LN: To follow up with the previous question, what cultural factors and personal experiences do you think influence your work? In what way?
JK: I find that cultural factors are extremely important in developing one’s journey in general, because they shape a person’s value system and career path. The Korean culture in which I grew up taught me to be a competitive fighter to survive in society, while the Christian value taught me to maintain a high work ethic to be the best I could be, since the musical talent I have is given by God.
Studying with a Russian teacher and a Korean teacher in the US during my 20s influenced my work quite a bit, too. Both teaching styles were quite demanding and I was more likely to imitate or copy what my teachers showed me in order to develop a more powerful and charismatic performing style. However, during
my 30s I developed my own voice more and style with my playing – a more reflective and lyrical style, as I had grown as a person through performing many professional competitions, public performances, attending festivals and master classes and even experiencing some personal setbacks, such as the death of my father.
LN: What are your thoughts about the music program at the University of Oregon?
JK: I found the music program at the University of Oregon to be excellent with its wonderful facilities and faculty members, in addition to the prestigious,
traditional Bach Festival for many summers. I was highly impressed with the Beal Concert Hall, with its great acoustics, and what a treat to perform on a Hamburg Steinway Concert D piano!
LN: Why do you think you have been so successful? Do you have any advice for students at the University of Oregon, or for anyone who is interested in music as a profession?
JK: It is a really interesting question to think about because I never thought that I have been “so successful.” I just have been working hard with a strong desire and hope to become the best I could be with improved performances and seeking opportunities for venues and advancement through personal and professional connections and resources.
“Working hard” actually means not only practicing and studying hard, but also that one has to make consistent efforts and strive to make things happen,
because success often depends on ones persistent attempts.
LN: How do you think classical music compares to and influences popular music? Do you think popular music detracts or adds to the general public’s ability to understand and appreciate music?
JK: I love classical music because it really brings the deep substance of life through its history and sound. I also do enjoy listening to popular music, however
honestly, they are simpler in their construction, and therefore I am not as personally challenged by them musically. I prefer works that reflect the depth of complicated human emotion and ideals. On some level, I think popular music detracts from the general public’s ability to understand and appreciate
classical music, because people get so used to hearing something that is “easy listening.” In order to develop one’s understanding and appreciation of Classical
music, exposure and education are really important factors. Most radio and TV stations play pop, rock, and hip-hop/rap styles of music, and thus, the general
public will not get much chance to really get to know classical music. This situation is unfortunate, so I try to perform great works of art on the piano to keep
them alive.
