arte and 90 cultural and art experts. Conducted over four days starting December 20, each participant was allowed three votes.

The survey identified artists who excelled in music, visual arts, performance, and film, along with notable exhibitions and performances. Here are the results and highlights.

Visual Arts: Do Ho Suh’s Triumphant Return
 
In the visual arts category, Do Ho Suh emerged as the clear winner, receiving 173 votes.

A globally acclaimed artist who has primarily worked abroad, Suh left a profound impression with his first solo exhibition in Korea in over a decade.

Known for his distinctive aesthetic that bridges Korean cultural sensibilities and the global art scene, Suh garnered 48 votes from experts and widespread support from enthusiasts, reaffirming his influence both domestically and internationally.

Second place went to Lee Ufan, a leading Mono-ha artist whose work delves into the interplay between nature and humanity. Chun Kyung-ja, who was celebrated in her centennial year, secured third place.

Known for her vibrant colors and emotive expressions, Chun Kyung-ja remains a pivotal figure in Korean art history. Her recognition in the survey underscores the enduring value of her artistic legacy and the strong support from art enthusiasts.

Music: Yunchan Lim’s Unrivaled Brilliance
 
In the music category, pianist Yunchan Lim claimed a commanding first place with 334 votes.

Lim had an exceptional year, winning two prestigious Gramophone Awards in the UK and the Diapason d’Or Jeune Talent in France with his album Chopin: Études. Seong-Jin Cho followed in second place with 236 votes, demonstrating his continued relevance and influence despite not releasing a new album this year.

Performing Arts: Jeon Min-cheol Takes Center Stage
 
In the performing arts category, ballet dancer Jeon Min-cheol emerged as the top performer with 207 votes.

Having secured a position at Russia’s renowned Mariinsky Ballet, Jeon has firmly established himself as a world-class dancer. Actor Cho Seung-woo earned second place with 187 votes for his outstanding portrayal in the play “Hamlet”, while Kim Ki-min, a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Ballet, ranked third.

Film: Kim Go-eun’s Outstanding Performance
 
In the film category, actress Kim Go-eun claimed first place with 264 votes.

Her captivating performance as the shaman Lee Hwa-rim in the movie “EXHUMA” drew over 10 million viewers, solidifying her status as a leading actress in Korean cinema. Hwang Jung-min and Lim Ji-yeon followed in second and third place, respectively.

Looking Ahead to 2025
 
The year 2025 is projected to be a challenging period for Korea’s cultural and artistic communities, facing economic uncertainties and global instability. However, the innovative and resilient spirit of Korean artists is expected to overcome these hurdles, paving the way for bold and transformative advancements that will further elevate the global standing of Korean arts.

References

• 미술은 서도호, 공연은 전민철…최고의 전시는 '비엔나 1900'展 [한국경제 2024.12.30]