Conversations with Jay Han

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Han.

Hi Jay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was inspired to start Photoism after observing the growing popularity of K-pop and Korean culture in the United States. I realized there was a strong demand for authentic cultural experiences, which led me to explore how this could be brought to life. During my research, I noticed that in Korea, photo booths are not only widely popular but also serve as a meaningful way for people to create and preserve memories with friends and family.

In contrast, high-quality photo booth experiences were relatively rare in the U.S. That’s when I discovered Photoism—a leading company in Korea with a dominant presence in the market and exclusive rights to many K-pop artists’ photo content. I saw a unique opportunity to bridge this cultural gap by introducing a premium, culturally rich photo booth experience to the U.S. market. That vision became the foundation for launching Photoism here.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, the process went smoothly, but there were some noticeable differences between Korea and the U.S. In Korea, because the country is relatively small, setting up locations and completing construction was much faster and more efficient. However, in the U.S., due to the vast geography, even tasks like trucking take more time, and construction projects tend to progress more slowly. That slower pace was one of the challenges I faced during the expansion.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always had a strong passion for art and creativity. When it comes to work, I try not to limit myself and approach everything with a positive and open mindset. I also have a deep love for music, which is why I’m very interested in collaborating with a wide range of artists and creating unique, creative experiences.

One of the most rewarding experiences for me was collaborating with local artists to design photo booths. It was an inspiring process that allowed for true artistic expression and community connection, and it’s something I hope to continue doing more of in the future.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
While we’ve currently collaborated with many K-pop artists, my goal over the next 5 to 10 years is to work with a broader range of American artists and actors as well. We’re currently in discussions with organizations like the NBA and MLB, though it’s still early to say how those conversations will unfold.

Ultimately, I want to build the leading photo booth company in the U.S. My vision is to go beyond just taking photos—by adding more engaging content and interactive elements, I hope to create a truly memorable and fun experience for everyone who steps into our booths.

Pricing:

• $8
• $10
• $16

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getplayism.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photoism_us/