THE KUKMIN DAILY

Ji-in (14, photo), the daughter of Rev. Yu Sang-hyeon of Junimeui Church (Korean Methodist Church) in Weonju, Gangweon-do, will enter the Conservatoire National Sup?rieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris this September to start a three-year bachelor’s degree course. It is the dream of all musicians to enter this conservatory, which was established in 1795 and is considered the top music school in France.

“It was very hard to support her music lessons with the small amount of salary paid by our newly founded church,” Ji-in’s mother Bae Jeong-hye said. “It’s like a miracle that she has been accepted at CNSMDP.” Ji-in had to practice with a borrowed cello. When she had just gotten used to a cello and had to return it, and had not yet found a decent instrument to replace it, she would sometimes stamp her feet in frustration. But she did not give up, even under those difficult conditions. “Ji-in trusted only in God, and prayed and practiced,” her mother said. “Her conservatory acceptance was the work of God.”

Starting the cello at age 5, Ji-in had played it for less than a year when she became the youngest student to be accepted at the preparatory school of the Korea National University of Arts. Two years later, cellist Chung Myung-hwa recognized Ji-in’s talent and selected her as a new student. For the next six years, Ji-in studied under Chung at the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts.

“I will study music and language energetically, grow in substance, and try to become a great artist,” Ji-in said. “My vision is to become a musician praising God and communicating about God’s greatness and faithfulness.”

Reporter A-young Kim (cello08@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)
Photo courtesy of Junimeui Church


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