Korean artist Lee Aram has been selected as the winner of the prestigious 25th SongEun Art Award for a compelling media artwork that examines the complex history of Seoul's former Yongsan military base. The 33-year-old artist, who is currently based in Amsterdam, created the 30-minute piece titled "Every Worm Trampled is a Star," which investigates the layered narratives of a site that remained largely isolated from surrounding communities for nearly 140 years. The SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation announced the winner after reviewing applications from 556 artists, narrowing the field down to 20 finalists whose works are currently on display at the SongEun Art Space in Seoul. The award recognizes emerging Korean artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity and conceptual depth in their practice, providing crucial support for their continued development.
The Yongsan military base holds profound historical significance as it served first under Japanese colonial forces and later as a major United States military installation. This dual occupation spanned 138 years, creating a territory that was effectively sealed off from public access and urban development in the heart of Seoul. The base was finally relocated to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek in 2018, initiating a gradual process of returning the land to public use. Today, portions of the site have opened to citizens, though the complete transformation remains ongoing. Lee Aram's work addresses this transitional moment, questioning how a space so long associated with foreign military presence can be reclaimed and reintegrated into the fabric of Korean society and memory.
The artwork employs a unique narrative perspective, featuring narration by a third-generation Zainichi, a term describing descendants of ethnic Koreans who were forcibly relocated to Japan during the colonial period. This voice choice adds layers of displacement, identity, and return to the piece, connecting the Yongsan site's history to broader themes of Korean diaspora experience. Through this perspective, Lee explores possibilities for the land's recovery and healing, considering how physical spaces can be decolonized not just legally but psychologically and culturally. The media installation combines archival research, personal testimony, and artistic interpretation to create a multifaceted examination of place, memory, and the lingering effects of colonialism.
The SongEun Art Award provides substantial support for the winner's future career development beyond mere recognition. In addition to a cash prize of 20 million won, Lee Aram will receive a solo exhibition opportunity at the SongEun Art Space within the next three years. The award also includes participation in two prestigious residency programs: one organized by the Delfina Foundation in London, United Kingdom, and another hosted by the Seoul Museum of Art. These opportunities will allow the artist to further develop her practice while engaging with international art communities and expanding her professional network. The foundation's commitment to emerging artists is reflected in this comprehensive package designed to nurture long-term artistic growth and global exposure.
The SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation was established by the late Yoo Sung-yeon, founder of energy company ST International and a former aspiring artist himself. His personal understanding of the challenges facing emerging creators shaped the foundation's mission to provide meaningful support for Korean artists at critical stages of their careers. The annual award has become one of the most respected recognitions for young Korean artists, with previous winners going on to achieve significant international acclaim and representation in major biennials. The current exhibition featuring all 20 finalists demonstrates the vibrant diversity of contemporary Korean art practice and the foundation's role as a crucial tastemaker.
Lee Aram's winning piece stands out for its sophisticated handling of historical material and its relevance to ongoing discussions about land use, memory, and national identity in South Korea. The work's examination of how colonial and modern institutions have shaped perception through space, media, and nonhuman agents reflects contemporary theoretical concerns while remaining grounded in specific local history. As the exhibition continues at SongEun Art Space, visitors have the opportunity to engage with Lee's installation alongside works by other promising finalists, providing a comprehensive overview of emerging trends in Korean contemporary art. The award ceremony marks not just a personal achievement for Lee Aram, but also highlights the foundation's crucial role in fostering critical artistic discourse and supporting the next generation of Korean artists.
