Memorial Service for Bae Young-whan. Invocation of the spirit by venerable Deokjo and Seonggyeon, Gilsangsa.
On July 23, 2026, BB&M held a memorial service at the Leeum Museum of Art Auditorium to honor the life and artistic legacy of Bae Young-whan (1969–2026), who passed away suddenly on June 19, 2026.
A central figure in the generation that gained international recognition in the early 2000s, Bae—alongside close friends and colleagues like Lee Bul, Park Chan-kyong, and Haegue Yang—was renowned for conceptually incisive work that bridged Korea’s complex artistic legacy with global discourses on modernity and society. Across painting, sculpture, and public interventions, he created a body of work deeply attuned to an authentic vernacular of the Korean experience.
The service brought together artists, curators, and friends for a program featuring tributes, a commemorative film, and a classical guitar performance inspired by his practice, offering an opportunity to reflect on the enduring spirit of his work.
We remember Bae Young-whan for his wit, intelligence, and warmth, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues who continue to mourn his passing.
