INTERVIEW Kim Cheon-soo builds bridges with new Korean Cultural Center in Manhattan
The new Korean Cultural Center New York building opened in Midtown Manhattan in Februrary. Courtesy of KCCNY
NEW YORK — Nestled in the heart of midtown Manhattan, just a stone's throw from Koreatown, the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) has opened its new home in February, 15 years after acquiring the land. This strategic location is not just a geographic choice but a statement of purpose to bring Korean culture closer to the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities.
Under the leadership of executive director Kim Cheon-soo, KCCNY embarks on a mission to bridge cultures through architectural beauty and cultural programming.
Kim — who honed his expertise in public relations and global management at advertisement agency Cheil Worldwide and CJ LiveCity, a subsidiary of CJ specializing in arena and entertainment facilities — brings a wealth of experience from the private sector. Appointed in March 2023, he is the third private-sector leader to steer KCCNY, utilizing his extensive background in public relations and venue management to enrich cultural exchanges.
Kim Cheon-soo, executive director of Korean Cultural Center New York / Courtesy of KCCNY
Architectural gem
The building, designed by Korea's SAMOO Architects & Engineers, represents a thoughtful blend of traditional Korean materials — ceramic, wood and terracotta — encapsulated within a glass facade that symbolizes a "piece of Korea in Manhattan."
The use of open spaces, unusual for a city where real estate is at a premium, emphasizes the center's goal of openness and accessibility.
"In 2008, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism acquired the property, but it took 15 years to navigate through the hurdles of obtaining construction permits and actual building, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic," Kim told The Korea Times during an interview in late April.
Despite potential setbacks, his networking efforts played a crucial role. "I was fortunate to have the support of many Korean Americans in the area, which helped bring this project to completion and open its doors."
Spanning seven floors, the building is a multipurpose marvel, with each level designed to serve distinct functions — from an exhibition hall and an underground theater to a library and a cooking studio.
One of the standout features is the LED wall on the first floor, which mainly showcases immersive digital content from the National Museum of Korea, allowing visitors to engage with Korean culture in modern, innovative ways as soon as they enter the building or even from outside.
"When you think of Korea, you likely think of cutting-edge technology and IT advancements. Entering KCCNY, that image is not only confirmed but enhanced, representing Korea's innovative image right from the start,” Kim said.
The executive director emphasized the importance of detail in establishing KCCNY as a cultural site of New York.
"The building is essentially hardware. It's the small, unique experiences that add up and make a difference," he said. "For an experience to be truly memorable, it needs to be rich in detail. We aim to create a space that inspires visitors to take a hundred Instagram-worthy photos."
However, he acknowledges that such a transformation doesn't happen overnight, underlining the ongoing dedication required to realize this vision.
For example, the staircase between the first and second floors of KCCNY features a colorful mural by Brooklyn-based Korean illustrator Lee Hye-su. This artwork integrates various elements of Korean culture, from a couple in traditional wedding attire to iconic dishes such as bibimbap (rice bowl with meat and vegetables) and even the popular Korean finger heart gesture.
"Lee donated her talents to create this mural themed around K-culture," Kim explained. "When students come for field trips, they play a 'find the hidden picture' game here, searching for unique Korean elements within the mural to win prizes."
The "Whanki in New York" exhibition runs through June 13 at the Korean Cultural Center New York. Courtesy of KCCNY
Diverse programming
The center's programming aims to make KCCNY a must-visit destination, offering unique, authentic Korean experiences that inspire visitors to explore further.
After inaugurating the KCCNY’s second-floor gallery with a retrospective of Korean American sculptor John Pai, the center opened its second exhibition, "Whanki in New York," on May 2. This exhibit focuses on the later years of Kim Whan-ki, Korea's renowned "dansaekhwa" (Korean monochrome painting) master, highlighting his time in New York from 1963 to 1974, when he produced some of his most acclaimed dot paintings.
"We partnered with the Whanki Foundation to organize this exhibition, which loaned us artworks. Additionally, we secured pieces directly from private collectors who had acquired paintings from Kim Whan-ki during his New York days, making this a rare showcase," explained director Kim.
Beyond his paintings, LG Electronics enhances the exhibition with digital artworks that use advanced technology to reinterpret Kim’s artistic universe, demonstrating the enduring influence of his legacy through Korea's technological advancements.
The center has an exciting lineup planned that showcases vibrant Korean culture in the heart of New York. In July, "Hanbok in Movie" by hanbok designer and Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) professor Lee Jin-hee will explore the traditional Korean costume in cinematic contexts.
