Hitting the Notes in Italy: A Korean Opera Singer Abroad

When did you begin to love opera music?

It was initially just a dream of mine while I was a high school student, but after I entered university and attended stage performance and opera classes, I finally experienced first hand my love for opera.

Why did you become a singer?

I won an award for singing when I was a child, and after that I studied music. When I was in high school I went to the musical “Empress Myeongseong,” which I thought was really awesome and I felt so touched by watching it. The actress who played the empress was a music major, and that influenced me a lot to become a singer and stand on an opera stage one day.

Why did you choose to study in Italy?

There were a lot of countries to choose from, but Italy is the birthplace of opera. Many operas that I like are written in Italian. I thought if I wanted to study music more in-depth, then I had to go to Italy.

Did you study Italian?

There were not many places to study Italian in Korea. However, I studied Italian diligently for three months as I knew I would be studying in an Italian school. In that short time I could not learn much Italian, so I thought I would Italian while studying there. Because of the language barrier though, I faced many difficulties.

How long did you stay in Italy?

I stayed there for around five years.

What was the training like in Italy? Where did you study? How was it different from your training in Korea?

I attended a music school in Pavia, a suburb city in Milan. In Italy, students concentrate mainly on the subject related to their major and sometimes there are exams, discussions and oral examinations. In Korea, professors use cram methods for studying. I think in Italy, students are more free to express their opinions and apply more of their studies to their future careers.

Were there other Koreans in your program? Who did you spend time with?

Compared to other Italian schools my school didn’t have many students, but I studied with several Korean students. I was the only Korean student in my major, so I spent time with my Italian friends and some other international students from other countries. At home, I made Korean meals with my Korean roommate.

What were some of your favorite experiences in Italy?

I went to the hometown of my favorite composer. There I could experience the environment that influenced his music. I also went to La Scala Theater, one of the world’s three biggest theaters and watched a live performance, I also had the chance to meet my favorite Italian singer, who I had only listened to by CD before.

How did your experience abroad change you?

First, through opera I learned about Italian culture and language. I learned about the nuance of different cultures. I feel like I understand the country and people’s attitudes there.

Do you remain in contact with Italians you met?

After returning to Korea, I kept in touch with my Italian friends by phone so that I would not forget the Italian. But now we often talk through messenger.

Will you return to Italy?

I always wish to return Italy whenever the opportunity comes.

What are your future plans as an opera singer?

I still consider myself very young, a rookie, so through participating in different performances, I hope to become well established. I also want to help train future generations and help the public to become more familiar with opera, I hope to do my best.