Korean Musicians

[Anchor Lead]

Pianist Cho Seong-jin, the first Korean to win the International Chopin Piano Competition, has released his first studio album. We have also have the latest on Korean-Russian violinist Roman Kim, who some have called the Paganini of the 21st century.

[Pkg]

Pianist Cho Seong-jin appears more mature since his news conference in February this year that he held upon his arrival in Korea. The highly acclaimed pianist has announced the release of his first studio album since winning the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition. The Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1, which Cho has performed more than 50 times so far and which earned him the title of the best of the best, was recorded back in June along with the London Symphony Orchestra in the U.K.

[Soundbite] Cho Seong-jin(Pianist) : "It was easy to fall into mannerism, but I tried not to. I did my best to make it sound as fresh as when I was performing it for the very first time."

Even though the Korean music market is dominated by idol singers, Cho's album competed for topping booking ranks even before its release. The mellow and sorrowful Nocturne No. 20 has only been included in the Korean edition of Cho's album.

[Soundbite] Cho Seong-jin(Pianist) : "Chopin is a meaningful composer to me. I will continue to perform many of Chopin's compositions and study them further."

Cho will hold concerts in Seoul and Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province in January and May next year. The enrapturing violin tunes arouse big applause from the audience. The performer is fourth-generation Korean-Russian Roman Kim. Explosive speed is a must. Scenes showing Roman Kim performing concertos all by himself without any other instruments stunned the music world. During his visit to Korea, Roman held a mini-concert.

[Soundbite] Roman Kim(Violinist)

Roman Kim's great grandfather was forced to go to Central Asia of the former Soviet Union 110 years ago. Despite difficulties, Roman won his first contest at the age of seven. When he was studying in Germany, he earned a nickname "The Paganini of the 21st century."

[Soundbite] Roman Kim(Violinist)

The 24-year-old violinist continues to captivate the world with his extraordinary talent.