ECE YILDIRIM

During the recent K-Beauty seminar at the Istanbul King Sejong Institute, Turkish participants learned directly from Kim Su Young, a prominent educator from Art Stage 1992 Beauty Academy. With nearly two decades of experience, Kim brings a disciplined, precision-focused approach to makeup. Interestingly, his journey to Istanbul was fueled by a deeply personal mission: to express his gratitude to Türkiye for its historical support during the Korean War. In this interview, he s

Kimchi is so much more than just a superfood; it’s the living heartbeat of Korean culture. At the forefront of preserving this legacy is the World Institute of Kimchi (WiKim). By bridging the gap between ancient fermentation traditions and cutting-edge biotechnology, WiKim ensures that Korea remains the true "mother country" of this iconic dish. The Global Kimchi Ambassador program is back for another exciting term. This initiative is WiKim’s way of taking Kimchi’s global sto

I met Woody Kim during a seminar held at Istanbul University as part of the K-Wave Festival and Korea Culture Week on November 24–25. The event, titled the Korea–Türkiye Content Cooperation Forum, brought together industry professionals to discuss the future of creative collaboration between the two countries. After the session concluded, I had the opportunity to briefly speak with Mr. Kim, which led to this interview exploring his insights on AI-driven filmmaking and the evo

Held as part of the 14th Gwangju Biennale, FFFFIRE began as a guerrilla satellite exhibition that questioned the boundaries of institutional art spaces. Now, reimagined in Istanbul under the curatorial direction of Gyeyeon Park, it continues to spark dialogues between artists, contexts, and audiences. In this conversation, we explore how FFFFIRE evolved from its roots in Gwangju to its new form at IMALAT-HANE IMÇ Project Space. This interview was conducted via email between N

During his visit to Istanbul University, Cha In Pyo—renowned actor, novelist, and humanitarian—met with students and readers who had long admired both his art and his integrity.Over the years, his voice has evolved beyond the screen, finding a new language in writing—one that explores faith, compassion, and the quiet strength of humanity.In this exclusive interview, he reflects on what freedom means to an artist, the invisible bond between creator and audience, and the memori

The Legacy of Korean Ceramic Art Korean ceramic art is not merely a form of aesthetic expression—it is a reflection of thousands of years of cultural heritage, a deep connection with nature, and a quiet spiritual pursuit. From the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE) to the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392–1897) dynasties, Korean pottery developed a unique identity defined by its refined forms, natural glazes, and understated yet profound beauty. The celadon ceramics of th

Designer Hwang Sun-tae (황선태) reinterprets the traditional elegance of Hanbok through a contemporary lens, continuing the legacy of his mother as a second-generation Hanbok artisan. From creating custom pieces for well-known celebrities to introducing Hanbok across the world through Sejong Institute’s cultural programs, her work bridges heritage and modernity. In this interview, we explore her creative journey and unique design philosophy. Hwang Sun-tae During a workshop at t

While accompanying the photo sessions with Korean War veterans, I had the chance to witness a project that was both deeply personal and historically meaningful. The photographer Shin Jung-hwan approached each veteran not just as a subject, but as a person with a long, full life behind their eyes. In this short interview, we talked about the motivation behind the project, the emotions felt during the sessions, and what it means to remember—through photography—those who fought

Kim Bo Seong has a special place in the history of Korean contemporary art. He draws attention as an artist who realizes his artistic vision. The year 2025 is a symbolic period for Kim Bo Seong. As 40 years have passed since he opened his first exhibition as an artist. At this turning point, Kim Bo Seong recalls his belief that “Art is a bridge that connects people” and draws a new vision for the future of Korean art. Kim Boseong Art center Exhibition in Ankara/Türkiye, Art A

Korean literature works are becoming increasingly popular in Türkiye. It has become easier than ever to access translations of Korean writers, and this is a situation that makes the readership very happy. Translators are not talked about much, but in my eyes, they are the invisible heroes between the writer and the reader. And their job is not easy at all. Recently, nominees were nominated for the Translation category for the first time this year within the scope of the Gio a

There is a certain depth hidden even in the most ordinary moments of daily life — in the effort of a plant to grow, in the stance of an object, or in the stroke of a brush. Artist Kim Dae You captures these quiet vibrations beneath the surface and brings them to life through his paintings. In his world, a work is considered “complete” not merely when it is visually balanced, but when it begins to speak through intuition. Describing himself simply as “a person who paints,” Kim

I had the chance to meet and work with Korean artist UKN LEE at an art fair in Türkiye last May. I was impressed by the works I had the chance to see and his use of materials. The artist has been living in Germany for many years and recently opened his solo exhibition. I interviewed him about his exhibition and works that will last until mid-November. Artist UKN LEE and I - Art Fair in İstanbul ( Photo:Ece YILDIRIM) Could you please introduce yourself? Ukn Lee was born in Seo