JUNE KOREA

is an artist who uses photography as a bridge to invite viewers into his constructed fantasies. His aim is to visually translate his imagined narratives into the real world. His hope is that his work will serve as a catalyst — prompting questions about our solitary existence in contemporary society.

2017–Now CEO. Plusarts Institute [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].
2002–Now Photographer. June Korea Photography [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].

2005–Now Official Sponsor. Make-A-Wish Korea [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].

EDUCATION

2015 MFA, Photography, Video and Related Media. School of Visual Arts [New York, NY, US]. 14 May 2015.
— Alice Beck-Odette Scholarship and Alumni Scholarship. 2013–15.
2012 BFA, Photography and Imaging. ArtCenter College of Design [Pasadena, CA, US]. 15 Dec. 2012.
— Martha Chandler Scholarship, Jules Bates Scholarship, and Thomas Denhart Scholarship. 2009–12.

AWARDS & GRANTS

2023              Korea Safety Health Environment Foundation Grant. Korea Safety Health Environment Foundation [KR]. 10 Nov. 2023.
2022              Make-A-Wish Sponsorship Award. Make-A-Wish Korea [KR]. 28 Nov. 2022.
2018              Center of Contemporary Artists Award. COCA Project [ES]. 17 Sept. 2018.
2017              Make-A-Wish Achievement Award. Make-A-Wish Korea [KR]. 23 Nov. 2017.
Korean Artists Welfare Foundation Grant. Korean Artists Welfare Foundation [KR]. 12 May 2017.
  American Photography 33 Award. AI-AP [US]. 16 Mar. 2017.
  2016 International Photographer of the Year Award. IPOTY [UK]. 12 Feb. 2017.
  Life Framer Award—Still Life: 20 Amazing Photographers to Discover. Life Framer [US]. 9 Jan. 2017.
2015              2015 CA it Awards Photography Gold Award. CA it Awards [US]. 17 Dec. 2015.
2015 Neutral Density Photography Awards 1st Place—Gold Star Award. ND Awards [INT]. 29 Nov. 2015.
2015 Seoul–New York Photo Festival Silver Award. Seoul–New York Photo Festival [KR]. 5 Nov. 2015.
  21st Artist Portfolio Award. Artist Portfolio Magazine [Garden Grove, US]. 10 Feb. 2015.
2012              53rd CMYK Award. CMYK Magazine [San Francisco, US]. 1 Aug. 2012.
  27th CQ Award. Creative Quarterly [New York, US]. 1 May 2012.
2011              MAC Group Photography Award. MAC Group [US]. 19 Aug. 2011.
2011 Museum of Seongnam Arts Center Emerging Artist Award. Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [KR]. 15 June 2011.
2009              Make-A-Wish Achievement Award. Make-A-Wish Korea [KR]. 10 Jan. 2009.
2005              Feelux Lighting Grand Award. Feelux Lighting Co., Ltd. [US]. 6 Apr. 2005.
2003              Dong-A Photography Excellence Award. The Dong-A Ilbo [KR]. 10 Nov. 2003.

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2018 “Still Lives.” Miboo Art Center [Seo-gu, Busan, KR]. 11 May–15 June 2018.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS & FAIRS

