Prizewinners Announced at South Korea's Isangyun Competition for 2023

First Prize of $23,000 went to Chung Kyu-bin

The 2023 edition of the Isangyun Competition, which was held in Tongyeong, South Korea and focused on the piano, has recently come to a close. Five finalists performed a concerto alongside the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra and conductor Samuel Lee.

First Prize went to Chung Kyu-bin, who will receive $23,000 in prize money for his performance of Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1. Chung is 26 years old and is currently studying at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich, having graduated from the Korean National University of the Arts.

Second Prize went to Kim Song-hyeon, who also won the Audience Prize (UNESCO Creative City of Music Special Prize) and the Seong-ywang Park Special Prize for a promising young Korean pianist. Third Prize went to the pianist Sun Youl.

As First and Second Prize-winners of an international competition, both Chung and Kim will be eligible for exemption from South Korea's mandatory military service.

In 2023, the jury comprised Kim Dae-jin (Chair), Susumu Aoyagi, Robert Benz, Arthur Greene, Ronan O’Hora, Victoria Postnikova, Antti Siirala, Danwen Wei and Paik Kun-Woo.

“I’m not sure if [the Brahms concerto] is the best choice for a competition, but I thought I should choose what I like the most," Chung said.

"I was really nervous and I’m happy that it’s over. I still have a long journey ahead as a musician. I will continue to learn and remain a musician who always loves music."