Every six months HYBE updates its special collaborative exhibition with modern artists. Until May 29, 2022, you can see artwork by the King of Graffiti himself, Futura, in collaboration with BTS at the HYBE INSIGHT Exhibition “Humble Souls”.
HYBE INSIGHT is a museum and exhibition center sponsored by the music label HYBE, which is famously known as BTS’s parent company. The company was originally focused exclusively on creating high-quality music, debuting a number of Korea’s most popular music groups including TXT and Enhypen.
Since 2021 HYBE started to expand its activities. They have now delved into the creation of Webtoons, clothes, and collaborations with physical artists such as Futura.
What to expect from HYBE INSIGHT
The HYBE INSIGHT is, first of all, the museum for music lovers. This place is not just about K-Pop, but about the art of music overall. So if you’re a K-Pop fan, don’t expect too much. You will not see posters of your favorite artist all over the walls, or hear BTS songs playing on every speaker. Nevertheless, anyone can enjoy HYBE INSIGHT Humble Souls exhibition!
What you will get at the Humble Souls exhibition is a deep dive into the creation process. From the first moment you enter the exhibition, it feels like you’re walking into a laboratory, where music is decomposed and you can examine the pieces.
I will not describe the exhibition halls – no spoilers! But I will say that you can listen to your favorite songs in ways you’ve never dreamed of. You can also listen to some specially created sounds that are connected to a particular image or moving picture. You can even use all of your senses to feel the sound!
Plus, you will see the costumes worn at legendary shows, move to the sounds of music, and much more! But most impressive is the special artist exhibitions, which we’re going to explore in more depth throughout the rest of this article.
HYBE INSIGHT Exhibition “Humble Souls”
The King of Graffiti is a 65-year-old New York-based living legend called Futura. The artist works using an abstractionism style but in graffiti. As a part of his artwork, Futura has crafted an art piece titled “FL-006”.
This sculpture is the basis for a “Humble Seoul” installation. There are 7 parts to this piece, with each member of BTS having chosen a color. This collaborative work aligns with BTS’s messages of self-love, focusing on the message of: “listening to one’s own inner self, and going one’s own way instead of being confined to a persona defined by society.”
Each of the 7 sculptures is approximately 145-150cm in height, the only difference between them is the color. If you’re an ARMY, it will be interesting to analyze why each member chose the color they did. Why did RM choose black? Why did Jungkook choose pale blue? There are already lots of assumptions on the internet, but it’s always interesting to create your own backstories.
If you really liked the art pieces, you can get a memento. There are small sculptures and name straps for each member. You can buy one that aligns with your bias for some discrete displays of army pride.
This is not the only thing you can buy in the Museum Shop. There are albums, special card sets, pins, stickers, posters, headphones, and even keychains of different artists’ stage costumes.
All of these products can only be bought offline directly at the museum. However, the prices also are not cheap. Just the keychain is more than 35.000 KRW (32 USD).
Ticket price and booking:
In order to book a visit, you will have to use the HYPE App. Tickets for the museum cost 22.000 KRW (20 USD).
To summarize, HYBE is a modern art museum for music lovers and those who are interested in art in general. Don’t be afraid to go alone, you will be infatuated with your surroundings, so having a friend with you might be a distraction.
HYBE INSIGHT Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hangangno 3(sam)-ga, Hangang-daero, 42 HYBE INSIGHT Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM, Closed Monday Directions: From Sinyongsan Station (Line 4) Exit 3, walk straight then cross the street at the first crosswalk. Keep walking straight and you will see HYBE on your left.
If you’re a BTS fan, Click Here to read about 5 iconic Army travel destinations.
