Kim Wan-sun, the legendary K-pop pioneer who dominated Korea's music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has found a new form of artistic expression through painting. The singer, who earned the nickname "Korea's Madonna" for her groundbreaking performances, is currently showcasing her deeply personal artwork in a joint exhibition titled "Art Beyond Fame" at Gallery Marie in Seoul's Jongno District.
Kim's journey to stardom began in 1986 when she debuted at just 17 years old with her first album "Tonight." Her sensual dance moves and bold, provocative images captivated audiences and set her apart from other performers of the era. Over the following five years, she achieved unprecedented success, becoming the first female singer to reach such heights in Korea's pop music industry. Between 1987 and 1991, she was named Singer of the Year annually, cementing her status as a music icon.
Her influence extended far beyond Korea's borders, attracting devoted fans in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Kim found particular success in Taiwan, where her albums sold more than 500,000 copies, making her one of the early forerunners of what would later become the global K-pop phenomenon. Her international appeal and crossover success laid important groundwork for future Korean artists seeking recognition abroad.
Nearly four decades after reaching the peak of her fame, Kim has returned to the public eye not as a performer, but as a visual artist. The current exhibition features nine self-portraits that reveal a more introspective side of the former pop star. Except for one full-body portrait displayed at the gallery's entrance, most of her paintings depict herself from the side or back, often showing herself in tears.
"I made these drawings while thinking about my relationship with myself – wanting to find myself again after losing who I was," Kim explained during a recent interview. "That's why they've turned out a little darker." Although this is not her first art exhibition, she feels more personally connected to this one because it centers entirely on her own works and inner journey.
For Kim, painting has become a profound process of self-discovery and healing. "Since I started as a singer so young, I feel like I lost my sense of self. I didn't even realize it until much later. Painting helps me reclaim that lost identity," she said. This introspection explains her focus on self-portraiture, which she describes as "my struggle to find myself. When I look at old photos for inspiration, they trigger emotions that comfort me."
Behind the glamour and success of her stage career, Kim's life was marked by significant struggles, both within the demanding world of professional singing and dancing and in her complicated relationship with her manager, who was also her aunt. Han Baek-hee, a talent manager, recognized Kim's potential early on and brought her into the entertainment world despite strong objections from Kim's parents.
Before her debut, Kim underwent three years of rigorous training in dance and vocals under her aunt's supervision. She later revealed that her aunt's strict management style, which included isolating her from family and friends and enforcing harsh dietary restrictions, made their relationship extremely difficult and emotionally challenging.
Despite the hardships she endured, Kim now views her past with a sense of gratitude rather than resentment toward her aunt. "She had a vision for me. Expanding my career overseas was her idea. Everything was possible because of her," Kim acknowledged, recognizing the role her aunt played in her international success.
Under her aunt's rigid management system, Kim had little opportunity to explore her artistic interests beyond music – a passion she was finally able to pursue in her mid-30s. "I was in Hawaii in 2008 and took a painting course. I was happy – and surprised by how deeply I could focus. That realization kept me going," she recalled. The COVID-19 pandemic became one of her most productive periods as an artist, allowing her to stay home and build a significant body of work.
Decades after her heyday, Kim continues to make music, though her activities are now more selective and carefully chosen. In 2023, she collaborated with singer and JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young for his single "Changed Man," and earlier this year, she released a duet titled "Lucky" with Seulgi of Red Velvet. She also appeared on the variety show "Dancing Queens on the Road," which followed five iconic female artists – including Uhm Jung-hwa, Lee Hyo-ri, BoA, and Hwasa – as they formed a group and embarked on a nationwide concert tour across Korea.
Now in her 50s, Kim maintains a low-key approach to her music career while devoting increasing amounts of time to her passion for painting. "Unlike music, which requires a team, painting is something I do entirely on my own – and that's fascinating," she explained. "It's just for me. I have no desire to make money from it." The exhibition runs through November 13, and Kim is scheduled to give a talk at the gallery on Saturday.
