Hoon Kim Seoul, South Korea @uncogrim hoonunco@gmail.com

Selected among more than 100 artists from around the world, this artist was named a Top Five winner, chosen by a high-level international jury composed of Paul Booth, Jesse Smith, Victoria Lee, and Shi Ryu—a distinction that reaffirms the strength and coherence of his artistic language.

In addition, he was the winner of the Oriental Black and Grey category, standing out for a proposal in which composition and respect for the body’s natural flow become fundamental pillars. His work is characterized by a silent yet powerful construction, where each element carries specific weight and clear intention, resulting in pieces that interact organically with the anatomy.

From his studio Frame.seoul, which he co-runs alongside Bgxgrim, he develops a firm and uncompromising vision, prioritizing quality, identity, and long-term work over passing trends. This interview offers an in-depth look at his journey, his working philosophy, and the projection of an artist who moves forward with precision, commitment, and a constant search for meaning in every tattoo.

1.Your black and grey work is perceived as a silent yet powerful construction, where each element seems to carry a specific weight. What do you seek to convey emotionally and conceptually through your pieces?

First of all, thank you for describing my work as having a “silent yet powerful construction.” I find that to be a very thoughtful and accurate expression. Whenever I receive interview questions like this, I tend to think quite deeply about how to respond, and the way you framed it aligns very closely with how I see my own work—so thank you for that.

When I design, I believe that nothing should be included “just because.” Every element needs to carry its own weight and have a clear design intention. I prefer a state where each component has meaning, and where all of those elements harmonize into a single composition. Ultimately, when the design is placed on the body, it should also merge naturally with the body’s flow and structure.

2.Before consolidating this visual language, there was a beginning. How was your first approach to tattooing, and what led you to choose this profession?

Since childhood, drawing has been one of the biggest parts of my life. Naturally, this led me to drawings intended for tattooing. I majored in visual design at university, but rather than working primarily with computer tools, I always preferred drawing by hand. I knew early on that I wanted to spend my life drawing, and tattooing felt like the most honest and direct extension of that desire.

3.How would you define your style, and which elements do you consider fundamental within your artistic proposal?

Blackwork and the flow within the body are the most important elements to me. Understanding and respecting how a design moves with the body is fundamental to my approach.

4.Being selected within the Top Five and also winning the Oriental Black and Grey category in our international competition marks a significant milestone. How do you interpret this recognition today within your career?

It was a very special experience. Whenever there is a platform where I can present my work, I am always willing to challenge myself. I believe that all feedback gained through these experiences becomes a foundation for further growth, pushing my work to a higher level.

5.Being chosen by an international jury as one of the top five artists, what did this recognition mean to you?

I see it as a source of encouragement—a kind of confirmation that the direction I am pursuing has meaning and strength.

6.Tell us about your studio. What is its name, how is it structured in terms of team and collaborators, and what values do you aim to foster in the working environment?

I co-run a studio called Frame.seoul together with my close friend Bgxgrim. The studio was founded in December 2019, and we are currently a team of three. It is a solid, tight-knit studio where each member has a strong individuality and a distinct style.

Since opening the studio, we have received many applications from artists, but we maintain very high standards when it comes to building our team. We take our time and are very selective. For us, synergy and teamwork with existing members are far more important than short-term benefits or blindly following trends. We are proud to say that we move forward on our own path, based on our own standards, without compromise.

7.Looking toward the future, where do you feel your work is heading, and which aspects are you interested in continuing to explore or develop further?

I can’t say with certainty that what I think today will be exactly the same one or three years from now. Every year, I set new goals, revise them, and refine them based on what I’ve learned. The most important direction for me is always creating meaningful work together with my clients—nothing can take priority over that.

At the same time, I am making a continuous effort to better understand the body anatomically, particularly through large-scale projects like bodysuits. I am also currently studying and exploring color more deeply.

8.What goals are you setting for yourself in this new stage, and what would you like to remain with those who see or wear your tattoos?

I am already in the process of putting my goals into practice. I am actively studying and learning through my work itself.

9.What are your plans for this year?

At the moment, I am scheduled to participate in four different conventions, and all of my bookings for 2026 are already fully booked. My plan is simple: to pour all of my energy and focus into these commitments.

10. Is there anything you would like to add? We would like to give you this space to share any final thoughts.

I strive to be someone who moves forward accurately, even if the pace is slow. I am deeply grateful to everyone who consistently shows interest in my work and supports me, and I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this long interview.