2024 “41.6%.” Tongui-dong Boan Inn [Jongno-gu, Seoul, KR]. 5–31 Mar. 2024.
2021 “Wonderful Days for All.” Seoul Medical Center [Jungnang-gu, Seoul, KR]. 18 Mar–Current. 2021.
2017 “Cityscape Korea 2017.” COEX [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR]. 17–19 Aug. 2017.
“A to Z.” Mesa [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR]. 28 July–6 Aug. 2017.
  “Currents in Figuration.” Walter Wickiser Gallery [Chelsea, NY, US]. 4–29 Mar. 2017.
“2016 CA it Awards Showcase—Featuring Artist: June Korea.” SIA Gallery [Chelsea, NY, US]. 12–14 Jan. 2017.
2016 “Jersey City Art & Studio Tour.” JCAST Flagship Gallery [Jersey City, NJ, US]. 8–23 Oct. 2016.
“Detroit Biennale.” Museum of New Art [Troy, MI, US]. 1 Oct. 2016.
  “Art Slope: Park Slope Art Festival.” Park Slope [Brooklyn, NY, US]. 17–25 Sept. 2016.
“2016 ASYAAF: Hidden Artists Festival.” Dongdaemun Design Plaza [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR]. 2–14 Aug. 2016.
  “9th Invitational Art Exhibition.” The City Hall of Jersey City [Jersey City, NJ, US]. 5–28 Apr. 2016.
“2016 NYPH.” The POWERHOUSE Arena [Brooklyn, NY, US]. 15–29 Feb. 2016.
2015              “Still Lives.” Rusted Iron in DUMBO [Seongdong-gu, Seoul, KR]. 27 July–30 Aug. 2015.
2011              “Still Lives: Neighbors.” Gallery Ls [San Pedro, CA, US]. 5–21 May 2011.
2015              “2015 CA it Awards Showcase.” Space in Arts New York [Chelsea, NY, US]. 16–18 Dec. 2015.
  “2015 SIPF.” Dongdaemun Design Plaza [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR]. 5–13 Nov. 2015.
  “Here+There.” And N Gallery [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR]. 28 July–5 Aug. 2015.
  “2015 MFA National Exhibition.” First Street Gallery [Chelsea, NY, US]. 23 July–14 Aug. 2015.
  “2015 ASYAAF: Hidden Artists.” Culture Station Seoul 284 [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR]. 21 July–2 Aug. 2015.
  “The Selfie Show: An Art Exhibition of Self-Portraits.” Museum of New Art [Troy, MI, US]. 8 May–5 June 2015.
  “2015 LA Art Book Fair.” MOCA [Los Angeles, CA, US]. 29 Jan.–1 Feb. 2015.
2014              “2014 Seongnam Media Festival.” Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 21–26 Oct. 2014.
  “2014 NY Art Book Fair.” MoMA PS1 [Long Island City, NY, US]. 26–28 Sept. 2014.
  “Springtime and Rebirth.” Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole [Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, FR]. 19 Sept.–21 Oct. 2014.
  “2014 Young Artists.” Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 1 Sept.–14 Dec. 2014.
  “Boundaries.” SVA Gramercy Gallery [New York, NY, US]. 11–30 July 2014.
  “re.con.nect.” Korean Cultural Center New York [New York, NY, US]. 4–25 July 2014.
  “UNICEF’s Next Generation Photo Benefit.” Aperture Foundation [Chelsea, NY, US]. 17 May 2014.
  “100 Artists’ Show.” Gallery Noori [Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 18–23 Mar. 2014.
  “Joy-Route Exhibition.” Space Womb Gallery [New York, NY, US]. 27 Feb.–5 Mar. 2014.
2013              “One Language is Not Enough.” Space Claremont [Claremont, CA, US]. 9 Nov. 2013–4 Jan. 2014.
  “2013 Emerging Artists.” Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 18 Oct.–3 Nov. 2013.
  “The Lucky Jotter’s 5th Exhibition.” Jam Industries [City Centre, Nottingham, UK]. 14–21 Oct. 2013.
  “2013 ASYAAF.” Culture Station Seoul 284 [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR]. 6-18 Aug. 2013.
  “2013 Young & New.” Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 19 Feb.–8 Mar. 2013.
  “Personal Culture.” Space Womb Gallery [New York, NY, US]. 26 Jan.–8 Feb. 2013.
2012 “LA Drive Bye 24:00.” The Studio For Southern California History [Los Angeles, CA, US]. 30 Nov.–9 Dec. 2012.
  “The Faces of Seongnam.” Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 11–26 Sept. 2012.
2011–12       “Thinking Outside the Square.” Gallery 207 [Santa Ana, CA, US]. 3 Dec. 2011–3 Jan. 2012.
2011              “Face Off.” Smashbox Studios [Culver City, CA, US]. 8 Dec. 2011.
  “2011 ASYAAF.” Hongik University [Mapo-gu, Seoul, KR]. 10–22 Aug. 2011.
  “2011 Emerging Artists.” Museum of Seongnam Arts Center [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 3–15 June 2011.
2010              “What was Your Dream?.” ArtCenter Public Programs Gallery [Pasadena, CA, US]. 13 Dec. 2010.
  “2010 ASYAAF.” Sungshin Women’s University [Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, KR]. 11–23 Aug. 2010.
2009              “36.5 Project On.” MayJune Gallery [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR]. 2–8 Feb. 2009.
2006              “The 3rd EIDF ‘Prospering Asia, Reconciliation & Coexistence.’” EBS Space [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR]. 10–16 July 2006.
2003              “Photo Plus.” Jebiwool Art Museum [Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 10–20 Dec. 2003.

PUBLICATIONS

2018 Korea, June. Still Lives: Eva. Seoul: June Korea Photography, 2018. Print.
2015 Korea, June. Still Lives: Neighbors, Mimi. New York: June Korea Photography, 2015. Ebook.
2014 Korea, June. Still Lives: Neighbors. New York: June Korea Photography, 2014. Print.
Korea, June. “I Want to See What He Wanted to See.” WORDS. New York: Visual Arts Press, Ltd., 2014: 6–9. Print.

