Minjun Kim

The Sumeun Jang challenges the conventions of contemporary Korean furniture design. Rooted in heritage yet shaped for today, this reinterpretation of the traditional jang (장, chest) speaks to a new generation, one that balances visibility and privacy, tradition and temptation. Crafted in eight distinct materials, each chosen for its unique materiality and sustainable properties, the Sumeun Jang is not only a functional object but also a statement of conscious design. Its form is defined by a dual nature: one side open, the other closed, inviting you to display what you’re proud of, and conceal what you’d rather keep to yourself. Traditionally placed against a wall, Korean chests were never meant to be seen from all sides. In this piece, that logic continues, but with a twist: the back is made of glass. A subtle warning to keep it where it belongs, and a quiet joke for those who know — after all, no one wants their guilty pleasures exposed from behind. The name “Sumeun Jang” (숨은 장) translates to “Hidden Chest.” In Korean, 숨은 (sumeun) means hidden, and 장 (jang) refers to a chest or storage piece. The name reflects both the function and philosophy of the piece: a place of concealment, introspection, and dual identity. It draws from Korean traditions of modesty and restraint, while inviting modern users to define their own boundaries between what is shown and what is kept private. The Sumeun Jang is a personal sanctuary, a place to hide in plain sight. A reflection of contemporary life: layered, private, and beautifully contradictory.