“피아니스트가 문학 공부 왜 하냐고요?”

19-year-old pianist Kim Se-hyun, who won the prestigious Longiterbo Competition in May, shared insights into her unique lifestyle and academic pursuits in an interview. She explained her rigorous schedule, allocating four hours of practice daily and studying English literature at Harvard University while attending the Peabody Institute in New England.

Kim Se-hyun's first album, "Sho-pang, Fo-re," was released after her win, featuring compositions by Chopin, Foré, and Charles Trenet. Her success allowed her to adopt a more relaxed approach to performing, as she no longer felt pressured to quickly execute complex pieces like Chopin's Études, which she usually practiced fervently.

For her upcoming album, Kim Se-hyun drew inspiration from French composers Chopin and Foré, tying together her deep connection with France and Paris. Her final composition, "4월의 파리에서," evoked the spirit of an ancient French piece, prompting her mentor, Dong-tai Son, to reflect on the importance of understanding French culture and life through music.

Despite her rigorous schedule, Kim Se-hyun plans to collaborate with the KBS Symphony Orchestra and perform the Schubert Piano Sonata No. 18 in G minor at the Londo Concert Hall in six months. She expressed her aspiration to approach the piano as a composer rather than just a performer, acknowledging that her literary studies will eventually enrich her musical journey in the long run.