PRESS & INTERVIEWS

2018 Jang, Juyeon. “June Korea—Moments Captured by the Epic Tale of Loneliness” Contemporary Art Curator Magazine [INT]. 20 Apr. 2018. Web.
Kay, Joelcy. “Constructing My Own Artificial Eternity | Loneliness & A Silicon Sex Doll I Named Eva” Edge of Humanity Magazine [US]. 20 Apr. 2018. Web.
Park, Yihyun. “그들이 '사진'으로 뭉친 이유는?” 월간사진 [KR]. 1 Jan. 2018: 98–103. Print.
2017 色影无忌. “人性娃娃的世界—June Korea.” 凤凰Art [CN]. 20 Mar. 2017. Web.
Park, Yihyun. “Inside Photo: June Korea.” 월간사진 [KR]. 1 Mar. 2017: 122–125. Print.
  “Fotograf chodí s nafukovacou Ančou. Pozrite sa, ako vyzerá ich život.” Europa 2 Radio Station [SK]. 14 Jan. 2017. Web.
  “Απαθανατίζοντας τη σχέση ενός άνδρα με… μια πλαστική κούκλα.” E-Radio [GR]. 3 Jan. 2017. Web.
  “Most Popular Photographers.” Dodho Magazine [ES]. 2 Jan. 2017. Web.
2016    “사진작가 ‘준코리아’의 작품세계.” Dispatch [KR]. 29 Dec. 2016. Web.
  “June Korea—Still Lives: Eva.” Dodho Magazine [ES]. 20 Dec. 2016. Web.
  “Emerging Photography Contender: June Korea.” Feature Shoot [US]. 17 Dec. 2016. Web.
  d'Alessandro, Guillaume. “My Silicone Baby.” We Demain [FR]. 22 Nov. 2016: Cover, 24–31. Print.
  Revuelta, Ana. “Falso/Fake: June Korea (Still Lives: Eva).” Exit Imagen y Cultura [ES]. 18 Nov. 2016. Print.
Winatschek, Marcel. “Er nannte sie Eva—Dieser Fotograf teilt die intimen Momente zwischen ihm und seiner Sexpuppe.” Amy & Pink [DE]. 17 Nov. 2016. Web.
Cho, Wonhee. “‘섹스돌 프로젝트’로 주목받는 사진작가 준 코리아.” Korea Joongang Daily [US]. 16 Aug. 2016: 17. Print. Web.
Wong, Yoon Sann. “Uncanny Series Captures Photographer’s Fantasy Love Relationship with a Sex Doll.” DesignTAXI [SG]. 15 Aug. 2016. Web.
Holden, Madeleine. “Meet the New York-Based Artist Living with a Sex Doll.” Highsnobiety [DE]. 27 July 2016. Web.
Clemente, Mariarosaria. “Still Lives: Eva, la sex doll di June Korea.” Ultima Voce [IT]. 23 July 2016. Web.
  “充氣娃娃有生命？藝術家在她身上看見自己.” Liberty Times [TW]. 15 July 2016. Web.
  Kang, Byeongjin. “This Artist Photographs Sex Dolls in Order to Explore Human Emotions.” The Huffington Post [FR, IT, JP, CA, KR, and US]. 11 July 2016. Web.
  Blair. “Este fotógrafo te enseña lo que es vivir con una muñeca de plástico.” Cribeo [ES]. 10 July 2016. Web.
Kirby, Matthew. “Photographer Documents His Intimate Relationship with a Lifelike Sex Doll.” Konbini [FR, MX, UK, and US]. 3 July 2016. Web.
Peña, Iván. “Fotógrafo coreano relata su extraño ‘noviazgo’ con una muñeca modelo.” El Tiempo [CO]. 1 July 2016. Print. Web.
Green, Jamie. “June Korea’s Photographic Fantasy: One Man’s Relationship with His Sex Doll.” It’s Nice That [UK]. 28 June 2016. Web.
Mccrum, Kirstie. “Sex Doll Photographs Reveal ‘Fantasy Relationship’ of Lonely Man Who Sleeps and Eats with ‘Toy.’” Daily Mirror [UK]. 27 June 2016. Web.
Law, Steve. “Korean Photographer Breathes Life into a Doll in Candid Still Life Series.” DigitalRev [HK]. 27 June 2016. Web.
Umrlec. “Život s realistickou sex bábikou. Fotograf dokumentuje svoju osamelosť.” Doba Magazín [SK]. 27 June 2016. Web.
López, Alejandro. “La soledad de un fotógrafo a través de su relación con una muñeca sexual.” Cultura Colectiva [MX]. 22 June 2016. Web.
  Ferri, Graziano. “June Korea Shows Us His Fantasy Love Relationship with His Sex Doll Eva.” Fotografia [INT]. 20 June 2016. Web.
2015 Kim, Dongwoo. “섹스돌로 예술하는 한인 청년 ‘홀로 마주한 공허함이 무서웠다.’” Kukmin Ilbo [KR]. 3 Dec. 2015. Web.
Changxin, Chen. “不在乎別人眼光他與充氣娃娃談起戀愛.” China Times [CN]. 30 July 2015. Web.
  Kim, Ami. “‘에바(Eva)’에게 인생을 건 사진작가.” The Herald Business [KR]. 17 Aug. 2015: 24. Print. Web.
Lucchesi, Nick. “June and the Real Girl: A Photographer Explains His ‘Relationship’ with a Sex Doll.” The Village Voice [US]. 9 July 2015. Web.
Stirling, Dana. “June Korea, ‘Still Lives: As I Slept, I Left My Camera over There.’” Float Photo Magazine [US]. 2 May 2015: 41–60. Web.
2014 “Emerging Artist: June Korea.” The Artist Catalogue [US]. 1 Aug. 2014: 34–39. Web.
2013              Yim, Yijo. “June Korea Shooting His Dream.” Magazine Joy-Route [US]. 7 Nov. 2013: Cover, 38–76. Web.
  Roh, Eunyoung. “잃어버린 기억을 찾아서, 사진작가 June Korea.” Intermission [KR]. 24 Oct. 2013. Web.
  Choi, Yebin. “생각이 좋은 작가, 매일 두근거리는 삶을 사는 행복한 포토그래퍼 - June Korea.” Visumé [KR]. 27 Sept. 2013. Web.
  “5월의 아티스트.” Coupist [KR]. 1 May 2013: Cover, 24–50. Web.
Lee, Hyerin. “사진을 통해 소통을 배우다.” Artview [KR]. 28 Jan. 2013: 22–24. Print. Web.
2012              “Life in Focus.” The Picture Professional [US]. 28 Dec. 2012: 64. Print. Web.
Lee, Gwangjae. “내 손으로 만드는 기적, 재능기부 이야기.” uniK [KR]. 29 June 2012. Web.
“Featured Artist: June Korea.” Resource Magazine [US]. 17 Apr. 2012: 104. Print.
2006              “Featured Artist: June Korea.” The Women’s News [KR]. 15 Apr. 2006. Print.
2005              “기적을 꿈꾸는 사람들.” Make-A-Wish 소원· 별· 이야기 [KR]. 22 June 2005: 23. Print.
2004              “눈이 큰 아이.” Sports Seoul EPN [KR]. 3 Jan. 2004. Web.
2003              “Paper's Dream Gallery.” Paper Magazine [KR]. 1 Nov. 2003: 20. Print.

