Pianist Kim Sae-hyun rises as new classical music star after Long-Thibaud-Crespin win

Pianist Kim Sae-hyun speaks during a press conference at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Pianist Kim Sae-hyun, 18, is emerging as one of Korea’s most promising classical musicians, after winning an award at the Long-Thibaud-Crespin Competition in Paris.

In March, the pianist won the first grand prize at the prestigious French competition, becoming the third Korean pianist to win the first grand prize, following Lim Dong-hyek in 2001 and Lee Hyuk in 2022.

“Winning the Long-Thibaud Competition has been meaningful because it opened so many doors for me to perform,” Kim said during a press conference with Korean media in Seoul, Thursday.

Shortly after his win, Kim signed with Warner Classics, a renowned classical music label, beginning his professional career. His debut recording is scheduled for release by the end of 2026.

Kim has also been invited to give a solo performance near the Eiffel Tower on July 14 in celebration of France’s Bastille Day, as well as another solo recital at the Festival International de Piano de La Roque d’Antheron.

A former child prodigy, Kim is currently studying at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston under the guidance of pianists Paik Hae-sun and Dang Thai Son. He is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English literature at Harvard University.

“Writing and music are fundamentally the same in that they’re both ways for an artist to breathe life into ideas,” he said. “I believe that studying English literature also helps me grow as a pianist.”

Kim Sae-hyun plays the piano during a press conference at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Reflecting on the Long-Thibaud-Crespin experience, Kim said, “I took part without any expectations for the outcome, so I’m deeply grateful to have received such a major award and overwhelming attention. After winning, I was given many opportunities to perform, which allowed me to reflect on myself and gave me a strong sense of responsibility.”

Kim also expressed deep affection for Paris, saying the city’s charm played a role in his decision to enter the competition.

The young pianist shared his mature and thoughtful approach to music.

“I believe it’s more meaningful to deliver a performance that moves one or two people than to simply impress an audience of 2,000,” he said. “To me, an ideal performance comes from a place of serving the music.”

Kim is set to give two recitals in Korea this August — one at the Busan Concert Hall on Aug. 5 and another at IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center on Aug. 8.

“I always believe that showing myself as I am is the most important thing in concerts,” he said. “It’s important to present the music I’m currently making, without embellishment.”