By Honorary Reporter Samantha Pinto do Nascimento Rosado from Brazil
Photos = Park Jinhwan

While exploring the digital art landscape, I encountered mesmerizing images that seamlessly blend technological forms with realistic sculptures, challenging my perspective of contemporary art.

Park Jinhwan, the creator of these works, is a Seoul-based 3D artist who won the Best of the Best award in the Concept Design category at the Red Dot Design Awards last year. Beyond his personal projects, he has collaborated with the fashion brand Offroad and contributed to the music video of the K-pop group NMIXX's song "Know About Me."

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Park from May 20-30.  

Park Jinhwan’s first "glasspunk" work was inspired by virtual reality goggles.

Briefly introduce yourself and your artistic journey.
I am a 3D artist based in Korea. I'm focused on my graduation project, which I regularly share on Instagram. 

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a car designer, but life led me down another path. My entry into digital art came through motion graphics after discovering Park Taehoon's "0110" (2021), a pivotal work that inspired me to create my own visual art.  

Tell us about your "glasspunk" style.
Glasspunk is my unique approach that merges glass textures with metallic and mechanical elements. It's distinct from traditional cyberpunk or steampunk, utilizing semi-transparent materials and dramatic lighting to create futuristic environments. I've recently incorporated influences from the trailer for Alberto Mielgo's "Marathon" (2025), particularly its vibrant color palette.

This screenshot from NMIXX's official music video for "Know About Me" showcases Park's glasspunk art.

What influences your creative process?
I draw inspiration from various media including films and game trailers. My process involves gathering references, sketching and then moving to 3D modeling in (the software tool) Blender. The final result often evolves significantly from the initial concept through experimentation and feedback. 

Korean pop culture significantly shapes my aesthetic, from music acts like aespa to indie bands like Silica Gel. NMIXX's music video for "Know About Me" taught me to work under tight deadlines with a team, leading to valuable lessons about collaboration and creative problem-solving.

What advice do you have for aspiring digital artists?
Focus on discovering your unique creative voice rather than comparing yourself to others. Technical skills develop naturally, but your personal perspective is what sets you apart. Engage with artist communities for feedback and inspiration, and remember that your cultural background can be a unique strength in the global art scene. 

msjeon22@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.