Today we are honored to present an exclusive interview with Kwan Ho Kim, internationally known as Kuānquē (宽缺), a tattoo artist whose razor-sharp Irezumi has earned him global recognition and a loyal following of collectors who travel across borders for his work. For over 14 years, Kim has dedicated himself to redefining Japanese tattooing in a nation where the art form remains underground and unrecognized by law. As you will read within this interview, Kim embodies both the discipline of a traditional craftsman and the restless spirit of an innovator. His journey of growth reveals a man who has built his career on a burning drive that keeps him evolving day after day.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Kwan Ho Kim, a tattoo artist based in South Korea, specializing in the bold and traditional style of Irezumi. Internationally, I also go by the name Kuānquē (宽缺). I currently run one of South Korea’s leading Irezumi studios, located in Incheon, working alongside a talented team of skilled Japanese-style artists.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I was completely captivated by the powerful aesthetic of Yakuza-style Irezumi that’s when I knew I had to become a tattoo artist and I’ve been tattooing professionally for over 14 years now.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your South Korea these days?
South Korea is, unfortunately, the only country in the world where tattooing is still considered illegal. It’s a harsh reality we are not legally recognized as artists, but rather treated as criminals. This lack of recognition has undeniably held back the growth of the Korean tattoo scene. Still, I remain hopeful that one day soon, tattoo artists in my country will finally be respected for the artists we truly are.
How would you define your current tattoo style and how did you end up focusing on it?
I’m not a fan of following pre-set formulas or doing what just anyone can do. While I respect tradition and historical accuracy, I strive to blend it with a modern edge creating refined, dynamic, and razor-sharp Irezumi. I realized early on that I could never become the best by doing the same thing as everyone else. That’s what led me to develop my own distinctive style, which has helped me build a loyal following. But I’m not satisfied yet I’m still studying and refining my craft every day. My goal is to walk the path of a true master.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
I’m a freehand artist I draw directly onto the client’s skin on the same day of their appointment. When a client arrives, I listen to their ideas about size, theme, and style, and I create the design right there, based on that conversation. Every piece I create already exists in my head. I never use stencils, because I believe the more you rely on pre-made designs, the easier it becomes to unconsciously imitate someone else’s work. And that’s something I absolutely refuse to do. That’s why my work is always uniquely mine.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Since tattooing is still not legally recognized in Korea, the scene here is slowly falling apart. Clients are disappearing, and talented artists are leaving the country. It’s frustrating to see the Korean tattoo industry falling further behind while the rest of the world moves forward.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist is meeting clients who fly from all over the world just to get tattooed by me. It’s humbling, and I truly feel grateful every time. Knowing that someone chose to travel across borders for my work that gives me strength. Those clients are the reason I keep pushing myself to do better every single day.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Every time I attend a tattoo convention, I feel like my quiet life gets shaken up in the best way possible my heart starts racing. For tattoo artists, conventions are like a festival… or even a birthday. Just exchanging a simple greeting with others who walk the same path can give you a burst of energy. Seeing each other’s work is incredibly inspiring it pushes you to grow.
Did you ever participate at any tattoo contest?
One of the most memorable moments for me was when I won 1st place in the Japanese category, and later, Best of the Best on the final day of a convention. That moment became the starting point of my tattoo career it was unforgettable. But I try not to dwell on the past for too long. I prefer to return to my beginner’s mindset and keep moving forward. In Irezumi, staying humble and grounded is essential if you want to keep evolving.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
As an artist, I crave inspiration and conventions make my heart beat faster. That’s why I still attend them. These days, I mostly participate as an invited judge, which is an honor in itself.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
Most tattoo conventions are organized by artists just like us so naturally, there are things that may be lacking. But honestly, I don’t expect perfection. The fact that a convention is happening at all is already a blessing for tattoo artists. I just want to say thank you to every organizer around the world who makes these events possible.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
That said, I’m Korean so I have to say I love the conventions held in Korea the most. They may be smaller than international ones, and as I mentioned earlier, tattooing is still illegal in our country. This means artists aren’t allowed to tattoo at the event itself, which discourages many foreign artists from visiting. But even so, I love Korea. There’s nothing better than laughing and catching up with artists from all over the country it’s always a joy.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
No need for a long explanation I’d still become a tattoo artist if I were born again. It’s an incredibly captivating and fulfilling profession.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
In Korea, the two artists I respect the most are Lee Ui-Gu and Horikuni. They’re the ones who inspired me to begin tattooing. Now, we’ve grown close I consider them like older and younger brothers. Once I admire someone, I stay loyal. That’s what being a real man is all about.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I was born into a poor family, and I couldn’t escape that poverty until I became an adult. Becoming a tattoo artist changed that now, I live a bit more comfortably than before. And maybe that’s the greatest achievement: having enough peace in life to create meaningful work. Because great art only comes from a place of stability and clarity.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
I’m not interested in simply maintaining my skills. I want to become someone new every single day. The moment I wake up, I remind myself: “You have to grow again today.” I constantly ask myself How can I evolve the flow of my backgrounds? How can I push my style even further? And so I draw. I keep searching. That’s how I move forward. Since the day I started tattooing, I’ve never once considered doing anything else. I told myself “If it’s not this, I’d rather starve. I’d rather die.” I threw myself into it with that kind of determination and pride. I think that fire in me is what brought me to where I am today. Of course, 99% of it was effort and maybe 1% was luck.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I’ve achieved my dream and reached the goal I once set for myself. My dream was to become a well-known tattoo artist in Korea. But now, a new goal has emerged I want to complete a full-body suit on one client and travel the world with them to attend global conventions. That’s my next mission.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I’m currently sponsored by Dirk, Dongho, and Takeoff. Dirk is a Chinese company known primarily for its tattoo needles. Dongho is based in Vietnam and produces a wide range of tattoo supplies. Takeoff is a Taiwanese brand that specializes in aftercare products.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Some of you may already know my name, while for others, this might be your first time hearing it. But before anything else I’m just a regular person, just like you. As a tattooist, I always hope to exchange good energy with my clients through the skin we share in that moment. And to all the artists out there reading this from all over the world: I’m rooting for you. To all my fellow tattooists out there we’re fucking awesome. From one artist walking the same path as you.
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