South Korean pianist Roh Hyunjin has claimed victory at the prestigious International Paderewski Piano Competition held in Bydgoszcz, Poland, marking another significant achievement for Korean classical musicians on the international stage. The competition's official website announced on November 24 that Roh secured first place in the final round with her outstanding performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, widely known as the "Emperor" Concerto.
Roh's exceptional performance earned unanimous praise from the competition judges and came with a substantial prize of 30,000 euros, equivalent to approximately 51 million Korean won. Her victory was particularly notable as she competed against talented pianists from around the world in this highly competitive event. Fellow South Korean pianist Kim Jiyoung also made an impressive showing by placing fourth in the same competition.
The final rankings saw Italy's Elia Cecchino taking second place, while Taiwan's Lin Pin-hong secured third position. The competition showcased the high caliber of young international pianists, with participants demonstrating exceptional skill and artistry throughout the event. The presence of multiple Asian musicians in the top rankings highlighted the growing prominence of Asian classical musicians in international competitions.
Roh Hyunjin's musical journey began with her debut in 2014 through the prestigious Kumho Young Artist Concert series, a platform known for launching the careers of promising Korean musicians. She completed her undergraduate studies at Seoul National University's College of Music, one of South Korea's most respected music institutions. Currently, she is pursuing a master's degree at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, further honing her skills under world-class instruction.
The International Paderewski Piano Competition, established in 1961, holds special significance in the classical music world as it honors the memory of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, who served as Poland's first prime minister and was also a renowned pianist and composer. The competition specifically focuses on discovering and promoting promising young pianists between the ages of 18 and 32, providing them with a valuable platform to showcase their talents and launch international careers.
Roh's victory continues South Korea's strong tradition at this competition, making her the third Korean pianist to win first prize. Her achievement follows in the footsteps of Moon Ji-young, who claimed victory in 2013, and Lee Hyuk, who won in 2016. This consistent success demonstrates the high quality of classical music education and training in South Korea, as well as the dedication and talent of Korean pianists competing on the world stage.
