Hoon Kim • The Quiet Ascent Of A Blackwork Champion World Tattoo Events

Hoon Kim, also known as Uncogrim, is a tattoo artist based in Seoul, South Korea, where he runs Frame.seoul in Yeonhui-dong. His journey began with a deep desire to spend his life drawing, eventually leading him to tattooing as a medium that carries both responsibility and emotional connection. Since officially starting in 2017, he has built a career grounded in discipline, sincerity, and continuous growth.

His work is rooted in blackwork, using black ink and gray wash to create compositions that evolve beyond simplicity into depth and structure. Hoon approaches each project with intense preparation and communication, often exchanging dozens of messages with clients to ensure alignment between vision and execution. Constant research, observation, and openness to new ideas allow him to keep refining his style while exploring color, patterns, and Korean influences.

Beyond technique, Hoon Kim places strong emphasis on honesty, responsibility, and the relationship between artist and client. Winning Best of Show at Gods of Ink in 2025 marked a major milestone, but he values the human connections formed through tattooing just as much as recognition. Moving forward, he remains focused on steady progress, aiming to leave behind not just his work, but his name as a tattoo artist defined by sincerity and growth.

Let’s step into his world.

How would you like to introduce yourself?

Hello, I’m Hoon Kim, a tattoo artist from South Korea known as Uncogrim, and I run Frame.seoul in Seoul.

Where can clients find you?

I am based in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, South Korea.

How would you describe the current tattoo scene in Korea?

It feels like a period of transition. Compared to the past, there are now far more independent artists than studio-based teams.

If you had to define yourself in one word, what would it be?

Continuously growing.

What first drew you to tattooing?

I think my fascination with tattooing comes from a desire to spend my entire life drawing. Tattooing on skin, rather than paper, carries a deep sense of responsibility and pressure, but also a unique thrill. There’s a moment when that feeling is shared between the client and myself—that’s what truly captivated me.

What does tattooing personally mean to you?

Tattooing is difficult to define. It’s not something that can be summed up in a single answer.

At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?

I began drawing with the intention of becoming a tattoo artist around 2012. From my time in the military through university, I worked part-time jobs to save enough money to pursue it. I officially started tattooing in 2017.

How did your family react when you first chose tattooing as a career?

At first, my family strongly opposed my decision, and there were many disagreements. But once I truly began, both of my parents became very supportive, and they still are today. My parents and my younger sister have all received tattoos from me.

Did you go through an apprenticeship? What was that experience like?

In Korea, there is a system similar to an apprenticeship called a student program, where you pay a fee and learn for a set period. Mine lasted three months, but I continued learning at the studio afterward. Those years were very meaningful to me.

What was your very first tattoo like?

My first tattoo was terrible. The lines were uneven, the depth inconsistent, and the saturation poor. It felt completely different from drawing on paper. At the time, all machines were coil machines, which felt much more unstable than modern equipment. But that difficulty pushed me to train harder.

Do you guest work often, and what has that experience been like for you?

I don’t do guest work frequently, but I usually travel once or twice a year. Sharing space with artists I admire around the world is one of the greatest privileges of this profession. Even when language becomes a barrier, tattooing itself becomes a powerful form of communication.

What does a typical day look like for you as a tattoo artist?

My daily routine has changed over time, but these days I start with exercise at 9 a.m. I prepare for work around 10:30, have a light breakfast, and arrive at the studio by noon. I usually begin tattooing at 12:30 and finish around 8 p.m. Afterward, I spend one to two hours preparing and reviewing upcoming projects before going home. I then draw new designs and usually sleep around 2 or 3 a.m.

What is a surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?

One surprising aspect is that although many tattoo artists may appear rough on the outside, most are kind, diligent, and sincere.

How do you determine pricing for tattoos?

I determine pricing based on full-day sessions of six to eight hours. For large-scale projects that require long-term planning, I also consider factors such as a client’s travel and accommodation. In those cases, pricing is decided through thorough discussion and mutual agreement.

As of 2026, what has been the most challenging aspect of your career?

Looking back, 2025 brought some of the most challenging experiences of my career, including a full-body suit, a large-scale cover-up from the back of the neck to the feet, and participating in the Gods of Ink Convention in Frankfurt. Moving into 2026, I have several demanding compositional projects planned, along with four conventions scheduled so far.

When do you feel the greatest sense of fulfillment?

I felt the greatest sense of fulfillment when I won first place in the Best of Show category at the Gods of Ink Convention in 2025.

What tools or machines do you primarily use?

I mainly use the Dan Kubin Sidewinder and the Cheyenne Hawk Sol Nova Unlimited 2.

