Design Miami's first-ever Asian edition moved into its second day with a comprehensive discussion forum that brought together prominent artists, gallerists, and industry leaders to examine Korean design's rapidly growing influence on the global stage. The Design Talks program, held at Seoul's iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, attracted approximately 200 attendees who gathered to explore how Korean creative practices are transforming the international design landscape.
The panel discussions, organized in collaboration with the Herald Design Forum, took place in DDP's Lawn Room across four detailed sessions. Seoul Design Foundation CEO Cha Kang-heui opened the event by emphasizing the significance of this cultural moment. "This gathering represents a crucial juncture where Seoul's creative energy meets global design discourse," he stated in his opening remarks. "Design no longer remains confined to a single field – it touches technology, environment and social issues as core drivers of sustainability and innovation."
Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young followed with his perspective on design's transformative potential, declaring, "We firmly believe in the power of imagination and design to change the world." His comments set the tone for discussions that would explore both the commercial and cultural dimensions of Korean design's international expansion.
The morning session featured gallery representatives from around the world who shared their firsthand experiences promoting Korean artists on the international stage. Design Miami CEO Jen Roberts joined gallerists from Seoul, London, and New York to examine how Korean design has evolved from a niche interest to achieving mainstream recognition. The panel explored the mechanisms through which Korean creative work has gained visibility in major international markets and the challenges that remain.
Afternoon panels shifted focus to the artists themselves, featuring Korean designers who shared their personal journeys of breaking into international markets while maintaining their cultural authenticity. Veteran designer Choi Byung-hoon, who pioneered the concept of "art furniture" in Korea, appeared alongside contemporary practitioners Kim Min-jae, Lee Jai-ik, and Jane Yang-D'Haene. Their discussion centered on the delicate balance between preserving Korean identity and achieving global appeal, a challenge many Korean creatives face as they expand internationally.
The third session highlighted the significant impact of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize in bringing Korean craft to international attention. Since 2017, this prestigious award has featured 35 Korean finalists, demonstrating the country's exceptional talent in traditional and contemporary craft techniques. The 2022 winner, Jeong Da-hye, whose innovative horsehair basketry techniques have attracted worldwide attention, participated in the panel alongside fellow Korean prize finalists. They discussed how the award has served as a gateway to international representation and recognition.
The concluding panel brought together visionaries who are actively reshaping contemporary Korean design across various creative mediums. Performance director Jung Kuho and Onion Cafe founder Yoo Ju-hyeong explored how Korean aesthetics successfully translate across different creative disciplines, from performance art to hospitality design. Their conversation illuminated the versatility and adaptability of Korean design principles.
The talks program represents Design Miami's localized approach under its In Situ initiative, which prioritizes meaningful engagement with regional creative communities over traditional international fair formats. This strategy aligns with the platform's expansion plans for its 20th anniversary, following successful editions in Miami Beach and Paris. The Seoul edition demonstrates how global design platforms can adapt to local contexts while maintaining their international standards.
Design Miami.In Situ: Seoul continues through September 14 at the Yigansumun Exhibition Hall, showcasing over 170 works by Korean designers through 16 established galleries and 20 independent designers. Herald Media Group serves as the premier media partner for the event, co-organizing opening ceremonies, networking events, and the comprehensive Design Talks program that has become a cornerstone of the Seoul edition's success.
