Question 1

Sungmoon Kim | Violin I

Accepted Answer

Korean violinist Sungmoon Kim graduated from Seoul National University under the tutelage of Young Uck Kim before moving to Germany. She earned her Master’s degree at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin as a student of Ulf Wallin. Furthermore, she completed a Master’s degree in Chamber Music at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, studying under Oliver Wille.

Her artistry has been recognized through numerous accolades, including First Prize at the JoongAng Music Concours. She has also distinguished herself on the international stage through her participation in the Wieniawski International Violin Competition and the Isang Yun International Music Competition, as well as winning top prizes at the Osaka International and Ewha & Kyunghyang Music Competitions.

Currently based in Europe, Sungmoon is active as a performer across the continent, appearing at major venues and festivals. She has also appeared as a soloist at the PyeongChang Music Festival, the Tongyeong International Music Festival, and the Music Chunchu Debut Concert series.

Sungmoon Kim performs on a violin by Carlo Ferdinando Landolfi.

Question 2

Minju Park | Violin II

Accepted Answer

Violinist Minju Park is active as both a soloist and a chamber musician in Korea and Europe. She has appeared on international stages, including a solo performance in the Berlin Philharmonie Lunch Concert series. A former Kumho Chamber Music Young Artist and a member of Spirit of SNU Strings (SSS), Minju has performed at the Mozarteum Academy in Salzburg, the Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF), and the Encore Chamber Music Series.

Her abilities were recognized early through top honors at major competitions. She has received First Prize at the Segye Ilbo Music Competition and the JK Music Competition, as well as Second Prize at the Kukmin Ilbo Music Competition, among other awards.

She began her musical studies at Seoul Arts High School and Seoul National University. She later completed her Master’s degree at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin under Eva-Christina Schönweiß, and earned a second Master’s degree in Chamber Music at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, where she studied with Oliver Wille.

Question 3

Semin Yim | Viola

Accepted Answer

Born in South Korea in 2002. Since 2024, he studied at the Reina Sofía School of Music's Fundación BBVA Viola Chair, first with professor Nobuko Imai and currently with professor Lawrence Power. He has been granted a scholarship by Fundación Albéniz.

He studied, on a full scholarship, at the Korea National University of Arts, where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree through early graduation. He later furthered his education with professor Hanna Lee. During his training, he continuously perfected his musical skill by participating in concerts, festivals and masterclasses given by teachers as Nobuko Imai, Lawrence Power, Lars Anders Tomter, Maxim Rysanov, Garth Knox, among others.

He made his debut with the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. He received a four-year scholarship from Korea Tobacco and Ginseng during his stay at the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in the Arts.

He received an award by Korea's Ministry of Culture and Sports as a recognition for his talent and commitment by winning Seong-Jeong Music Competiton. In 2025, He received a 4th prize at the 1st Tenerife International Viola Competition in Tenerife, Spain.

In the field of chamber music, he is a member of the Seoul-New York-based group Sejong solists. Also, He has participated in numerous music festivals, performing alongside renowned musicians such as the Schuman Quartet, Nobuko Imai, Sadao Harada, Frans Helmerson and Mihaela Martin.

Question 4

Eunju Cheung | Violoncello

Accepted Answer

Eunju Cheung graduated from Seoul National University under the tutelage of Minji Kim before moving to Germany to study at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold. There, she earned her Master’s degree and Konzertexamen under Xenia Jankovic. She also completed a Master’s degree in Chamber Music at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, studying with Oliver Wille.

She was a prize-winner at the Jeunesses Musicales International Music Competition and won First Prize at both the Korea Herald Music Competition and the Music Journal Chamber Music Competition. As a member of Ensemble Inspirimus, she has participated in recording projects featuring the works of Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. Eunju Cheung has also appeared as a guest player with the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, the Detmolder Kammerorchester, and the Seoul Arts Center Festival Orchestra. Her performance experience further includes the 'Spirit of SNU Strings' series, the Kumho Young Chamber Concert series, and the Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) Academy.

Currently active on various international stages in Europe, she performs on a cello by Andrea Castagneri.