What aftercare advice do you emphasize most to your clients?

My most important aftercare advice is to keep the tattoo clean, get proper rest, and prioritize sleep.

How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you come to focus on it?

I continue to reflect on my style as I work. Currently, I focus on blackwork using black ink and gray wash, but I am also studying color and exploring ways to incorporate Korean elements into my designs. I started with basic elements like dots, lines, and surfaces, and now I aim to create deeper, more complex compositions.

Can you describe your process when starting a new tattoo project?

I prioritize communication. I carefully consider the client’s references, as well as their body flow, muscle structure, and overall form. Typically, I exchange between 20 and 40 emails with a client before the session begins.

How do you maintain creative inspiration?

I maintain inspiration by constantly searching for references related to drawing, writing, tattoos, and clothing. New compositions, textures, and ideas always inspire me. Clients also bring perspectives I wouldn’t have considered, which I find both enjoyable and motivating.

How do you balance client requests with your own artistic vision?

Balancing client requests with my artistic vision does not follow a single rule. Some clients trust me fully, while others have very specific ideas. What remains constant is my belief that art should not exist solely for my own satisfaction. Clients pay for the work, and I have a responsibility to deliver value. I always question whether my perspective has become stagnant and try to listen carefully, even to small details.

Are there any tattoo styles you would like to explore further in the future?

I would like to explore patterns, color, and full body suits further.

What tattoo styles do you think are underestimated or overrated?

I don’t have a specific answer for either.

Are there tattoo styles you personally dislike?

I dislike copied work, as well as tattoos where an artist lacks the skill to execute an idea and compensates for it with explanations.

Do you have any sponsors you would like to mention?

I am sponsored by Cheyenne. It’s a brand I admired from the very beginning of my tattoo journey, and I always hoped to work with them someday. Fortunately, that connection became a reality in 2025.

What ethical values are most important to you as a tattoo artist?

Sincerity and honesty.

How do you continue learning to become a successful tattoo artist?

The concept of success is broad and subjective. I’m still learning myself, so it’s difficult to define clearly.

Do you enjoy teaching or mentoring younger artists?

I have taught others before, but as I continue to grow, I realize how difficult it is. I’m still at a stage where I need to learn and organize many things myself.

What advice has helped you most in improving your tattoo skills?

Not only photographing a tattoo immediately after completion, but also checking and recording how it heals after one month and three months.

How do you maintain peak performance?

By taking care of my body, mind, and overall physical condition.

What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?

The difference between wanting to be number one and wanting to be the only one.

How do you feel about the growing social acceptance of tattoos?

I see it positively. Increased competition is inevitable, but I believe it creates a foundation for growth.

What is the most common misconception clients have about tattoos?

That white ink is especially painful. In my opinion, all tattoos hurt.

What tattoo trend has stood out most over the past five years?

Very small-scale realism tattoos.

How do you view the introduction of AI into tattooing?

I think it is inevitable. Whether someone becomes a technician or a creator depends on how they choose to use it.

Is there anything you would like to change about the tattoo industry?

I’m not sure.

Are you involved in any industry-related projects outside of tattooing?

At the moment, I’m focused solely on tattooing.

Do you practice any other forms of art?

I write and collect my own work. Someday, I’d like to turn it into a book.

Which figures in the tattoo community do you respect the most?

Gakkin, Nissaco, Fibs, and Filouino.

What has your experience with tattoo conventions been like?

They’ve been exhilarating. Conventions were something I dreamed about while growing as a tattoo artist. Being able to share the same space and time with artists I once only saw online is an incredible experience.

How do you prepare for conventions?

I carefully consider how to present my space. Since people from all over the world attend, first impressions come from the booth and the visuals within it. Each year, I set a theme and create artwork specifically for conventions to leave a strong impression.

What is your main reason for participating in conventions?

I see them as the Champions League of tattooing. They are true festivals where culture is shared and experienced face to face.

Which convention left the strongest impression on you, and why?

Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, because it brings together some of the best artists in the world.

Have you participated in tattoo contests, and have you received any awards?

I won first place in the Best of Show category at Gods of Ink in 2025.

Have you ever been tattooed by other artists at conventions?

Not yet.

What improvements do you think conventions need for both artists and the public?

I don’t have a specific answer.

Was there a defining turning point in your career?

Gods of Ink in Frankfurt.

What is the tattoo you are most proud of in your career?

The tattoos I did for my parents. Despite opposing my career for many years, they eventually trusted and supported me, even offering their own skin and time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement as a tattoo artist?

Forming connections with people I might never have met otherwise through tattooing. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on a client’s face after completing a project makes me incredibly happy.