TAEMIN HA is a documentary and fashion photographer based in Seoul, South Korea. In 2017 he independently studied the basics of photography and initiated shooting and cooperated with the Navy media team in his compulsory military service. After discharge from the military at the end of 2019, while travelling in Sikkim, North-East India around the Himalayas, he began making his first photographs series. He documented a series of photos of young skateboarders in Sikkim. He returned to Korea from India and self-published his first photobook Sikkim.

ABOUT THE SERIES
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In the spring of 2024, my journey led me to Tinian, an island in the Northern Mariana Islands. Initially, my interest was driven by Tinian’s significant role in World War II and its community of Korean descendants. However, upon my arrival, my perspective shifted dramatically. On my second day on the island, I met Dwyane, a young boy, and his family. My stay with them opened my eyes to a vibrant culture. Following the traditions his father taught, Dwyane introduced me to their way of life, which included spear fishing and hunting for coconut crabs. These practices, rooted in sustainability and community, revealed a story of continuity and survival. Every day after school, Dwyane and I would dive deep into the Pacific Ocean with a speargun to catch fish for dinner. These daily rituals led to a transformation in my perspective—from Tinian’s historical narrative of conflict to one of resilience and cultural endurance. Through my series Titian, I aim to capture this, emphasizing how Tinian’s communities persevere and transform their historical narratives into stories of renewal and continuity.