5 Shocking Facts About IAB STUDIO: The Korean Art Crew Behind Beenzino's Empire And The Latest 2025 Collabs
In the global landscape of streetwear and art collectives, few brands have captured the zeitgeist of South Korean cool quite like IAB STUDIO. As of December 23, 2025, the collective is making headlines not just for its unique aesthetic but for a string of massive, high-profile collaborations that are cementing its status as a powerhouse in both fashion and pop culture. This deep-dive explores the studio's mysterious origins, the true meaning of its name, and the influential figures who have propelled it from a group of childhood friends to a global design phenomenon.
Far from being just another clothing label, IAB STUDIO—an acronym for the philosophical and personal statement "I’ve Always Been"—operates as a versatile art crew and design collective. Its recent projects, including highly anticipated capsule collections with major global entities, showcase a brand that effortlessly bridges the gap between high art, hip-hop culture, and commercial streetwear, all while remaining rooted in the authentic vision of its founders.
The Masterminds Behind IAB Studio: Founder Biographies
IAB STUDIO was officially established as a business entity on April 19, 2017, but its roots as an art crew date back to 2013. The collective is the brainchild of a trio of friends who have shared a lifelong bond since childhood. This collective identity is central to the brand's ethos. The three principal founders are:
- Lim Sung-bin (임성빈) - The Visionary Rapper
- Role: Co-Founder, Primary Creative Force.
- Alias: Widely known by his stage name, Beenzino (빈지노), one of South Korea's most respected and popular rappers.
- Born: September 12, 1987.
- Background: Lim Sung-bin’s artistic foundation is deeply rooted; his mother is Dongwon Keum, a renowned painter. This background explains his innate connection to visual art and his ability to seamlessly integrate it into his music and the IAB brand.
- IAB Connection: The studio initially served as the creative hub for Beenzino's album art and visual projects, making the brand an extension of his artistic career.
- Shin Dong-min (신동민) - The Design Collective's Anchor
- Role: Co-Founder, Key Member of the Design Collective.
- Profile: Shin Dong-min is a core figure who helps translate the collective's artistic vision into tangible design projects. He is often cited in interviews as a representative of the studio's design philosophy and evolution.
- Relationship: A school friend of both Lim Sung-bin and Kim Han-jun, he is a central pillar in maintaining the collective's collaborative spirit.
- Kim Han-jun (김한준) - The Business Representative
- Role: Co-Founder, Official Business Representative.
- Profile: Kim Han-jun handles the operational and business side of the studio, ensuring the creative output is successfully brought to market.
- Artistic Side: He is also noted in some profiles as an extremely talented musician, underscoring the collective's foundation in both visual and auditory arts.
The 'I've Always Been' Ethos: Art, Music, and Streetwear
The name IAB STUDIO is an acronym for the phrase "I’ve Always Been," a statement that carries a profound meaning for the founders. It conveys the idea of staying true to their core selves and "what we have always done"—a continuous, authentic expression of their shared artistic journey. This personal philosophy is the bedrock of the brand's identity and its appeal to a generation seeking authenticity.
The studio’s work began primarily in the realm of art and hip-hop. The collective was responsible for the visual direction and album artwork for Beenzino's music, including his critically acclaimed works. This deep integration with a major music figure gave IAB STUDIO immediate cultural credibility and a unique platform. The mysterious studio location itself, often featured in Beenzino’s interviews and social media, became an entity in its own right—a symbol of their creative sanctuary.
The transition from an art crew to a full-fledged streetwear and fashion brand was organic. By applying their distinct, often minimalist yet playful, design aesthetic to apparel, IAB STUDIO quickly garnered a massive following. Their items are characterized by clean lines, bold graphics, and often sell out instantly, driven by the massive influence of Beenzino and the collective's reputation for high-quality, authentic design. The brand operates primarily in the wholesale, retail, and e-commerce sectors, maintaining a tight control over its drops and collaborations to preserve exclusivity.
IAB Studio’s Latest Drops and Blockbuster Collaborations (2024-2025)
IAB STUDIO’s strategy is built on selective, high-impact collaborations that cross cultural boundaries, showcasing their versatility and global appeal. The most recent and upcoming projects, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, are a testament to their rising international influence.
The 2025 Pop Culture Power Moves
- Pokémon IAB-Studio Unown Capsule (Fall/Winter 2024/2025): One of the most significant recent drops is the highly anticipated collaboration with Pokémon. This partnership includes the unique Unown Capsule, featuring the enigmatic letter-shaped Pokémon, and exclusive items like a Meowth Keyring Metal, often released as an offline store exclusive to drive physical engagement. This collaboration taps directly into the massive global nostalgia and gaming market.
- Sanrio and Kuromi Capsule Collection (2025): Solidifying their connection to cute culture (‘K-Aegyo’), IAB STUDIO is set for a major collaboration with Sanrio in 2025. This includes a dedicated Kuromi Capsule Collection, which highlights the brand's ability to inject its streetwear sensibility into beloved cartoon characters, creating sought-after pieces for the youth market.
- Netflix’s 'Arcane' Capsule: Following their Pokémon success, the Seoul-based brand dropped a spirited capsule collection inspired by the popular Netflix animated series 'Arcane' (based on League of Legends). This move showcases their agility in partnering with leading digital entertainment and gaming franchises.
A History of High-Profile Partnerships (Topical Authority)
The studio’s current success is built on a foundation of diverse and influential past collaborations, demonstrating their wide-ranging topical authority across multiple industries. These partnerships have been instrumental in establishing their reputation beyond the K-Hip-Hop scene:
- Footwear & Apparel Giants: They have successfully partnered with major global brands like Nike, Vans, asics, Obey, and Yonex, producing limited-edition sneakers and apparel that blend their signature graphics with established silhouettes.
- Tech & Lifestyle: Collaborations extend into the tech and lifestyle space, including partnerships with Samsung and the popular phone accessory brand CASETiFY.
- Korean & Global Food/Retail: They have also worked with local and international entities such as Lotte, ramen giant Ottogi, and the Japanese ramen chain AFURI, proving their design language can be applied to almost any product category. They even collaborated with a local Korean brand, Dungeon Rice, in 2024.
The Future of IAB: Beyond Streetwear
IAB STUDIO continues to defy traditional categorization, operating as a true multi-disciplinary creative force. The collective's deep-seated connection to authentic art (through Lim Sung-bin's family background) and its origin as an art crew provide a stable foundation that many commercial streetwear brands lack. The founders' commitment to the "I’ve Always Been" motto ensures that every project, from a simple graphic tee to a major Sanrio collaboration, maintains a thread of genuine artistic integrity.
As they move through 2025, the brand is poised for further global expansion, leveraging the massive cultural footprint of its co-founder, Beenzino, and its proven ability to create highly desirable products. For fans of Korean art, design collective culture, and exclusive streetwear drops, IAB STUDIO is not just a brand to watch—it is the definitive benchmark for the next wave of authentic, art-driven fashion.
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