K-Culture is reaching out to the world. The anticipation for Squid Game 2, set to stream in December, and the global sensation of BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars's collaboration on the song “APT” show that Korean culture has grown far beyond a passing trend. Instead, K-Culture is now firmly establishing itself as a powerful pillar in the global cultural landscape.

Recently, the Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to author Han Kang is a monumental recognition of the profound narratives and sensitivities in Korean literature. Han's works, which capture the complexities of Korean life, pain, and resilience, resonate deeply with readers worldwide. 

However, while the Nobel Prize elevates the status of Korean literature, true globalization requires translations, marketing strategies, and robust promotion of Korean authors that align with global standards. In this sense, the current challenges of Korean literature are not unlike those facing Korean contemporary art.

Minji’s "Text Hip" and RM’s "Itssubility"

Recently, the Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to author Han Kang is a monumental recognition of the profound narratives and sensitivities in Korean literature. Han's works, which capture the complexities of Korean life, pain, and resilience, resonate deeply with readers worldwide.

However, while the Nobel Prize elevates the status of Korean literature, true globalization requires translations, marketing strategies, and robust promotion of Korean authors that align with global standards. In this sense, the current challenges of Korean literature are not unlike those facing Korean contemporary art.

For BTS’s RM, "Itssubility" signifies an approach to self-expression that goes beyond presence—it conveys genuine identity through depth of interest and understanding.

RM shares his knowledge and passion for art with fans, encouraging them to engage with art in a way that feels both accessible and meaningful. RM’s "Itssubility" exemplifies a new way for K-Art to connect with younger generations, hinting at the potential for art to become both popular and authentic.

K-Art, A New Beginning on the Global Stage

Amid K-Culture’s global rise, interest in K-Art is also accelerating. At the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, the Korean artist Mirae Lee’s exhibition reveals the potential and vision of Korean contemporary art that can resonate worldwide. This exhibition is a promising example of K-Art’s ability to captivate a global audience in the near future.

Korean contemporary art has already gained recognition for its originality and aesthetic depth, but it still lacks the necessary infrastructure and experts to fully support it.

To establish K-Art on the international stage, there is an urgent need for specialized professionals—curators, critics, and managers—who can strategically promote Korean art worldwide. National and public institutions should take the lead in developing professional education programs and expanding networks with major global art institutions, galleries, and art fairs.

Only through these efforts can K-Art consistently maintain a meaningful presence in the global art scene.

As K-Culture continues to gain traction, the door is also wide open for K-Art to step onto the world stage. To keep up with this powerful movement, Korea must focus on advancing, structuring, and professionalizing its contemporary art scene. The question, "When will the era of K-Art arrive?" is answered by our commitment to preparing for that era—starting now.