Undulmood: Tattoos as Armor for Body and Spirit

Jihoon Choi, better known in the tattoo world as Undulmood, has transformed Blackwork tattoos into something more than just decorative ornamentation. For him, each large-scale project is an “armor for the human body,” combining the deep symbolism of traditional Asian architecture with modern geometric precision. The artist, whose career began in Berlin in 2017, is now one of the most influential masters working at the intersection of European rigor and Korean heritage, constantly seeking new forms and meanings.

From Design to Dermis: Undulmood’s Journey

Undulmood himself, describing himself as a “passionate” person, took an unconventional path into the industry. He left South Korea at the age of 20 to move to Germany and enroll in industrial design. However, academic plans quickly gave way to the more alluring art of tattooing. Practicing his technique on himself and acquaintances, he began his professional career in Berlin in 2017.

His early life experiences, as the artist admits, were difficult. An unstable family situation in Korea led him to the army at 18, and then to a radical move. These painful experiences, he believes, formed the foundation of his independence and resilience, qualities that allowed him not only to survive alone in Berlin but also to build a successful career.

The Philosophy of “Armor”: Ornament as Protection

Undulmood pays meticulous attention to detail, making him a valuable representative of the modern generation of Blackwork artists. The basis of his portfolio consists of motifs inspired by traditional Asian architecture, patterns, and symbolism. His works often feature stylized clouds or fish scales, but each element is refracted through the artist’s vision, creating a unique composition.

The artist doesn’t call his tattoos “Armor for the Human Body” for nothing. This concept implies a dual meaning:

Decorative Representation: A reflection of the client’s personality or life experiences.
Spiritual Protection: The tattoo functions as a talisman or protective ornament.

One of his signature elements, often used in elbow designs, are patterns based on traditional Korean protective roof tiles – Gwimyeonwa, which can include images of goblins or monsters. This is a direct reference to his deep Korean heritage, which he masterfully integrates into monochrome Blackwork.

Large-Scale Projects and Technical Mastery

Undulmood’s work often requires exceptional endurance from both the artist and the client, given the scale and detail. Among his signature projects are:

1. Torso in Munewari style. This large-scale work, inspired by traditional Japanese tattooing, was completed over seven six-hour sessions. Munewari is a classic approach where the central part of the chest remains untouched, creating the effect of an open robe or armor, emphasizing the monumentality of the composition.

2. Sleeves and leg sleeves. According to the artist, one of his favorite projects was a geometrically oriented leg sleeve, which took 18 sessions to complete. In the process, Undulmood often resorts to freehand drawing after applying a stencil for the most complex ornamental parts, which allows for perfect flow and adaptation to the body’s anatomy.

European Experience and Return Home

After starting his career at Syntropy Tattoo, Undulmood then worked at 19:28 Tattoo, and from February 2021 to August 2024, he was a resident artist at the renowned German studio Der Grimm. The move to Der Grimm occurred during the challenging pandemic period when his previous studio closed. Joining a studio with artists like Young Hearted, Diamante Murru, Pantarei, and Amina Kat became a powerful source of inspiration and positively influenced the formation of his current style.

His time in Berlin, he says, gave him a unique experience:

“Berlin is an incredibly free city. No one judges how you look or what you wear. People genuinely respect individuality. I lived there for several years, completely immersed in this freedom. Although the depressive winters in Berlin eventually became one of the reasons I decided to return to Korea.”

Working in Europe, where he did many “walk-in” tattoos, allowed him to develop versatility in working with black ink and adapt to different styles. It is this European foundation, according to Undulmood, that allows him to modify and evolve his style more easily today compared to some other Korean artists.

In the Korean tattoo scene, his large-scale works, excluding traditional Irezumi, remain rare, which sets him apart and places him in a unique position.

Expert Context: Legalization and Evolution

An important aspect that Undulmood observes now, working in Korea, is the recent legislative changes. In 2025, South Korea passed the Tattooist Act, which legalized the practice of non-medical professionals in the tattoo field. This event marks a colossal shift in the industry.

Undulmood emphasizes that legalization will undoubtedly provide legal protection for both artists and clients. However, he believes that laws alone are not enough for real progress:

“The deeper problem lies not only in the lack of a legal framework in the past but also in public perception of tattoos. Many still associate tattoos with crime. For real change to happen, the way people view tattoo culture in Korea needs to change, and this should happen through media, art, and social dialogue, not just through legislation.”

Inspiration and Fighting Imitation

When it comes to influences, Undulmood pays tribute to the legends of Blackwork and Irezumi. He notes that when developing his style, he carefully studied the works of Gakkin and Nissaco, calling their creativity “eternal classics” of the tattoo world.

Regarding originality, Undulmood acknowledges the problem of “copying.” He believes that when an artist releases their art into the world, they must accept the inevitability of imitation. The only way to stay one step ahead is through constant evolution:

“Initially, the copies may be of poor quality, but over time, technically proficient reproductions will inevitably appear. The only way to maintain leadership is to constantly improve your craft so that your work always remains one step ahead of imitation.”

The idea of “armor” for the body is not limited to the skin. Undulmood plans to develop this concept in sculptural forms. He has recently begun studying 3D modeling software Rhino to prepare sketches for creating not necessarily wearable, but monumental art objects resembling samurai armor, which can be made of metal, leather, and fabric. This ambition to take tattoos beyond the skin’s surface demonstrates his relentless desire to challenge traditional artistic boundaries.