Yagwang Wins 2026 Frieze Seoul Artist Award
The 2026 Frieze Seoul Artist Award has been awarded to the artist collective Yagwang, marking a historic first for a group to achieve this recognition. Sponsored by Bvlgari for the fourth consecutive year, this award highlights midcareer Korean artists and commissions a piece for Frieze Seoul, which will take place at COEX on September 2. A jury, including Frieze Seoul director Patrick Lee, selected Yagwang. Previous recipients include Hannah Woo (2023), Goen Choi (2024), and Im Youngzoo (2025). Established in 2021 by Terri Kim and In Jeon, Yagwang addresses themes of human rights, gender, and queerness. Their upcoming installation, Facade Zone (2026), will showcase a reconstructed fair stand adorned with Buddhist-inspired figures and dynamic shadows, with Lee commending their ambitious and rigorous approach.
Key facts
- Yagwang is the first collective to win the Frieze Seoul Artist Award.
- The award is supported by Bvlgari for the fourth consecutive year.
- Frieze Seoul returns to COEX on September 2.
- Jury included Patrick Lee, Laurencina Farrant-Lee, Juli Yoon, Jeyun Moon, and Andy St. Louis.
- Previous winners: Im Youngzoo (2025), Goen Choi (2024), Hannah Woo (2023).
- Yagwang was founded in 2021 by Terri Kim and In Jeon.
- First solo exhibition 'Lubricant' in 2022 at Windmill art space in Seoul.
- Upcoming commission 'Facade Zone' (2026) features a wooden fair stand and latex guardian figures.
Entities
Artists
- Yagwang
- Terri Kim
- In Jeon
- Im Youngzoo
- Goen Choi
- Hannah Woo
- Emmanuelle Richter
Institutions
- Frieze Seoul
- Bvlgari
- COEX
- SONGEUN Art and Cultural Foundation
- Ilmin Museum of Art
- Frieze House Seoul
- Windmill art space
- National Asian Culture Center
- Art Sonje Center
- Kukje Gallery
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea