Lee Yubin, a School of Music Student, Wins the 1st Prize at the David Popper International Cello Competition

At the 9th David Popper International Cello Competition in Hungary last November, our senior student Lee Yubin, who studies Instrumental Music in the School of Music, earned the 1st Prize and Special Prize. Founded to commemorate David Popper, one of the greatest cellists of all time from Czechoslovakia based in Hungary, the contest is known for an opportunity to debut for young cellists. 

In 2017, Song Minje, a K-Arts alumnus, won the Grand Prix. In the same year in Category 1 (for participants 9-11 years of age), Han Jaemin of the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts (KNIGA) won the 1st Prize. This time, Lee won in Category 5, composed of participants born between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2000, and demonstrated her competence as a professional cellist. 

About her achievement, Lee stated, “When I was a teenager, I once thought about quitting playing music, but then I entered the K-Arts and met good colleagues and cellist professor Lee Kang-ho I respect. From them, I’ve learned how to play music with my heart.”