In Los Angeles’ Korean community, photography plays a dual role as both an aesthetic medium and a tool for historical documentation.
At the intersection of these two fields stands Sangdong Kim, President of the Southern California Photographers Association. Since 1989, Kim has been a part of the Korean community, hosting annual exhibitions and documenting its history.
After traveling to over 30 countries in the past three decades, Kim has compiled a collection of photographs for his first photobook, “Reflection of Journey.” Unlike an art-focused photobook, this collection highlights travel photography. Over the years, Kim has carefully selected images that reflect a sense of ease and timelessness.
Despite the prevalence of digital photography and Photoshop, Kim remains committed to analog photography. He noted, “Even in this digital age, I still pursue analog photography. The photobook offers a sense of nostalgia for the analog era.”
The book features more than 120 photographs, taken during his travels to over 30 countries, each imbued with Kim’s personal philosophy.
“My photography is influenced by American styles,” he said. “I aim for authenticity, avoiding artificial embellishments. The lens allows me to think and see the world differently.”
Kim’s serious study of photography began at the New York Institute of Photography, and his journey continued after moving to Los Angeles in 1988. After work, he would take daily photos in Santa Monica. His passion for photography, which began in high school, led him to formal training at a professional photography school.
Since 2005, Kim has taught photography through his class, Sangdong Kim’s World of Photography, at the Korea Daily Cultural Center. The class was incredibly popular, with more than 500 students becoming photographers over 15 years, before the pandemic. His unique teaching methods, blending hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, were well-received during the height of the digital camera boom.
Kim also founded the Southern California Photographers Association, which has left a significant mark on the Korean American community’s history. Though the group consists of photographers, its main purpose is community service. Membership is based not on photographic skill but on a commitment to serving the community through photography. Members have traveled to over 30 countries, including Cuba, Iceland, and China, with Kim showing a particular affinity for Africa.
The photobook features several African photographs on its cover and in its opening pages. Kim explains that these images aim to shed light on the realities of life in Africa. Through collaboration with organizations like Hope Society and Good Neighbors, Kim has organized African photography exhibitions that have contributed to the construction of 23 water wells.
Since 2006, Kim has partnered with the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles to hold the annual “Riches of the Land” photography exhibition, which has become one of the most prominent photo exhibitions in Koreatown.
Despite decades of work as a photographer, Kim has only held two solo exhibitions. However, one of his pieces—a panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles—decorates the entrance wall of the LAPD Olympic Division, stretching 8 feet by 27 feet.
A book launch event for Reflection of Journey will take place at 6 p.m. on October 18 at M Cafe, located in the M Plaza in Koreatown. The photobook is available for purchase at local bookstores, including Sejong Bookstore, Bandi Books, and Happy Books in Koreatown.
BY EUNGYOUNG LEE, YOUNGNAM KIM [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
