Byoung il Sun's posters are visual stories that echo across continents. As the driving force behind the BI International Poster Art Biennale, he's helped transform South Korea into a global design epicenter where posters aren't just seen—they're felt. His collaborations with top institutions worldwide have amplified the voice of poster art, making it resonate from Seoul to Purdue. Byoung's work moves beyond visuals to connecting people and ideas, proving that design is more than just a craft.

Introduction by Antonio Castro H. Professor, University of Texas at El Paso

Besides being a great designer and design educator, Byoung il Sun also organizes the well-regarded BI International Poster Art Biennale in South Korea, an event where I have had the honor to participate twice. The event is beautifully organized and produces very handsome catalogs. He has made significant partnerships with other design organizations and schools, such as the Polish-Japanese Academy, the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Hungary’s Metropolitan University, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Untar University, Pradita University, Poster Blog, and Poster Territory. These partnerships have led to the 100 best posters from the biennale traveling to other venues, such as Purdue University. I commend Byoung for taking on such a massive task and making poster design appreciated and cherished worldwide.

What has inspired or motivated you in your career?

I usually find inspiration in my life. As a poster designer, I am motivated by social engagement through posters.

What is your work philosophy?

To speak to the world through images.

Who is or was your greatest mentor?

1,817 Four Character Idioms.

What is it about design that you are most passionate about?

Poster design.

You are primarily known for your poster designs. What draws you to designing them?

Posters replace language with images. Posters are the flower of graphic design.

What is the most difficult challenge you’ve overcome to reach your current position?

My biggest challenge has always been the fight against time because I’ve always been short of it.

Who have some of your most significant past influences been?

Bruno Munari.

Who among your contemporaries today do you most admire?

Uwe Loesch.

What would be your dream assignment?

To turn a poster into a sculpture.

Who have been some of your favorite colleagues or clients?

My favorite colleague is A. Ziemiszewska, and my favorite client is the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of South Korea.

What are the top things you need from a client to do successful work for them?

I need them to recognize and believe in professionals.

What do you consider your most outstanding professional achievement so far?

When one of my students whom I coached and taught became a professor.

Having won multiple awards, is there a particular award that means the most to you?

The Ekoplakat Award from Slovakia.

What about your work has given you the greatest satisfaction?

When I finished a three-hour special lecture on posters in China.

What part of your work do you find the most demanding?

When the client doesn’t understand the design image for a project due to a lack of awareness.

What professional goals do you still have for yourself?

I would like to open up design education to overseas students who have not achieved much in design and provide them with opportunities.

You are both a designer and a professor at Namseoul University. How do you balance your two careers?

It requires absolute self-management and sufficient time management. The most important things are a sense of mission as a professor and passion as a designer.

What advice do you have for students starting out today?

A poster is a dream. Tell your dreams on a poster.

What interests do you have outside of work?

Poetry and music. I play guitar and sing.

What do you value most in life?

I value a constant passion for the things I love and my goals.

What would you change if you had to do it all over again?

I would open a poster design school.

Where do you find inspiration?

I get it before I sleep or when I wake up.

How do you define success?

I define success as being satisfied with what you do.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself following through with my beliefs and actions.

How do you balance your work with your personal life if there is a distinction between the two?

I spend a lot more time on work, so my life is always unbalanced.

In what ways do you see your field changing over the years?

It is becoming more mechanized and losing its warmth and human touch.

Born in South Korea in 1958, Byoung il Sun holds the position of professor of visual media design at Namseoul University, where he also serves as professor emeritus and oversees master’s and doctoral students. He has gained international recognition, earning awards from Golden Bee, Graphis, and Red Dot, and has served as a judge in global competitions. Moreover, he gives special lectures worldwide, including at Purdue University in the United States and Tsukuba University in Japan. Additionally, Byoung il Sun is the founder and chairman of the BIPB Poster Art Biennale in South Korea.

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