Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
15-year-old Korean becomes youngest violinist to win Paganini prize
Violinist Kim Hyun-seo, 15, performs during the first round of the 58th Premio Paganini International Violin Competition in Genoa, Italy, Oct. 16. Courtesy of Kumho Cultural Foundation
By Kim Hyun-bin
Fifteen-year-old violinist Kim Hyun-seo of Korea has won third prize at the 58th Premio Paganini International Violin Competition, becoming the youngest laureate in the history of the prestigious event, the Kumho Cultural Foundation said Sunday.
Kim earned third place and two special prizes — the audience award and youngest finalist award — at the competition, which concluded Friday in Genoa, Italy. Born in 2010, she was the youngest participant this year and now the youngest prize-winner the event has ever recorded.
She received a total of 15,000 euros ($17,400) in prize money, along with future performance engagements across Italy and beyond, including appearances with the Santa Cecilia National Academy Orchestra, Sicilian Symphony Orchestra and Teatro La Fenice, as well as at the Bologna Festival and Paganini Genoa Festival.
Named after legendary violin virtuoso Niccolo Paganini, the competition has been held biennially in the musician’s hometown of Genoa since 1954. It is open to violinists aged 15 to 30 and is widely regarded as a launchpad for major international careers.
Kim made her debut in 2021 at a Kumho Young Artist concert. Last year, she became the first Korean violinist to win a prize in the violin category at the Gian Battista Viotti International Music Competition, taking second place as the youngest competitor and winning the audience award. She is currently studying at the Korea National University of Arts.