A rendered image of "Hangeul Wall" by Kang Ik-joong, which will be unveiled later this year on Oct. 9, Hangeul Day / Courtesy of KCCNY
Another ambitious project is "Hangeul Wall," which will showcase approximately 20,000 three-by-three-inch tiles bearing Korean letters in collaboration with artist Kang Ik-joong, who is renowned for his Hangeul-inspired public artworks.
"Hangeul is the core DNA of Korea and Koreans as culture thrives when it has a unique, distinct character. Kang, who resides in New York, helped us develop the concept for the Hangeul Wall," Kim said.
The center is inviting applications from around the world, accepting sentences in either Korean or English — the latter will be translated into Korean.
"We will select 1,000 sentences to be featured on the wall, and we plan to unveil it on Hangeul Day, Oct. 9. I believe this initiative will draw more visitors to the center," Kim said.
The KCCNY plans to host exhibitions featuring prominent figures such as Nam June Paik, Chang Uc-chin and Lim Choong-sup, whose works have significantly shaped Korean contemporary art, while also preparing a digital art exhibition that gathers Korea's leading digital artists, reflecting the country's advanced technological image and its alignment with current global trends.
“We will balance well-established names with emerging Korean artists, offering a varied and engaging cultural experience that underscores the depth and diversity of Korean artistic talent,” the director said.
The first floor of the Korean Cultural Center New York features LED wall, showcasing immersive digital content from the National Museum of Korea. Courtesy of KCCNY
Korea finds global recognition
Kim articulated the role of the KCCNY in promoting Korea's global cultural leadership. He believes that the longevity and depth of Korea's cultural, artistic and philosophical background position it well to exercise thought leadership on the global stage.
"Korea's emergence in the arts isn’t sudden or fleeting. It's grounded in a rich historical and ideological heritage that deserves global recognition," Kim said.
Kim mentioned the achievements of Shin Chun-soo, a Korean producer who adapted the classic American novel "The Great Gatsby" into a Broadway musical.
“It encompasses both business acumen and thought leadership — the capability to interpret global trends and craft new artistic experiences. This approach not only showcases unique artistic creations but also embodies and communicates our distinctive philosophical and cultural perspectives through art,” Kim said.
Kim acknowledges that while KCCNY may not yet rival esteemed institutions, such as the Guggenheim, Whitney or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is carving its path by actively collaborating with major cultural venues while strategically planning programs that highlight Korea's distinct culture fittingly scaled to its capabilities.
An initiative underway is a collaboration with K-Arts, a leading public institution in the arts sector.
“We plan to organize a ‘K-Arts in New York’ at KCCNY early next year, aiming to provide a platform for K-Arts students and faculty to showcase their talents in Manhattan. The week-long event will feature a mix of short films, live dance and music performances and exhibitions.”
This initiative not only gives Korean artists exposure on the international stage but also helps to embed a recognition of KCCNY as a vital venue for experiencing Korean artistry within the New York cultural scene.
By providing these artists with the opportunity to perform and exhibit in a city synonymous with artistic innovation, KCCNY hopes to create a launching pad for Korean artists aspiring to make their mark in the U.S. market. This strategy not only elevates the profile of Korean artists but also strengthens the cultural ties between Korea and the international arts community, positioning KCCNY as a crucial outpost for Korea’s burgeoning artistic talents.
Reflecting on the transformation of Manhattan's Koreatown, or K-town, Kim noted that the area has expanded significantly from what was once a mere stretch along 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
"A decade ago, Manhattan K-town existed as a line, both sides of 32nd Street. Now, it extends north to 33rd to 36th Streets, south to 28th Street and between Park and 8th Avenues horizontally. It is becoming a plane, a neighborhood," Kim said. “Originally mostly to the ground floor, the establishments in K-town have expanded vertically, occupying multiple levels of buildings. This shift from lines to a plane, gaining volume, is a positive development for K-town.”
Kim sees this neighborhood growth as an opportunity for synergy with the KCCNY.
"As KCCNY attracts more visitors and becomes a must-visit destination, the nearby K-town will naturally be revitalized as well," he said. “Currently, Manhattan's K-town does not have a symbol. I hope the KCCNY can fill this role, becoming a focal point for the community.”
He also expressed his ambitions for the future of the center, emphasizing its potential to enrich New York's cultural scene.
"Our goal is to create compelling experiences that encourage visitors to return, making KCCNY an integral part of cultural exploration in New York," Kim said.