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Korean Violinist in Wheelchair Wins Major Seoul Competition

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Summary

Korean Violinist in Wheelchair Wins Major Seoul Competition
Type	Other	Genre	Music

Korean Violinist in Wheelchair Wins Major Seoul Competition

At the 20th Seoul International Music Competition (violin), Korean violinist Lim Hyun-jae won first prize

while performing in a wheelchair. After a serious car accident five years ago and four years away from the stage,

she returned to performing last year and has now taken the top award in one of Korea’s leading classical

competitions.

♦ Key Case overview

• Event: “LG-sponsored 20th Seoul International Music Competition” violin finals at Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall.

• Winner: Lim Hyun-jae (28, Curtis Institute of Music), performing all rounds in a wheelchair;

2nd prize went to Lilia Pocitari (Moldova), 3rd to Lee Ye-song (USA).

• Background: Lim was severely injured in a 2020 car accident in Korea, spent about two years in hospital,

and could not perform for four years before resuming violin in June 2024.

♦ Content / Business point

• Repertoire included major concertos such as Sibelius, performed with orchestra in the finals,

with judges praising her “mature sound, strong concentration, and thoughtful musicianship.”

• The competition, co-hosted by Dong-A Ilbo and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is held annually in

rotation across violin, piano and voice, and is positioned as a launchpad for emerging international soloists.

♦ Global / Buyer angle

• For global orchestras, agencies and festival programmers, this case highlights a Korean-trained artist

with a compelling narrative of resilience that can attract media and audience attention.

• The Seoul International Music Competition itself functions as a talent-scouting hub in Asia,

with prizewinners typically invited to collaborate with leading orchestras and presenters, offering

opportunities for international bookings.

Source

Channel A. (2025. 12. 11)

Donga new. (2025.12.11)

Source

Channel A