K-Content News
Kim Ji-hee, an accomplished guitarist despite her disability
- July 13, 2021
Kim Ji-hee, an accomplished guitarist despite her disability
Updated: 2021-07-13 09:16:11 KST
27-year-old Kim Ji-hee grew up with a learning disability.
People with this condition have a chronically low IQ and a mental age of a young child.
During Ji-hee's adolescence, she found it difficult to relate to her classmates or to follow the school curriculum.
"The most difficult subject was math actually all of the subjects were difficult for me. It was frustrating."
But her life had turned around when she discovered the guitar.
"After meeting the guitar when she was 17, she said that she wanted to play only the guitar until she became a grandmother. I'm so grateful and happy for her."
When Ji-hee played the guitar, she didn't feel the frustration she had when learning other subjects.
"When I play the guitar, I feel my mind at ease. I feel happy. I can't read musical notes so I have to learn from tablatures. I think I've come this far because I kept practicing and working hard."
In the past 10 years, she has performed on some 650 stages including at the closing ceremony of the Pyeongchang Special Winter Olympics.
"After playing the guitar, my social skills and communication skills have improved. I don't feel scared anymore performing in front of other people."
Her mother calls it a miracle, since Ji-hee completely broke down in fear when she first performed in front of a live audience.
Ji-hee now visits schools around the country to tell her story and spread hope to others.
"I'm going to practice guitar even harder, and become a guitarist that spreads hope and dreams to other youths."
Ji-hee received a Youth grand prize for inspiring young adults on Thursday during a three-day festival hosted by the Challenge Korea Association.
"A disability isn't something that you overcome. You have to accept the differences if you want to move forward. I think the board gave us this prize because they want others to gain hope, courage, and a mind for challenge from Ji-hee's music."
Kim Ji-hee was one of those acknowledged by Challenge Korea Association, who try and inspire others to overcome the odds and acheive their dreams.
Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News
People with this condition have a chronically low IQ and a mental age of a young child.
During Ji-hee's adolescence, she found it difficult to relate to her classmates or to follow the school curriculum.
"The most difficult subject was math actually all of the subjects were difficult for me. It was frustrating."
But her life had turned around when she discovered the guitar.
"After meeting the guitar when she was 17, she said that she wanted to play only the guitar until she became a grandmother. I'm so grateful and happy for her."
When Ji-hee played the guitar, she didn't feel the frustration she had when learning other subjects.
"When I play the guitar, I feel my mind at ease. I feel happy. I can't read musical notes so I have to learn from tablatures. I think I've come this far because I kept practicing and working hard."
In the past 10 years, she has performed on some 650 stages including at the closing ceremony of the Pyeongchang Special Winter Olympics.
"After playing the guitar, my social skills and communication skills have improved. I don't feel scared anymore performing in front of other people."
Her mother calls it a miracle, since Ji-hee completely broke down in fear when she first performed in front of a live audience.
Ji-hee now visits schools around the country to tell her story and spread hope to others.
"I'm going to practice guitar even harder, and become a guitarist that spreads hope and dreams to other youths."
Ji-hee received a Youth grand prize for inspiring young adults on Thursday during a three-day festival hosted by the Challenge Korea Association.
"A disability isn't something that you overcome. You have to accept the differences if you want to move forward. I think the board gave us this prize because they want others to gain hope, courage, and a mind for challenge from Ji-hee's music."
Kim Ji-hee was one of those acknowledged by Challenge Korea Association, who try and inspire others to overcome the odds and acheive their dreams.
Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News
Reporter : winning@arirang.com
