Jaegeun Park, Visual Storyteller: From Fashion to Photoshoots and Beyond

by Tom White

Jaegeun Park is a man on a creative mission. A Korean artist with a passion for visual storytelling, Park is an award-winning photographer whose work blends artistic sensitivity with technical mastery. During his time at Oscar de la Renta, he played a key role in shaping the brand’s visual identity and was a driving force behind several successful campaigns that helped define the company’s global image.

But beyond his work at Oscar de la Renta, Park believes in the power of social impact through art. “My personal story is rooted in a deep belief that storytelling, especially through visual media, can be a powerful force for empathy, understanding, and change.”

Art on the Move
Park’s post-production work on Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2023 and Pre-Spring 2024 Ready-to-Wear collections, and his commitment to perfection, have contributed significantly to the sophistication and craftsmanship the boutique is famous for. As a master of photojournalism, his work has brought the collections to the attention of international buyers, the media, and, of course, consumers.

Through all of these projects, Park demonstrated not only technical excellence and creative leadership but also a deep understanding of brand narrative and audience engagement. He consistently took on responsibilities that were mission-critical to the success of high-profile campaigns, and his work has had a measurable impact on how the Oscar de la Renta brand is perceived globally.

On and Off the Runway
Park played a leading role in shaping Oscar de la Renta’s visual identity and elevating its creative expression. His work went beyond technical execution; he was directly responsible for setting the tone and direction of major visual campaigns that defined the public face of one of the most respected fashion houses in the world. Park led the retouching and post-production efforts for the Fall 2023 and Pre-Spring 2024 Ready-To-Wear collections, where his attention to detail and artistic precision were essential in creating imagery that embodied the sophistication and luxury synonymous with the brand. According to the Director of Creative and Social Media, Park’s meticulous attention to detail and fluency in Adobe Suite not only raised productivity but ensured deadlines were consistently met, an impact that helped shape the success of these campaigns. These visuals were not just marketing materials; they were the final voice of the collection, seen by buyers, media outlets, and global consumers.

In addition to post-production, Park also directed and executed style-out photoshoots for the Spring 2024 and Pre-Fall 2024 collections. His leadership in these shoots was pivotal in crafting visual assets that served as the backbone of seasonal campaigns, contributing directly to the brand’s commercial and cultural success. His collaborative spirit and ability to maintain exceptional precision under pressure were noted by the team, with one senior designer calling his contributions to photo shoots, retouching, and color correction ‘indispensable’ to the brand’s output.

His contributions extended beyond photography, as he was actively involved in the pre-editing process of the documentary A Sense of Beauty, where he helped shape the emotional and visual rhythm of the film.

Accolades

During The Military Service

During his time with The 3rd Flying Training Wing, Park was instrumental in producing content that garnered several prestigious awards. In August 2019, Park received the Secretary of Defense Award for the Military Chaplain Video Contest. This national first-place award was for a short video that creatively depicted the work of military chaplains. The project combined cinematic visuals with emotive interviews, successfully humanizing a traditionally underrepresented role within the military. His approach to portraying military chaplains focused on their emotional depth and personal stories, creating a powerful and relatable depiction.

This honor is bestowed on individuals who have made a significant contribution to the mission of the Department of Defense. While producing this documentary within a tightly controlled military environment, Park encountered several major challenges. Access to filming locations was highly restricted, and he had to work with limited camera equipment, especially lighting, which is typically essential to professional production. Instead of allowing these constraints to hinder the project, he reframed them as a creative opportunity.

Park leaned into a naturalistic, documentary style that prioritized emotional honesty over visual perfection. This raw approach allowed me to capture the true essence of military chaplains, their vulnerabilities, strengths, and inner faith, in an intimate and unfiltered way. The limitations, rather than holding him back, pushed the project into a space of deeper authenticity. Receiving the Secretary of Defense Award not only validated his technical and creative choices but also affirmed that he possesses the vision, resilience, and adaptability needed to lead in the future of film and photography.

In June 2020, Park’s creative design earned him the Brigadier General Prize in the Energy Saving Poster Competition. His visual campaign, aimed at promoting environmental responsibility within military facilities, employed bold graphic design and clear messaging that encouraged actionable behavior. The design stood out for its ability to communicate a complex message in a simple and striking visual format, helping foster a culture of sustainability within the armed forces.

The following month, in July 2020, Park was awarded the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Prize for his direction of the Air Force Recruitment Video Contest. This video was recognized for its dynamic and engaging storytelling, which not only improved public engagement but also bolstered internal morale. The project successfully showcased modern military life in a way that resonated with both military personnel and external audiences, presenting an authentic and aspirational image of service in the Air Force.

These accolades reflect Park’s unique ability to blend visual storytelling with social and cultural impact. His work in the military setting not only informed but also deeply resonated with audiences, reflecting his commitment to bringing the often-unseen facets of military life to the forefront.

Beyond the Shoot
Before stepping into the fashion world, Park honed his skills in a very different setting: documentary filmmaking. Park’s work on an NFC documentary project, which he both directed and produced, highlighted his ability to craft emotional and meaningful stories. The film, aimed at inspiring the next generation to live as disciples of Christ, was later nominated for the New Vision & Voice Film Festival, recognizing its emotional, spiritual, and cultural depth. His commitment to telling the stories of first-generation immigrants serving the church in the United States, people who had rarely been asked to share their stories, was at the heart of the project. Through the safe and empathetic space he created, these individuals could share their personal struggles with cultural identity, spiritual responsibility, and emotional exhaustion, bringing a sense of comfort and dignity.

Although the project didn’t face significant technical challenges, it did present an emotional one. Listening to these vulnerable stories took a personal toll on Park, who learned how to honor the emotions of others while managing his own. This emotional labor reinforced his growth not only as a filmmaker but as a more resilient and compassionate human being. The experience solidified his belief that storytelling doesn’t merely record events; it creates connection and amplifies voices that need to be heard.

Master of the Visual Medium
Park’s extraordinary artistic ability and talent for storytelling have played an essential role in many successful campaigns and projects. His growing portfolio, which includes his acclaimed photo exhibition Beyond the Surface, shown at the Independent Gallery Space in New York earlier this year, proves his ability spans fashion, film, and fine art.

Upcoming Exhibition

“Watercolors of Light” exhibition piece


Park’s new exhibition, Watercolors of Light, will open on August 16th, 2025. This collection captures the dynamic relationship between light and time, using long exposure techniques to allow moments to blend and evolve rather than freezing them in time. The result is not a direct documentation, but an impressionistic portrayal of light, with each image serving as a soft echo of emotion and a visual representation of the passage of time.

With whatever medium he tackles, Park challenges viewers to see the world differently. He says, “I want my work to ignite dialogue, stir emotion, and serve as a bridge between communities. I believe that stories can inspire action, and I view each visual project as a chance to contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape.”

Explore more of Jaegeun Park’s work on Instagram or visit his portfolio.

Presented by: APG

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