In collaboration with Tatler Asia

South Korean collector Jun-sub Shim is the founder of OPNNG. Part wine bar and restaurant, part private art gallery, OPNNG exhibits Shim’s collection of works by major figures in Korean Modern and contemporary art, including the sculptor and painter Lee Ufan, painters Chung Sang-Hwa and Park Seo-Bo, as well as avant-garde pioneers Lee Kun-Yong and Kim Ku-lim.

In search of fresh perspectives, Shim also collects pieces by emerging artists such as OK Seungcheol (aka Aokizy) and Grafflex, who is known for his paintings, public art, and sculptures alike. Beyond Korean names, Shim also has works by internationally renowned artists including Yayoi Kusama, Hernan Bas, Andy Denzler, and Joel Shapiro.

‘My journey as a collector started in 2018 with a painting by OK [Seungcheol]. His work, which explores post-digital art, resonated with me deeply. At the time, I didn’t consider myself a collector – I simply wanted to support an artist I admired. My mother was a painter, so I understood the struggles of artists. This purchase felt like a meaningful way to contribute [to OK’s career].’

‘Everything changed when I acquired a small red painting by Park Seo-Bo, one of Korea’s most significant artists. That was the moment when I realized I was taking collecting seriously. Later that year, I attended the Korea International Art Fair and was captivated by a black-and-white work by [the South Korean artist] Lee Bae. His abstract lines and bold energy stayed with me long after I left the fair, and I knew I had to have it. That was when I truly understood that collecting isn’t just about knowledge – it’s about emotion.

‘By 2020, my collecting had taken a more structured approach. To mark a new chapter in my life, I decided to participate in an auction at K Auction. Initially, I had my eye on a piece by Lee but instead, I found myself drawn to a painting by Park Seo-Bo from the early 2000s. The energy of the piece was undeniable, and I was fascinated by how an artist in his 80s could still produce something so fresh and dynamic. Acquiring that work solidified my philosophy as a collector – I wasn’t just buying art; I was building a meaningful dialogue with it.

‘Before art took over my life, I contributed for over a decade towards helping Musinsa grow into Korea’s most successful fashion e-commerce platform. I’ve always believed fashion and art are deeply connected. Both are about aesthetics, storytelling, and a way of seeing the world.

‘When I left Musinsa, I wanted to create a space where people could experience art in a more intimate and personal way. That’s how OPNNG was born. It’s not just a restaurant – it’s a living gallery. The artworks rotate every few months, keeping the space dynamic and fresh. However, one piece never moves: a ceramic plate by Lee Ufan made in collaboration with ceramist Park Young-sook, upon which Lee painted a single red dot. To me, that red dot represents the color of wine – the essence of OPNNG – making it the perfect symbol for the space.

‘[I love] champagne breakfasts at art events. During Art Basel Hong Kong, I attended a morning gathering hosted by kurimanzutto, where I reconnected with friends from around the world. These moments – where art, conversation, and good wine come together – are some of my favorite memories.

‘Collecting has changed my life in ways I never expected. It has introduced me to incredible artists, shaped my understanding of aesthetics, and even redefined how I view my own lifestyle. But more importantly, it has given me a purpose beyond just acquiring objects. Through OPNNG, I hope to continue making art more accessible – not in a way that dilutes its meaning but in a way that integrates it into everyday life.

‘Whether it’s through supporting emerging artists, curating exhibitions, or simply sharing my passion with others, my goal is to build a collection that isn’t just valuable but meaningful. After all, the true joy of collecting isn’t in ownership – it’s in the experience.’