Kim JungGi’s Last Schedule Since His Passing And His Answer To A Bystander’s Question, “Do You Have Any Advice That You Think A Future Artist/Illustrators Should Never Forget?”

Korean artist and illustrator Kim JungGi was born in 1975 in the city of Goyang located in the province of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, and began his career as an illustrator at 19, while being with enrolled at a Fine Arts School marjoring in Art and Design. Later, attended Dong-Eui University in Busan for three years, which included his official mandatory military service as a part of the Special Forces Unit. 

He was known as an illustrator who has the the complex ability to remember and perfect certain scenes directly from his experience-  an ever growing impressive set of skills within the drawing of black and white ink art. His publication “Funny Funny” was published in “Young Jump Magazine,” and he also illustrated “Tiger The Long Tail.” Regarding his previous career and history for working in numerous industries, (music, movies and even the government), he was also included in the Guinness World Records Book for the record and achievement, “Longest Drawing by an individual”. 

If you are interested in various illustrators, artists or even the South Korean Hip-Hop Scene, you might recognize the illustrator since he was asked to create an album artwork for the well known artist Drunken Tiger. According to an article by the news platform Korea Daily, Kim JungGi collaborated with the musician and focus on the cover image, depicting Drunken Tigers past 20 years as a musician. (Drunken Tiger was celebrating his 20th anniversary then, and he was releasing a grand album, which had a total of 30 tracks. He debuted in 1999.)

The artist often talked about what kinds of materials he uses, his inspiration, a variety of courses such as “How To Draw Figures in Perspective,” different exhibitions, book signings and more on his blog.

Romuald Meigneux

Unfortunately, the artist, who was named “Influential Comic Book Artist” by Legacy.com, passed away on October 3, 2022 due to a heart attack while staying in Paris.

On July 12, 2023, the YouTube channel that features many artists and illustrators alike, including those known for holding live streams amongst the South Korean Art Community, posted a video titled “JungGi’s Last Schedule,” where Kim JungGi was invited from PSG, and performed his last drawing show before the match at Parc des Princes on the 1st of October 2022.

Within the video, the artist is asked by a bystander “Do you have any advice, one advice that you think a future artist should never forget?”

Thinking carefully about his answer, the artist said, “How your art is evaluated by others is important of course, but for me, I think the most important thing is that I have fun when drawing. I will stop drawing in the future if I no longer find it fun. I’ve never been afraid of a blank paper in front of me.”

“The changes in the sea level, the setting and rising of the sun. Daily temperature and the four seasons, I am the one that controls it all” (in reference to his drawing/sketch). “Don’t be afraid. Enjoy the process.”

The video also goes over the trip and showcases the artist with impressive cinematography throughout Paris which you can watch below.

Written with love, respect and admiration for the illustrator and artist Kim JungGi.