Meet Korea’s Most Famous Balancing Artist

Most people are excited if they can balance a pencil on their finger and are thrilled if they get an egg to stand upright. Rocky Byun starts his interview by balancing a motorcycle, so he’s a bit better than whoever you knew in grade school or the guy at the end of the bar. As his full time job, Byun makes sculptures that rely solely on balance—perching rocks, bikes, bottles, computer screens, and apples in precarious positions—where a stiff breeze would foil his entire plan. It takes an acute ability to focus to create sculptures like Byun’s and everything about his approach is measured and deliberate, even to the point where his breathing could throw off his work. Byun’s work is truly impressive, though this is one thing we don’t think we have the patience to get into. We’ll just let him keep amazing us.