Upbit NFT, the digital collectibles platform operated by Dunamu, has announced a new initiative to present the works of three celebrated Korean artists—Lee Jung-seop, Kim Hwan-ki, and Lee Woo-hwan—through real-linked NFTs. This offering marks a significant step in bridging the traditional art world with blockchain technology by granting NFT holders the right to acquire physical works.
A New Era for Korean Art and NFTs
The project begins on February 10 with the launch of Lee Woo-hwan’s Compliance, a piece that exemplifies the artist’s signature minimalist expression and the influence of the Monoha movement. Known for blending Eastern philosophy with contemporary minimalism, Lee’s work is expected to attract collectors interested in both digital and traditional art.
Later this month, Upbit NFT will feature Kim Hwan-ki’s work on February 20, highlighting his pioneering role in modern Korean abstraction. His pieces, rich with Korean sentiment and lyricism, will be made available through the platform. The series concludes on February 27 with Lee Jung-seop, whose intense brushstrokes and dynamic compositions—best known through his iconic Bull—will be introduced as part of the NFT drop.
The real-linked NFTs will be auctioned on Upbit NFT, with winning bidders receiving both the digital token and the physical artwork, along with official authentication documents.
Upbit’s Expanding Presence in the Digital Asset Space
Upbit NFT, launched in 2021, has emerged as South Korea’s leading NFT platform, supporting a range of digital collectibles across fine art, K-pop, and sports. This latest initiative underscores its commitment to integrating traditional art markets with blockchain technology.
Beyond NFTs, Upbit continues to expand its influence in the broader crypto ecosystem. On February 6, the exchange, alongside Bithumb, listed Berachain’s native token, BERA, marking its entry into South Korea’s digital asset markets. This addition aligns with Upbit’s strategy of diversifying its offerings, following its recent listings of Solana-based Jito (JTO) and Scroll (SCR), which have seen mixed market reactions.
A Dunamu spokesperson emphasized the significance of this NFT initiative, stating, “It is very meaningful to introduce the works of Korea’s leading art masters to Upbit NFT users and share opportunities to own these works. We will continue to present various works and serve as a bridge between the art world and the public.”
As Upbit NFT pushes forward with its mission, its focus remains on enhancing user experiences and strengthening the connection between physical and digital assets. Future plans include expanding offline integrations and offering more diverse NFT-linked services to meet the growing demand for blockchain-based art ownership.