Cho Young-jae: a pioneer of Korean design reflecting on 55 years of his design journey
Cho Young-jae—people often describe him as intimidating. Perhaps it’s his commanding physique, deep voice, or his perfectionist nature that leaves no word unconsidered. His presence has been known to unsettle even the most confident individuals.
Cho is a first-generation designer who shaped the design industry in Korea. From nurturing talent at universities to pioneering the field of identity design, serving as the Olympic Design Committee Chair, establishing design associations, advising numerous corporations, and fostering international exchanges, there is no facet of the Korean design landscape untouched by his influence. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the foundation of Korean design today owes much to him.
His relentless efforts for better design and Korea’s future in design have been unparalleled. Cho has dedicated himself wholly to design, charging forward with unwavering focus. Along the way, he faced inevitable conflicts—persuasion, negotiation, frustration, endurance, and solitude. Yet, he overcame these challenges with sheer determination.
Cho declares that he wishes to remain a designer until the very end, rather than merely being remembered as an educator.
Even today, his works exude sophistication and professionalism, standing strong against contemporary standards. He was not a designer focused on self-expression or illustration-heavy graphics but a methodical, empirical practitioner who brought structured design to life. His innate design sensibility is perhaps best exemplified in the graphic work for the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
If one were to encapsulate Cho Young-jae in a phrase, it would be “a designer who pursued rationalism in design.” He is, without a doubt, the individual who opened the first chapter of modern design in Korea.