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The international art fairs Frieze Seoul and KIAF Seoul have chosen to prolong their collaborative partnership for the upcoming five years. The Korean Art Galleries Association made this choice during an emergency general assembly that took place at 4 p.m. on the 18th at the Westin Chosun in Seoul. As Frieze had already indicated its desire to renew the agreement, the combined event ‘Kiaffrize’ will now be held until 2031.

Around 110 out of the 185 member galleries connected to the association took part in the vote, with all but one choosing to support the renewal, as reported by the association. Despite differing views discussed during the meeting, there was agreement on the importance of preserving continuity on the global level and ensuring a stable international exchange system. Lee Sung-hoon, head of the Korean Art Galleries Association, remarked, “With the domestic art market at a crucial turning point, it is more important than ever for all galleries to work together,” and added, “We will enhance the global competitiveness of KIAF Seoul and actively assist domestic galleries and artists in expanding overseas.”

The organization stated, “In the last four years, through the partnership between KIAF Seoul and Frieze Seoul, Korean art and local galleries have attained significant achievements on the global level,” and added, “This choice is intended to promote ongoing mutual development and strengthen the international standing of KIAF Seoul.”

Frieze also supported the renewal. Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, said, “This renewal demonstrates the joint dedication of Frieze and KIAF to sustainability and enhanced global exchange,” and added, “Frieze Seoul appreciates its collaboration with the Korean Art Galleries Association and KIAF Seoul, and we are excited about progressing this partnership to assist various galleries and artists on the international scene.”

Frieze, considered one of the world’s leading art fairs along with Art Basel, and KIAF, South Korea’s prominent art fair, originally agreed in 2022 to hold events in Seoul for a period of five years. The original agreement was scheduled to conclude in 2026, but this extension will now keep it active until 2031.