A 24-year-old student majoring in aesthetics at Seoul National University has triumphed in an amateur vocal competition, overcoming odds of 206 to 1. Lee Jun-hyuk began singing as a hobby in middle school and has continued for nearly a decade.
Lee won the grand prize at the '1st Korea Amateur Vocal Competition' held on October 9 at the Whinmulgyeol Art Center in Seocho-dong, Seoul.
Hosted by the Lee Gi-yeon Opera Research Institute and sponsored by Aju Media Group and BNK Investment Securities, the competition attracted participants from various age groups and professions, including students, office workers, and retirees. A total of 15 finalists competed in the event.
Currently a junior at Seoul National University, Lee started singing as a hobby in middle school and received the highest score in the final round, earning a cash prize of 2 million won.
The first place in the general category went to Jegal Mi-eum, an orthopedic surgeon from Daegu. Jegal has balanced his medical practice with vocal studies and performed the baritone aria 'Nemico della patria' from Umberto Giordano's opera 'Andrea Chénier.'
In the senior category, Oh Pil-woong, who studied singing independently after retirement, took first place. Oh showcased the tenor aria 'Che gelida manina' from Puccini's opera 'La Bohème,' successfully hitting the high C note featured in the latter part of the piece.
Jeong Ui-geun, a professor of vocal music at Sangmyung University and the head judge, expressed his thoughts before the awards ceremony, stating, 'My perspective on singing has completely changed.'
Approximately 200 participants and audience members attended the event.
The Lee Gi-yeon Opera Research Institute plans to expand opportunities for amateur vocalists with future competitions, with the second event set to be larger in scale.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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