EP.73. Frieze Seoul 2025 Opens a Global Stage with Local Pulse

The fourth edition of Frieze Seoul has opened its doors at COEX in Gangnam, once again placing Seoul firmly on the map as a rising powerhouse in the global art scene. Running through September 6, the fair features over 120 leading galleries from across Asia and around the world,

offering a vibrant snapshot of today’s artistic voices.

Frieze Seoul continues to run in tandem with Kiaf SEOUL, , creating an ecosystem where global exchange meets strong local roots. Through collaborations with Korean institutions, curated programs, and special projects, this year’s fair continues to bridge boundaries and foster meaningful cultural dialogue.

This year’s highlights include a carefully curated mix of emerging and established artists whose

work engages with material, identity, and urban experience. Among the standout names from

my picks are Yulia Iosilzon, whose intricate mixed-media works reflect psychological

landscapes; Minjung Woo, known for her ethereal, gesture-based abstractions; and Jae Yong

Kim, the beloved donut artist, who returns with his signature glazed ceramic sculptures, rich in

humor, color, and cultural commentary.

Also featured are Minhaee Kim, whose surreal, cyberpunk style reflects 80’s futurism; Tadashi

Kawamata, the renowned Japanese artist whose site-responsive installations often incorporate

reclaimed materials; and Zilla Leutenegger, whose animations and spatial drawings blur the

lines between the real and the imagined.

A major milestone for the fair is the debut of Frieze House Seoul, a new permanent space inaugurated with UnHouse, an exhibition curated by Jae Seok Kim, focusing on queer

perspectives of home and identity—an example of the fair’s evolving commitment to underrepresented voices.

Tune on the tunes for more.