Ok Kim is a distinguished Korean artist based in Seoul, weaving a narrative that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistry. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Wood Crafts from Pusan National University in 2008.

​

In 2014, Kim achieved her Master of Fine Arts in Furniture Design at Hongik University Graduate School in Seoul. Simultaneously, under the mentorship of master craftsman Son Dae Hyun, she immersed herself in the traditional technique of Ottchil for three years. Ottchil, an age-old craft prevalent in Korea and East Asia, involves using sap from lacquer trees to impart a high-gloss, durable, and antibacterial finish to furniture.

​

Kim's transformative journey finds expression in the Merge series, where she adapts Ottchil techniques for a contemporary context while preserving her cultural heritage. The growing Merge collection of furniture and objects has been showcased extensively, including at Salone del Mobile - Salone Satellite in Milan (2018, 2019), Mint in London (2018-2019), Collect Fair in Saatchi Gallery (2019), Design Miami/Basel (2021), and two solo exhibitions in Seoul (2018, 2020).

​

In 2022, Ok Kim's mastery of Ottchil was formally recognized when she received the Craftsmanship category winner title at the prestigious Bulgari Aurora Awards. This accolade underscores her profound impact on bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary craftsmanship.