James Chae

Quotes

• “The socioeconomic context that these developers respond to tells a different type of gentrification.”

• “[These properties] carve out brands and spatial design visions that respond to independence, flexibility and community.”

• “What I see is a combination of all the design strategies of a branding agency, a boutique shop and media outlet at work.”

Articles & interviews

• The unique design strategies shaping solo living in Seoul

  It's Nice That · Dec 9, 2025

  The article explores how Seoul’s growing number of single-occupant households has inspired new design and branding strategies among property developers like Episode, Local Stitch, and Mangrove. These companies are redefining urban living through amenity-rich, community-oriented spaces that balance independence and connection. Author James Chae contextualizes these developments within Korea’s unique rental system and shifting generational values.

  EpisodeLocal Stitchbranding
• "Small Korean Studios Navigate Independence Amid Chaebol Dominance"

  It's Nice That · Jul 8, 2025

  The article explores how small independent design studios in Korea are sustaining themselves by launching their own ventures. Studio Double-D, led by Huh Minjae, created Be(Attitude) and later Nupip, while Vergum, founded by Chung Yeonjung, evolved into Vergum Making through its cultural product Good Luck Fish. These examples highlight how Korean designers are blending entrepreneurship with cultural and design innovation to maintain independence.

  Studio Double-DVergumVergum MakingNational Museum of KoreaKorean Craft and Design Foundationbranding
• Exploring K-pop's Impact on Graphic Design Trends

  It's Nice That · Feb 20, 2025

  The article explores how K-pop’s global rise has influenced graphic design in Korea, highlighting the creative processes behind album art, tour identities, and fan merchandise. Featuring studios like MHTL, Paper Press, and Smile Flower Studio, it examines how designers balance visual storytelling, multilingual systems, and fan engagement. The piece positions K-pop design as a dynamic, trend-driven field that merges emotion, technology, and cultural identity.

  Smile Flower StudioPaper PressMHTLAespaSeventeenbranding
• Korean Poster Design: A Unique Visual Language at Risk

  It's Nice That · Sep 17, 2024 · Interview

  The article explores the decline of printed poster culture in Seoul through an interview with designer and publisher Jude Kang. It highlights his projects Occupy the City and Typozimmer, as well as his book Systems of Poster Series, which documents poster systems from around the world. Kang reflects on the influence of Swiss design and his mission to make posters accessible as everyday art objects.

  Occupy the CityTypozimmerSulki & Mineditorial