Healing Through Strings: Genie’s Ukulele Journey in Gwangju – February 2025

By Dhivyaa S. P.

When I first met Kim Yoo-Jin, or “Genie” as she prefers to be called, I was captivated by her story. Not just because of her unique nickname – Genie of the ukulele, not the lamp – but because of the profound way music had woven itself into her life, transforming pain into purpose.

Genie’s path to the ukulele wasn’t an easy one. She shared how her battle with cancer and postpartum depression had left her feeling broken and weak. It was during this difficult time that she discovered the ukulele on YouTube. Curious, she sought out a community in Daejeon, where she lived at the time. This group of enthusiasts, armed only with YouTube tutorials and a shared love for the instrument, became her lifeline. They practiced every weekend, performing informal concerts and bonding over tea. It was here that Genie realized the healing power of music: how the ukulele’s simple vibrations could mend a weary heart.

“The ukulele is a special instrument,” she explained. “It’s small, easy to carry, and gentle on the fingers compared to a guitar. But more than that, its vibrations are so close to your body. It’s like you can feel the music heal you from within.” For Genie, the ukulele wasn’t just an instrument; it was a source of hope and a tool for self-expression. She described playing it while cooking or spending time with her son, turning even mundane moments into opportunities for joy.

Genie’s background in music education became her guiding light. As her health improved, she dreamed of teaching others to use the ukulele as a way to express their emotions and reconnect with themselves through music. Moving to Gwangju, she founded a ukulele club starting with just four students. Today, her classes have grown to accommodate over 25 students, including both Koreans and foreigners. The club isn’t just about learning to play; it’s about creating a supportive community where people can share their stories, emotions, and healing journeys.

One of the most touching moments this past year that Genie revealed was a Christmas concert where her students performed “Feliz Navidad” and “APT.” Seeing their confidence and joy as they played for an audience of 50 people brought tears to her eyes. “They told me the ukulele helps them release stress and find themselves,” she said. “It’s not just about the music; it’s about discovering who you are and feeling proud of it.”

Genie’s students range from young university graduates to seniors rediscovering their passion for music. She customizes lessons to suit each individual’s abilities, creating simplified versions of songs and encouraging practice at home. She celebrates their progress with videos and keeps their spirits high with group picnics and small concerts.

For those interested in joining the club, Genie advises checking the Naver site ucoolgenie (유쿨지니) or the Instagram page @ ukuleleucoolgenie. Classes are held mostly on Sundays, and there are sessions for all skill levels. Beginners are encouraged to start with simple chords and focus on enjoying the process rather than striving for perfection.

The classes are held in seven sessions, with the following schedule every Sunday: 9 a.m. for beginners, 10 a.m. for intermediate, and 11 a.m. for advanced learners. The application form will be available on the GIRC website. Genie has also authored a book, The Power of 15 Minutes a Day with the Ukulele, in which she shares heartfelt stories of simple and transformative moments through this powerful instrument. Her book is a testament to how music can bring joy and healing, inspiring readers to embrace the ukulele as a tool for personal growth.

Looking ahead to 2025, Genie plans to organize more outdoor events and concerts to bring her students closer to nature and the local community. Her goal is to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Listening to Genie, I realized that her work isn’t just about teaching an instrument; it’s about building resilience, fostering joy, and creating a sense of belonging. The ukulele, with its bright, positive sound, is the perfect metaphor for her philosophy – simple, yet capable of profound impact. As I left that day, her words lingered with me: “Everyone should try the ukulele at least once in their lifetime. It’s a small instrument with a big heart.”

Photograph courtesy of Kim Yoo-Jin.