Kyongho Kim, a Seoul-based dentist and art collector, discusses his journey into collecting contemporary art, which began in 2019 when he bought his first painting to fill bare walls in his new home. He now owns around 250 works, including pieces by Hernan Bas, Genieve Figgis, Scott Kahn, and Jack Kabangu, and describes his philosophy as stewardship rather than ownership. The interview, published by The Art Newspaper, covers his first purchase (Byung-Rock Yoon's *Scent of Autumn*), his regret over missing a George Condo piece, and his love for art fairs like Frieze Seoul, where he acquired a work by Marina Perez Simão.
This article matters because it offers an intimate look at the motivations and tastes of a relatively new but prolific collector from South Korea, a rapidly growing market for contemporary art. Kim's emphasis on supporting artists and his role as a 'temporary custodian' reflects a broader shift among collectors toward intentional, relationship-driven collecting. His insights also highlight the cultural vibrancy of Seoul, positioning the city as a key destination for art and design beyond its mainstream K-pop and shopping image.