Korean tenor leads hallyu in opera

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Korean culture has been cresting around the world, especially among the younger generations, and is now reaching a different cultural arena that has long been inaccessible to Asians ― opera.

The 40-year-old Korean tenor Chung Ho-yoon performed the famous “La Boheme” opera at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Jan. 5 and 7. It was his first performance this year, and both shows were all sold out.

“A number of Korean classical musicians and opera singers are actively boasting of their talents in Europe,” Chung said. “It wasn’t the case decades back, but now it is hard to find any theaters or orchestras in Europe without Korean talent.”

Like his fellow Koreans, Chung has firmly established himself as a unique and promising singer of his time through compelling performances at leading opera houses and with orchestras around the world.

Graduated from Seoul National University in vocal music, Chung made his European debut at the Hamburg State Opera in 2003. As a member of the International Opera Studio of Hamburg State Opera between 2003 and 2006, he played various roles such as Alfredo in “La Traviata.”

In 2006, he came to Vienna to play Il Duca di Mantua in “Rigoletto,” appearing in a half dozen other roles as well.

Before stepping into the lead role in “La Boheme,” he also performed various works including the Chevalier Des Grieux role in “Manon” at Vienna State Opera, Alfredo in “La Traviata” with Daniel Oren at Tel Aviv Opera at Outdoor Masada and Mozart Requiem in Korea Great Mountains Music Festival.

“An increasing number of young people now enjoy opera. That leads Korean culture in opera around the world,” Chung said. “I would like to be remembered as a tenor to move other people’s minds.”