Jung Hun Sung (South Korea, 1971), known professionally as J. Hunsung, is an internationally celebrated master of hyperrealistic watercolor. Born in 1971 in Yeosu, he began painting at a young age, but dedicated his adult career exclusively to mastering the demanding medium of watercolor, a discipline where he is now a global authority.
His technique is distinguished by its incredible luminosity and vibrant palette, achieved through meticulous control over water, pigment, and brushwork. Although his focus is on the portrait, his works blend a hyper-realistic attention to detail with an expressive, often loose style, capturing the emotional essence and history of the people he depicts.
- Hunsung currently lives in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, where he runs the J. Hunsung Watercolor Studio. He exhibits his work worldwide and his expertise is recognized by leading international art material brands like DANIEL SMITH and Escoda, for whom he serves as a brand ambassador and demonstrator.
His philosophy centers on the intuitive and essential expression of human subjects within the challenging history of the water medium. He views the act of painting as a mirror, offering different perspectives with a common focus on humanity.
As a virtual juror for the Tartget Prize 2026, Jung Hun Sung will bring his expert eye for the technical precision of watercolor and the emotional depth of the portrait. He will highly value artists who demonstrate a sophisticated control over the medium, successfully fusing technical mastery with expressive vitality and an enduring human connection.