The Galleries Association of Korea officially announced the 10 semifinalist artists for ‘2025 Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS’ on July 3, ahead of the upcoming Kiaf SEOUL 2025 in September. This program signals a new chapter in the art scene by highlighting emerging talents.
 
For this year’s edition, each participating gallery nominated one artist. A jury composed of leading figures in the art world—including curators from major museums and independent curators—conducted a rigorous and fair evaluation to select the final 10 artists.
 
The selected semifinalists are: Kim Ah Ra (Kimreeaa Gallery), Kim Jungin (Laheen), moonassi (Everydaymooonday), Grim Park (THEO), Park Noh-wan (Space Willing N Dealing), Rhee Donghoon (Gallery SP), Eunsi Jo (GalleryMEME), Hong Sejin (Gallery Planet), Geoffrory Pithon (MAĀT Gallery), and Yu Xiao (Lucie Chang Fine Arts).
 
First launched in 2023, Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS is a flagship artist support program aimed at offering a deeper look into the artistic practices of promising creators. It also seeks to contribute to building a more sustainable and vibrant art ecosystem beyond the boundaries of the art fair.
 
Under the theme “Resonance”, this year’s program introduces 10 artists who are among the most compelling figures in today’s contemporary art landscape.

The 2025 Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS semifinalist artists will receive a range of promotional benefits. Their works will be featured across multiple platforms, including Kiaf’s official website, catalogue, and social media channels. In addition, their artworks will be displayed at each gallery’s booth with a special HIGHLIGHTS plaque, drawing attention from visitors throughout the fair.
 
Their works will also be broadcast before and after the fair at Xpace, located inside COEX. Starting in late August, they will appear three times daily for approximately two weeks on large-scale digital billboards within the Gangnam Trade Center Free Outdoor Advertising Zone.
 
Kiaf’s lead media partner, Marie Claire, will publish a special Art Edition featuring written interviews with the ten selected artists and will release additional collaborative content to spotlight their practices.
 
During the fair, three finalists will be selected through on-site judging. Each will be awarded a 10 million KRW creative grant, generously sponsored by COEX, the co-organizer of Kiaf.

References

• 키아프 서울 보도자료 (Kiaf SEOUL Press Release)