“In Korean folklore they are these mischievous goblins that would play pranks on humans. I loved the idea of a monster that was more of a delinquent than some demonic beast. And I also enjoy that it’s a little nod to my heritage. My dokkaebi’s tend to be more modern, but are still mischievous and juvenile. They can be found wandering alone or traveling in a crew and they’re always up to something. The fact that they’re all wearing masks, and that you never see their face is a motif that I developed over time. I love playing with the concept of identity and I love the mystery in kinda creates around my characters.

This mural was weirdly kind of inspired by COVID. I think it was our first of second month in quarantine when I started playing around with different concepts. Missing hanging out a bar with my friends right I sketched up a concept of a dokkaebi crew just chilling, having a good time, playing music drinking beer. I even modeled the four dokkaebi after different friends of mine. There’s also the magpie and tiger, which are popular pairing in traditional Korean folk art and the speakers and plants as background elements. I always find that balancing out technology and nature always seems to make for more interesting pieces.”

— Chris “Dokebi” Sammons