By Honorary Reporter Oshini Jayamuni From Sri Lanka

Photo = Oh Ye-seul

Visual artist Oh Ye-seul is the creative force behind the sets of many K-pop music videos and concert sets including BLACKPINK's "Ddu-du Ddu-du," Itzy's "Wannabe," Twice's "I Can't Stop Me" and Seventeen's "Ready To Love." She has also worked on many commercials and music show sets.

In addition, she has painted vibrant murals on the streets of Korea and overseas. 

The following are excerpts from an Oct. 6 email interview with her.

Visual artist Oh Ye-seul has designed many visual sets for K-pop videos and concerts.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 
I am Oh Ye-seul, a visual artist in Korea who does murals, graffiti and stage art. I got my nickname "Color Hunter" because I was known in college for using colors well.

Oh Ye-seul earned the nickname "Color Hunter" in college.

Describe your career so far. 
My first part-time job with murals was when I was in college. To gain financial stability, I worked steadily on various projects. As I had jobs like art academy instructor and illustrator of caricatures and murals, I started getting personal requests for work. I got the opportunity to work in a music video by chance, and the stage set director was impressed with my work. 

Oh designed this set used in the concept book of the BTS album "Map Of The Soul ON:E."

What is your creative process like? What do you focus on in a project? 

First, my goal when doing a project is to produce something that looks cool to everyone. I like to create aesthetic beauty that anyone can relate to, so I like to organize and compose colors. Since the atmosphere varies depending on matching, I apply the color combination I work on to my work.

I always try new things and not limit my work. I sketch and record ideas whenever I have free time. 

Oh designed the background of the stage for BLACKPINK's performances.

What are your thoughts on the murals you've done?
Large murals have a great promotional effect visually and are good to use outdoors or at events. Murals using the structure of buildings will continue to develop in the modern era of pursuing change, and I consider them three-dimensional paintings. I hope my murals are enjoyed by everyone.

Mural of BTS members Jimin and Jungkook at Gamcheon Culture Village In Busan

Oh works on a mural in Tam Thanh Mural Village of Tam Ky, Vietnam.

Oh worked on this mural with K-pop boy band NCT Dream in Andong Mural Painting Village of Andong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

Oh painted this mural on Phung Hung Mural Street in Hanoi, Vietnam.

What about a recent mural you did of BTS leader RM in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province? 
RM's hometown is Goyang, and I used in the mural a cat mascot and Clematis, the flower symbolizing the city.

Mural of BTS leader RM in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do Province

What was your most memorable project and why?
My most memorable project was working on BLACKPINK's music video for "Ddu-du Ddu-du." When asked to draw a portrait of group member Jisoo, I was on a business trip abroad. When I heard that a banner printout would be used if I couldn't do the project, I rushed back to Korea from Vietnam three days before the shoot. 

Straight from the airport, I dragged my luggage and ran to the set. I prepared a banner in advance in case I couldn't come, but fortunately, I completed the painting quickly and it came out nicely in the video. 

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.