Korean Artist Sumok Kim's Rise as a Realist Tattoo Master Shaping New York City's Dynamic Ink Scene

In the praised, ever-evolving tapestry of New York City's art scene, a distinct voice is emerging, leaving an indelible mark not on canvas, but on skin. Sumok Kim, a South Korean artist based in the city, has quickly ascended to prominence within the global tattoo community, redefining the possibilities of realism with his breathtaking detail and profound artistic scope. His journey, transforming from children's book salesman to award-winning tattoo artist, is a compelling narrative of passion, dedication, and continuous mastery.

Sumok Kim's path into the world of ink all started in 2015, ignited by an unexpected source. "I used to work at a publishing company that made books for children," Kim recounts. "While working there, I met many different illustrators, which sparked my interest in drawing and eventually led me to discover tattooing." This initial fascination with visual storytelling and illustration laid the groundwork for his distinctive artistic approach.

Entirely self-taught, Kim honed his skills through diligent independent study, immersing himself in online tutorials and research. He also credits the invaluable exchange with fellow artists met along his journey, including stints working in Toronto, Vancouver, and Seoul before establishing his base in New York City in 2022. This blend of self-driven learning and collaborative input underlines his philosophy of perpetual growth. "I appreciate that there is no limit to improvement in tattooing; there is always something new and exciting to learn," he states, a principle that is clearly driven through his technical and artistic evolution.

Kim specializes in black and grey realism, a style demanding meticulous precision and an acute understanding of light, shadow, and texture. His portfolio is dominated by stunning, photorealistic depictions of the natural world – from the intricate fur of animal portraits to serene landscapes – rendered with a level of detail that brings them to life. 

His work has a timeless quality, transcending fleeting trends through its focus on enduring beauty and technical excellence. While nature remains a deep inspiration, Kim has recently expanded his horizons, developing an acute interest in Eastern-themed subjects, bringing his realist expertise to traditional aesthetics. This technical mastery and artistic foresight have earned Kim significant recognition within the industry. 

In fact, Kim is a frequent and accliamed participant at major tattoo conventions, consistently winning top honors. His impressive list of awards includes multiple first and second places in highly competitive Realism and Black and Grey categories at prestigious events like the Vancouver Tattoo Show and, notably, the recent NY Empire State Tattoo Expo in May 2025, where he secured three awards, including first place for Large Black and Grey and second place for Best Sleeve. These accolades, including "Best of Show" wins, firmly place him amongst the most elite practitioners of his craft.

Kim's growing influence is not just confined to convention floors. He has garnered a substantial online following, with over 60,000 followers on Instagram eager to witness his latest creations. His reputation extends beyond the tattoo community, having been featured in publications such as Forbes, Ink Ppl, and Boy Girl Tattoos. Adding to his credentials, he was recognized by Ink On Sky as one of the top 10 tattoo artists in New York City for 2025 – a significant acknowledgment in a city populated with such talent.

Exploring through his artistic inspirations, Kim points to the old masters, citing Rembrandt for his profound depth and technical brilliance that resonates with his own pursuit of realism. Among contemporary tattoo artists, he admires Sergio Fernandez for his globally popular Greek mythology-themed black and grey work, an artist who also hails from New York City. This blend of classical appreciation and contemporary awareness piques Kim's versatile approach.

His recent exposure of Eastern aesthetics, such as the powerful imagery of Samurai, introduces a fascinating cultural exposition into his realism. Kim defines the difference in how tattooing is perceived between South Korea and the West, noting a greater notation on meaning and storytelling in Western cultures compared to a focus on aesthetics in South Korea. Kim believes the appeal of Eastern themes like Samurai in North America is rooted from their "exotic and rare" nature, coupled with the rich, intriguing narratives that surround the concepts of spirits and superstitions. 

The artist explains that Samurai tattoos are imbued with potent symbolism, representing "honorable death, strength, justice, and power," drawn from the historical warrior code. Whether it’s depicting the symbolic weight of a Chinese Zodiac sign, the narrative depth of mythology, or the tangible reality of a landscape meticulously crafted from his own photographs taken during explorations, Kim approaches every piece with a high commitment to detail and a personal significance for the respective client.

As an ambassador for Mast Tattoo Needle’s Pro Team, Kim is not only a practitioner but also an influencer within the industry, contributing to the advancement of techniques and tools. Looking ahead towards the remainder of 2025, Kim plans to continue his engagement with the broader tattoo community by attending conventions across the U.S., to seek new and exciting opportunities that share his artistic vision, connect with new and diverse clients, and continue the learning process that defines his career.

In a city where artistic innovation is constant, Sumok Kim stands out as a master realist, bridging cultural perspectives and consistently elevating the art of tattooing. His journey from the world of books to becoming an award-winning artist on skin serves as a testament to the power of passion, self-dedication, and the endless pursuit of perfection in a craft that is increasingly recognized for its depth and artistic merit.

Follow @sumok_tattoo on Instagram.