When South Korean singer Psy released Gangnam Style in 2012, the world was introduced to the infectiously catchy sound of Korean pop music, or K-Pop, as it’s known. But the world is discovering another extremely popular Korean musician, Yiruma, one whose musical style is quite distinct from K-Pop.

Yiruma is a classically trained pianist whose best-selling, chart-topping albums have been providing an escape and refreshment for listeners frazzled by living in the 21st century. Inspired by New Age artists like George Winston, Richard Clayderman and David Lanz, Yiruma’s lush piano fantasias have been entrancing ever-growing audiences around the world.

Yiruma Abroad, 11-Year-Old Makes His Way to England

Yiruma’s parents, whom he describes as “really into music,” encouraged him to practice the piano from a young age.

“I have two sisters who were both learning the piano when they were really young,” Yiruma said. “I thought it would be really neat for me to practice piano and learn with them.”

When he was 11-years-old, Yiruma told his parents he wanted to devote his life to music. His parents, who had been taking notice of their son’s special talent, were pleased. His father was determined to make sure his son received the finest musical education. That meant sending his 11-year-old son abroad.

“I went to England to study at the Purcell School for Young Musicians,” Yiruma said. “My father found this music school for children and thought it would [be] suitable for me to study there. I stayed there for more than 11 years, and then I came back to Seoul to work with so many talented artists.”

Yiruma Expands His Musical Horizons

When Yiruma was a child in Korea, his sisters would bring home scores by Western composers like George Winston and David Lanz. 

“I really enjoyed playing them when I was really young,” Yiruma said. “I started to compose when I was nine. I had this melody in mind and tried to make up something, and that’s how I started to compose.”

Composing his own music helped Yiruma overcome debilitating stage fright. The condition caused Yiruma such anxiety, he worried about his future as a performer.

“Every time I’d go on stage, everything would black out,” Yiruma said. “But one time, I had a chance to play my own music for the older students at the school, and I felt really free. I felt this freedom. I could make up something. I could improvise. And I thought this is it.”

Yiruma Dives Deeper into Composing

Yiruma says he never wanted to be a performer. He studied music history and music analysis while attending school at King’s College, London. He also devoted himself to composition.

“I really admired Western music, but I also wanted to collaborate with Eastern music,” Yiruma said. “I tried to explore combining traditional Korean music with Western music. One day, as a project, I had to write something atonal for 11 instruments. The music was so complicated that the conductor said he couldn’t conduct it. Sir Harrison Birtwistle asked me if I could conduct, and I said OK. I conducted it and he really liked it.”

Yiruma Goes His Own Way

But Yiruma came to the conclusion that he needed to compromise with his audience. He said he needed to balance the music’s artistic values and becoming commercial. 

“I had these thoughts and worries about which way I should go,” Yiruma said. “I decided to take both of them.”

Yiruma considers his early works, from around 2001 and 2002, to be experimental. But he says those experiments became successful. He credits the internet with helping make his music a sensation.

“My music suddenly became very huge, especially The River Flows in You, Yiruma said “The music became very popular, and after that I had a chance to go abroad and do some concerts in Russia and other places. Suddenly, people were realizing this music was written by me.”

Yiruma says The River Flows in You was inspired by Riverdance the Irish dance extravaganza that was a massive hit in the U.K. and around the world.

“I kind of just go along with feelings that I get,” Yiruma said. “For example, the most successful track I have ever written is The River Flows in You. I saw one of the adverts for Riverdance on TV, and the way they dance is very similar to the hand movements I was playing on the keys. All the fingers moving around. It was like dancing on the keys.”

The Importance of Spirituality to Yiruma

Yiruma is rather unique among contemporary composers in crediting spirituality for his music. The son of a pastor, Yiruma says he is a Christian and that his faith powers his music.

“I feel that there is an energy that comes to me when I write music,” Yiruma said. “When people ask me where I get inspiration from, how I breathe, how I play piano, I feel very curious. How do I do that? Where did this all come from? I do feel that there is someone who controls me. It’s as though someone is whispering ‘Try this tune, Yiruma.’”

Yiruma Marks His 20th Anniversary

To celebrate the 20th year anniversary of his performing debut, Yiruma has taken on a fascinating project. He’s orchestrating many of his piano classics.

“I thought this is the time I should write music for orchestra and try to remake the music I wrote a long time ago,” Yiruma said. “So all those popular pieces I combined together on the album, such as The River Flows In You and This Rain have been orchestrated.”

Yiruma is also looking forward to the day when the pandemic subsides and he can resume his international concert career, which was booming before COVID.

“Russia is quite huge,” Yiruma said. “I’ve done concerts there several times, and every time I go there, I can feel that they are really enthusiastic. Australian people also. Also the U.S. When I went to L.A., the concert was sold out and people were really, really cheering. It’s quite unusual to see people cheering after playing something that is really calm and quiet.”

Yiruma Making Music That Changes the World

Although Yiruma’s music is beautiful and easy-on-the ears, he believes music should be more than pretty sounds. He says he would like to share his deep source of spiritual joy through his music.

“Music should help people and change people,” Yiruma said. “To move them and make them more generous. There are people who mention that after they listen to my music, they feel really good about themselves. That changes people, thinking good about themselves. And that changes society and the world. My music is for everyone. Just listen to it. You’ll feel good.”

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