"High notes that shine like a 25-carat gem."
The British newspaper The Guardian praised tenor Baek Seok-jong's voice in this way. While retaining the rich tones from his baritone days, he effortlessly emits high notes that sparkle like a 25-carat diamond.
This month, domestic audiences will have the opportunity to hear Baek's acclaimed "25-carat high notes" live. He will make his Korean opera stage debut as Prince Calaf in Puccini's opera "Turandot," which will be performed at the Seoul Arts Center from July 22 to 26. The performances have generated significant interest, selling out all tickets within three weeks of their release.
In a written interview with this agency on July 1, Baek stated, "This performance is a precious moment that goes beyond simply being my first in Korea. I have always hoped to meet audiences in Korea, the homeland of my beloved parents, while performing in various theaters abroad."
Currently, he is performing lead roles at world-class venues such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London. However, his path to success has not been easy. Transitioning from baritone to tenor at a relatively late age, he spent over a year away from the stage refining his voice.
A turning point came in 2022 when he debuted as Samson in Saint-Saëns' opera "Samson and Delilah" at the Royal Opera House. He later made a significant impression by stepping in for tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the opera "Cavalleria Rusticana." Following this, he gained international attention for his lead roles in "Nabucco" and "Turandot" at the Metropolitan Opera.
Critics have showered him with praise. Upon his debut, he was noted for possessing both delicacy and intensity. The Times referred to him as a tenor who rose to stardom through "Samson and Delilah," while BBC Culture described him as one of the world's leading young tenors, quickly gaining recognition as a Korean opera star.
A devout Christian, Baek reflected, "Looking back, I don’t think I could have come this far on my own. Transitioning to tenor at a late age was a choice filled with anxiety and fear, and those around me said it was not an easy path."
He continued, "As someone who believes in God, I see that time not as a simple failure or delay but as a process where God was refining and preparing me. That’s why I was able to persevere rather than give up."
He also emphasized the significance of making his Korean debut in "Turandot." "Calaf is a role I have loved for a long time, and it allows me to showcase my musical color best," he said. "Above all, I feel that I can sing with a more honest and sincere heart in front of Korean audiences."
He added, "Performing in a familiar language and culture brings a different sense of emotion and responsibility."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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