The inaugural Korea Art Market Power 20 list has been released, featuring prominent figures who are shaping the Korean art scene. Among the 20 influential individuals named are Hong Ra-hee, honorary director of Leeum Museum of Art, BTS member RM, and internationally acclaimed artist Suh Do-ho. The comprehensive list recognizes artists, collectors, museum directors, gallerists, critics, and cultural influencers who are making a significant positive impact on Korea's art market.

The Korea Art Market Power 20 was published as part of the Korea Art Market Report 2025, a collaborative effort between the Paradise Cultural Foundation and Seoul National University Business School. The selection process involved surveying leading Korean galleries and consulting with art market experts to identify the most impactful figures. While the list does not rank individuals in order of influence, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of key players driving the Korean art market forward.

Hong Ra-hee stands out as a prominent business figure and collector, representing the Samsung family's significant influence in Korea's cultural landscape. According to the report, "Hong Ra-hee has shaped Korea's art landscape through her acquisitions of major Korean and international artworks." As the founding director of Leeum Museum of Art, she established an impressive collection and made headlines in 2025 when she returned as honorary director after an eight-year absence from the institution.

Another notable business leader on the list is Suh Kyung-bae, chairman of Amorepacific Group, who has earned recognition as a three-time ARTnews Top 200 Collector. Suh founded the Amorepacific Museum of Art, which houses an extensive collection spanning from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary works. In 2025, the Amorepacific Museum of Art (APMA) showcased major exhibitions featuring renowned artists Steven Harrington, Elmgreen & Dragset, and Mark Bradford, further cementing its position in the international art scene.

RM of BTS holds the unique distinction of being the only representative from the broader arts and entertainment industry to make the prestigious list. The report highlights RM as "a passionate art collector and cultural influencer," noting his dedication to visiting museums even while fulfilling his mandatory military service obligations. His commitment to the art world extends beyond collecting, as he is currently preparing for a groundbreaking solo exhibition of his private collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, scheduled for October 2026.

Two of Korea's most internationally respected artists also secured spots on the influential list. Lee Bae, renowned for his powerful charcoal-based artworks that blend minimalist aesthetics with East Asian philosophy, is described in the report as being "often referred to as the second Lee Ufan" and recognized as "a dominant figure in Korea's art market." Lee's international standing was further solidified in 2024 when he presented "La Maison de la Lune Brelee" as an official Collateral Event of the Venice Biennale.

Suh Do-ho, celebrated for his intricate fabric installations and detailed drawings that explore themes of memory, home, and migration, has gained global recognition through exhibitions in major cities including New York, London, and Sydney. His international prominence continued to grow in May 2025 with the launch of "Walk the House" at Tate Modern, presented as part of the museum's prestigious Genesis Exhibition series.

The list also recognizes key museum professionals who are driving Korea's art ecosystem forward through institutional leadership. Notable figures include Kim In-hye from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Korea, Lee Sook-kyung from the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester, UK, and Suh Jin-suk from the Busan Museum of Art. Their inclusion highlights the crucial role of museum leadership in advancing Korea's position in the global art world.

Reflecting the increasingly international scope of the Korean art market, several Korean gallerists operating in both Seoul and New York were recognized on the list. The selected gallerists include Do Hyung-teh from Gallery Hyundai, Park Kyung-mee, founder and director of PKM Gallery, Youngjoo Lee, Senior Vice President and Director of Pace Gallery Seoul, and Tina Kim from Tina Kim Gallery in New York. Their inclusion demonstrates how Korean art professionals are successfully expanding their influence beyond domestic boundaries and establishing significant presences in major international art markets.