Socko (Sae Hoon Jang), born in 1993 in Seoul, South Korea, is a New York-based artist known for his vibrant, surreal characters and immersive use of color. After moving to Los Angeles at 16, Socko’s art began as a way to process his own journey of adaptation and emotional growth. He studied at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, where he developed his unique style centered around the character "Dough"—a wide-eyed figure that embodies innocence, nostalgia, and vulnerability.

Socko's work blends playful references to 90s cartoons and toys with raw, textured surfaces. While his compositions might appear flat from a distance, closer inspection reveals rich, almost three-dimensional details. Through Dough, Socko confronts his own fears and hopes, inviting viewers to engage with their senses and embrace the unknown. The character's bright pastel palette and exaggerated features—especially its artificial hair and childlike expressions—contrast sharply with the deeper emotions they evoke.

In his use of acrylics, Socko captures a delicate balance of texture and hue, offering a visual experience that's both tactile and emotive, filled with warmth and vulnerability. His work resonates with viewers, evoking a profound sense of childhood nostalgia and the universal desire to reconnect with innocence in a chaotic world.