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| Pianist Lim Yun-chan performs during the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition held in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday (local time). Courtesy of MOC Production |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo-gyoon congratulated Lim Yun-chan, Sunday, for becoming the youngest winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for your victory," Park said in his congratulatory message.
"Your talent is already well known, but you have demonstrated your great prowess and limitless artistry again by winning the Van Cliburn competition. I want to give you a round of applause for your passion and spirit of challenge. I expect to see more Koreans showing their interest in the Korean classical music world after hearing about your achievement. I also hope you grow up as a musician who can win the hearts of people around the world regardless of the time, generations and borders."
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| Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon's congratulatory message to pianist Lim Yun-chan / Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism |
He outperformed Anna Geniushene from Russia and Dmytro Choni from Ukraine, who clinched the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Lim is the second Korean to win the top prize in a row at the U.S. piano competition, following Sunwoo Yekwon at the 2017 event.
Lim also received the Carla and Kelly Thompson Audience Award and the Beverley Taylor Smith Award for Best Performance of a New Work.
"My heart is heavy because now I have to showcase the better version of myself," Lim said through his agency MOC Production. "I will strive to become a pianist who immerses himself in music."
The Van Cliburn competition was founded in 1962 to honor American pianist Van Cliburn, the first winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition held in 1958. It is known as one of the most prestigious piano competitions in North America, and attracted 388 applicants this year.
Lim was thrust into the international spotlight after taking the second prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition and clinching the Chopin Special Award in 2018. One year later, he became the youngest pianist to win Korea's Isang Yun International Competition. The pianist is scheduled to perform at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul on Aug. 10, Aug. 20 and Oct. 5.
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