Korean Children Prove Successful in International Piano Contest

Children and students of the DPRK bagged top prizes and special prizes of the 20th International Juvenile Chopin Piano Contest held in Poland from May 11 to 13.

Pak Mi Yong, Choe Jang Hung, Ri Yu Jong, Han Si Nae

The contest brought together more than 80 youth and children from 17 countries, including the DPRK, China, Russia, Sweden, Italy and the U.S.

It was divided into four groups according to ages.


Members of the jury and experts expressed admiration at DPRK young pianists who successfully played piano music requiring high artistic and musical skill at every contest.

They are Choe Jang Hung and Ri Yu Jong of the Kyongsang Kindergarten, Han Si Nae, student of Pyongyang Music School, and Pak Mi Yong, student of Pyongyang Kim Won Gyun Conservatory.

Han Si Nae was the only pianist who won the top prize and special prize in Group B for the first time in the contest and was recognized as the best prize winner.

Han Si Nae

Meantime, Choe Jang Hung bagged top prize in the youngest contest in Group A and Ri Yu Jong, the youngest in the participants in the contest, special prize.

Choe Jang Hung

Pak Mi Yong came second in Group D which was called adults contest in which only European players have won.

Gifted pianists of the DPRK were acclaimed by the audience at the piano concert given by prize winners on May 13 for their wonderful piano playing.

They returned home on May 18.

KCNA, Pyongyang, May 18, 2012