Did you know? Behind the dreamlike animation of “Sweet Dreams (Feat. Miguel)” by BTS j-hope lies the mind of a rising artist many have yet to meet: Kim Onew. At just 20 years old, Kim Onew is quietly but powerfully reshaping what K-pop visuals can be. Kim Onew animation for j-hope “Sweet Dreams” music video is just glimpses of how this brilliant Korean artist reshapes the new generation of creative storytelling. Through his lenses, you will witness how innovation, intuition, and emotional depth take center stage.
Let’s explore how the genius Korean artist Kim Onew opens fresh possibilities for better creative industry in South Korea.
Kim Onew: The Artist Behind j-hope “Sweet Dreams” Animation
Long before the world saw the surreal floating house in j-hope’s “Sweet Dreams” animation, Kim Onew was already building imaginary worlds. How? With Lego bricks.
As a child, he would toss aside instruction manuals to invent his own structures. He then developed a creative mind that prioritized imagination over replication. His early fascination with building and storytelling naturally expanded when his father began filming his Lego creations. This then introduced Kim Onew to the narrative language of video at a young age.
From Creative Curiosity to Professional Breakthrough
While his friends in South Korea immersed themselves in the high-pressure world of Suneung (Korean CSAT) preparation, Kim Onew decided to take a different path.
Fueled by passion, he dedicated his teenage years to mastering 3D animation independently. At the time, his 3D short film “Jerry Beer,” an environmental allegory told through a hermit crab, garnered attention not only for its storytelling but also for its technical skill. The project won accolades at the Korea Youth Media Festival, ultimately securing his admission to Korea National University of Arts.
However, the true breakthrough wasn’t academic recognition. It was his exposure to a professional network. This then became the real evidence that an independent spirit could still find a place in Korea’s evolving creative industries.
Kim Onew and His Journey in Creating the “Sweet Dreams” World for j-hope
Now, the real turning point of his life came when a staff member from Aedia Studio discovered his work. They then reached out to him directly. Kim Onew received a massive assignment at the time: help craft visuals and animation for the “Sweet Dreams” MV of BTS’s brilliant rappper-dancer, j-hope.
And no, this project was far from a simple visual filler. It required capturing the ethereal, almost surreal emotional landscape of the song. Kim Onew approached the animation project for j-hope “Sweet Dreams” by focusing on mood, symbolism, and architectural integrity. The floating house he designed was not merely a fantastical image but a visual metaphor for the delicate boundary between dreams and reality.
Every detail — from the tilt of the foundation to the soft fluttering movements of the structure — was engineered to evoke a sense of weightlessness and wistful impermanence, echoing the themes embedded in “Sweet Dreams” by j-hope. Not only that but his ability to match emotional storytelling with technical design also made his contribution to the project truly impressive.
Kim Onew and His Innovative Approach to Visual Effects
Kim Onew’s work stands out not just for its polish, but for his methodical, almost architectural approach to 3D animation.
Drawing inspiration from professional-grade documentaries, such as the behind-the-scenes footage of “Avatar,” he adopted a “build from within” philosophy.
This means that instead of modeling outward appearances first, he would sketch internal skeletal frameworks, then layer muscles, and only finally apply outer textures. This method brings an organic, lifelike quality to his animations, just like what he did for j-hope “Sweet Dreams” animation.
You may be thinking that this is just too complicated. And while it may be, for Kim Onew, this painstaking approach has imbued his work with impressive realism that completely resonate, even in fantastical settings.
By prioritizing believable motion and structure, he ensures that each element feels naturally alive, enhancing viewer immersion.
The Unbelievable Self-Taught Excellence in a Changing Industry
Unlike many who climb through Korea’s highly structured education system, Kim Onew is a pure product of digital self-education.
You may not believe this, but this brilliant Korean artist has trained himself through hours of YouTube tutorials and discussions on Reddit forums. From these self-education approaches, he absorbed techniques, troubleshooted common issues, and even learned advanced software workflows.
This decentralized learning model has given him not just technical skills, but also adaptability. And believe it or not, it has become a crucial advantage in an industry where technology evolves in an extremely rapid movement.
Moreover, the rise of brilliant independent artists like Kim Onew has actually reflected a broader shift in South Korea’s creative sector. It means that success is now less about formal credentials and more about the strength of independently built portfolios and proven creative skills.
From Kim Onew’s journey, you can see how even without formal schooling, artists are capable of contributing meaningfully to Korea’s globally competitive cultural exports. That is of course, as long as you have incredible passion and massive commitment, supported by open source education.
Beyond j-hope “Sweet Dreams” Animation: A Future Shaped by Originality
While j-hope “Sweet Dreams” animation brought his talents into sharper focus, Kim Onew has even broader trajectory.
His side projects, such as the viral LEGO-style parody of Rosé’s “Apt.” music video and his boxing-themed short “Champ,” show an artist who is constantly experimenting, seeking new ways to merge humor, reality, and surrealism.
Each project carries the same DNA: a focus on narrative authenticity, technical excellence, and emotional resonance. Even minor details — like the animated sway of a building or the weight shift in a boxing character — are executed with meticulous care.
Therefore, in a future where K-pop visuals must increasingly cater to global audiences hungry for authenticity and innovation, talents like Kim Onew will no longer just be participants — they will be the leaders pushing boundaries.
Now, if you’re curious about Kim Onew’s projects, visit his official Instagram account and YouTube channel.
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