Kim Wan-sun, the iconic K-pop performer known as Korea's "Dancing Queen," has embarked on a remarkable artistic journey that has led her from the recording studio to the art gallery. As she approaches the 40th anniversary of her music career, the legendary singer has discovered a new form of creative expression through painting, culminating in her latest exhibition "Art Beyond Fame" at Gallery Marie in Seoul's Jongno-gu district.
The exhibition represents more than just another creative venture for Kim – it marks a deeply personal transformation and reconnection with her artistic roots. Most notably, the show has brought her back together with Kim Chang-hoon from the legendary band Sanulrim, who produced her very first record nearly four decades ago. This reunion after decades apart adds special significance to the exhibition, which showcases Kim's evolving artistic world beyond her musical achievements.
Since her debut in 1986 with the hit song "Tonight," Kim Wan-sun has established herself as one of Korea's most celebrated entertainers. Her career spans nearly four decades and includes iconic hits such as "Dance in the Rhythm," "Let's Forget It Now," and "The Pierrot Laughs at Us." However, through this exhibition, she reveals a side of herself that exists far from the spotlight and stage performances that made her famous.
During an interview at the exhibition opening, Kim reflected on her transition from music to visual art. "Music was something I truly loved when I started," she explained. "But after 40 years, it became work, like going to the office every day. Painting, for me, is pure rest. It's where I breathe, where I heal and where the tired version of myself finds comfort again." This honest assessment reveals how even the most successful artists can find themselves seeking new outlets for creative fulfillment.
Kim's journey into painting began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entertainment industry came to a sudden halt. "Before COVID-19, I was constantly busy," she recalled. "When everything suddenly stopped, I remembered painting. I'd learned it years ago while in Hawaii and loved it, but I was too busy to continue. So I picked up the brushes again, just to fill my days." What started as a simple way to pass time during lockdown quickly evolved into something much more meaningful.
The transition from private hobby to public exhibition happened organically. Kim's paintings first caught public attention when they appeared on television during at-home shoots. "People started calling, asking if I'd hold an exhibition," she said. "At first, I thought, my paintings aren't good enough. But then I told myself, life isn't that long. Music and art are both forms of self-expression, just in different languages. So I decided to trust the moment and take courage."
For Kim, the contrast between music-making and painting could not be more striking. While her fans remember her dazzling stage performances and energetic dance moves, she now finds profound peace in the solitude of creating art. "Music involves so many people: lyricists, composers, producers, dancers, stylists," she observed. "Painting, though, is completely solitary. From start to finish, it's all me. That's why it feels like rest." This independence and creative control represent a significant shift from the collaborative nature of the music industry.
The central theme of Kim's latest exhibition revolves around "In the Mood for Love" (Hwayangyeonhwa), a concept that holds deep personal meaning for the artist. "Within the brilliance and transience of Hwayangyeonhwa, I realized that fate is something beyond human will," Kim explained. She draws a poignant connection between this theme and her early career: "When I first met Kim Chang-hoon as a trainee and worked on my debut album with him, that was the most beautiful time of my life, my own Hwayangyeonhwa. It was a time filled with dreams and passion, but it ended in just five years. That fleeting beauty became the inspiration for my art."
Despite never initially planning to become a professional exhibiting artist, Kim has now held approximately eight exhibitions of various sizes. "I never planned to become an exhibiting artist," she admitted. "I've held about eight exhibitions, big and small, but I never once painted with that intention." This organic evolution from music to visual art demonstrates how creativity can find new channels of expression throughout an artist's life.
As Kim Wan-sun continues to explore this new artistic territory, she remains philosophical about life's unexpected turns. Her canvases are finding new homes while her songs continue to resonate across generations, creating a dual legacy in both music and visual art. "Until the day I die, life will keep surprising me," she reflected, embodying the humble attitude that has characterized her approach to both her musical career and her artistic endeavors.
The exhibition "Art Beyond Fame" will continue to run through November 13, giving art enthusiasts and fans alike the opportunity to witness this remarkable transformation of one of Korea's most beloved entertainers into a visual artist finding peace and healing through her brushstrokes.
