Not long ago, we connected with Hajun, a fantastic tattoo artist in his early 20s who has already gained a lot of recognition beyond his home base, South Korea. His outstanding Japanese and Oriental tattoos have not only earned him a well-reputed position in the industry internationally but also become the manifestations of his passion and dedication. Hajun’s sources of inspiration are to be found in every encounter and observation, but music goes hand in hand with his visual creations. Let’s get inspired by this amazing artist!
For our readers who aren’t familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Hajun. I’m from South Korea. It’s good to meet you all!
Where are you based?
I am based in Hongdae, Seoul, currently travelling and working in the US.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I love trying different styles. I have experimented with different genres such as realism, American Traditional, and Blackwork, but by far my favorites are the Japanese (Irezumi) and Oriental styles.
What kind of tattoo projects do you enjoy doing the most?
I like large-scale work. I think the most appealing to me are freehand projects.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
My main base is the Ukiyo-e style. I get inspiration from animation, where lines construct a drawing, and I get inspiration from the traditional colors of East Asian countries. I get the best work done when I make a design while listening to music. I think everything can become an inspiration.
What do tattoos symbolize for you?
For me, I think tattoos can visually represent individuality, such as one’s values and goals.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2023?
In Korea, tattoos are often considered a trend. That’s why people frequently ask me to work on other people’s designs rather than a unique concept. Of course, it’s also the job of tattooists, but most clients in Korea often think of us as workers, not artists.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I think it’s definitely cover-up work. In particular, the scar cover-up work feels the most rewarding. I think it’s really cool to be able to share a story about our body with confidence.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I won first place and second place at the 2023 Tattoostar Awards in Korea. Attending my first competition was an experience that allowed me to communicate and learn from other artists. So I’m planning to participate in many conventions and conferences.
What’s your number one reason to attend a tattoo convention?
I think it’s something you can draw inspiration from many artists and learn more about the craft. I was astonished when a design that I could not picture was executed very nicely. I think it’s an opportunity to create a driving force for me to work hard. The secret to my growth in such a short period was, by far, to look ahead and work hard.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
If you’re interested in studying tattoos, then my answer is YES. I don’t think there are many jobs in the world where you can earn money and be respected by doing what you like and doing well. That’s how tattoos feel to me. But it’s not easy to be that responsible, passionate, and work harder than anyone else to pioneer your path. Trying, trying, and working hard is the secret of growth.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I respect my senior, teacher, and artist named Shige the most. His ability to create a new genre and combine the innovative & contemporary while keeping the old alive is truly phenomenal. Of course, I think it also includes joining several professional studios. But it’s never easy to compete with other tattoo artists and win awards. I think it’s the result of many people who understand my art.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
The most significant achievement is probably winning an award at a convention. Of course, joining many professional studios & teams is an outstanding achievement.
Which celebrity person would you like to tattoo?
I want to work on a tattoo for an actress – Alexandra Daddario, I’m a big fan. I think she would look really good if she got a watercolour brush-inspired tattoo.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I have studied music since I was 16, and I majored in practical music at the College of Arts. Even before I entered college, I was passionate about tattoos and art, which is why I only took art-related subjects in college.
What are your goals/dreams for the future?
My primary objective is to provide students with a comprehensive education in tattooing. In other words, I want to create a class. In Korea, it is difficult to receive proper tattoo knowledge, so most artists develop their own methods and refine them. For that reason, I contacted various artists to get information, and I travelled to Taiwan and the United States to learn more about tattooing. If I can work and stay longer in America, I would like to train proper artists back in my home country and open a class where I can share more information about tattooing.
Anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Thank you for reading. I’m an artist who just turned 23. It’s been more than three years since I got into tattooing, and I think I still have a lot to learn from it. I hope many artists and readers can support building a thriving tattoo culture. Thank you so much.
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