ARTIST’S TALKS & LECTURES & WORKSHOPS

2015 Artist’s Talk. Rusted Iron in DUMBO [Seongdong-gu, Seoul, KR]. 31 July 2015.
2008 Lecture. Cooperation and Participation in Overseas NGOs [Yongsan-gu, Seoul, KR]. 17 Jan. 2008.
2007 Lecture. Make-A-Wish Korea [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR]. 2 Nov. 2007.
Lecture. Kangnam University [Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 2007.
2006 Lecture. Korea NGO Council for Overseas Development Cooperation [Mapo-gu, Seoul, KR]. 6 June 2006.
2005 Workshop. Ilsan Child Care Center [Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 5 May 2005.
2004 Lecture. Naejung Middle School [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR]. 2004.

COLLECTIONS

2020 Seoul Metropolitan Government [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR].
2016 Jennifer Jooah Kim [Yongsan-gu, Seoul, KR].
Alfred Peter Olivera [Mount Vernon, NY, US].
2015              One Alloy [Incheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR].
2014              School of Visual Arts MFA Photography, Video and Related Media [New York, NY, US].
2013              Junwon Sohn [Incheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR].
2012              Ophelia Chong [Los Angeles, CA, US].
Dennis Keeley [Pasadena, CA, US].
  Roderick Smith & Linda Miller [Los Angeles, CA, US].
2011              Lorne M. Buchman [Pasadena, CA, US].
2010 Fullcity Coffee [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR].
  Oolee Institute of Photography [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].

AFFILIATIONS

2017–Now CEO. Plusarts Institute [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].
2005–Now    Official Sponsor. Make-A-Wish Korea [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].
2002–Now    Photographer. June Korea Photography [Gangnam-gu, Seoul, KR].
2019–20 Judge. ASYAAF [Jung-gu, Seoul, KR].
2016–17 Judge. CA it Awards [New York, NY, US].
2016–17 Cofounder. MayJune Pictures [New York, NY, US].
2015–17 Columnist. NYCultureBeat [New York, NY, US].
2011–13       Volunteer Photographer. SOHO Project [Los Angeles, CA, US].
2012 Documentarian. TEDx ArtCenter College of Design [Pasadena, CA, US].
2010–12 Volunteer Photographer. YWCA [Pasadena, CA, US].
2008–09        Columnist. Hyundai Emille TV Magazine [Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, KR].
2004 Photojournalist. Artian News [Jongno-gu, Seoul, KR].