“I hope to be a pianist that can remind and somehow transfer the audience’s own personal stories. From those reminded experiences, I hope they find happiness, relief, and even nostalgia. Beyond thinking about the stories from the past, I also hope they can imagine lots of things while and after listening to my performance.”
Seokyoung Hong
Seokyoung Hong is a trailblazer in classical music. He recently won 1st prize at the Van Cliburn Jr. International Piano Competition. With a history of top finishes in competitions across Korea, Switzerland, and the U.S., he's a seasoned competitor. After two years at Seoul's Yewon School, Seokyoung moved to Boston in 2022 for advanced studies at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School under HaeSun Paik and simultaneously attended the Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Inspired by nature's vastness and intricacies, Seokyoung also draws motivation from past Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winners, Yekwon Sunwoo and Yunchan Lim. His ambitions extend beyond performance; he's keen on honing his piano artistry and composing skills. When not immersed in music, Seokyoung enjoys cycling, chess, and playing table tennis at school.