Pianist Han Dong-il, Korea's First Musical Prodigy, Passes Away at 83

Han Dong-il (한동일), the renowned pianist often referred to as 'Korea's first musical prodigy,' passed away on December 30 at the age of 83. He gained international recognition after winning the Leventritt Competition in the United States in 1965, marking him as the first Korean to achieve such a feat in an international competition. His legacy paved the way for contemporary pianists like Son Yeol-eum (손열음), Cho Seong-jin (조성진), and Lim Yun-chan (임윤찬).

Born in 1941 in Hamhung, Han began piano lessons at the age of four. His family fled to the South in 1946 due to the arrival of Soviet troops. A notable story from his life recounts how, after the Korean War ended in 1954, he was sponsored by Major General Samuel Johnson, the commander of the U.S. 5th Air Force in Korea, to study in the United States, flying out from Yeouido Airport. The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported at the time, 'The genius boy pianist Han Dong-il has embarked on his journey to study in America.'

In 1954, he appeared on the popular television show The Ed Sullivan Show, and in 1956, he performed with the New York Philharmonic. His talents were further showcased in 1962 when he played at the White House at the invitation of President John F. Kennedy. After serving as a professor at Indiana University and Boston University, he returned to Korea in 2005, where he held distinguished professor positions at Ulsan University and Suncheon University. In a 2008 interview, he reflected, 'I still believe I have received more than I deserve in my lifetime, and I carry the words to think small, be humble, and treat others with love in my heart.' His funeral will be held on January 1 at Sinchon Severance Hospital.