Turning to Arirang now, prize-winning pianist Cho Seong-jin... is in Seoul,... on his first visit back home since winning the prestigious... Chopin Piano Competition last year. Much to the delight of his home fans... he'll be performing some of his chart-toppers at a special concert. Kim Ji-yeon has more on what many call a piano prodigy.
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Prize-winning Cho Seong-jin back in Seoul

Korean pianist Cho Seong-jin is back in his home country for the first time since his win at 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Poland last fall.

He and five other Chopin winners are performing in a gala concert in Seoul. on Tuesday.

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Set to record second album under Deutsche Grammophon in April

Ahead of the event, the 21-year-old piano prodigy announced that he will be releasing another album with renowned classical music label Deutsche Grammophon.

His first solo album released in November under the same label, had 30 tracks of his live, award-winning performances.

It posted record sales and was a nationwide hit. More than 80-thousand copies were sold in Korea last year alone.

His achievement spurred a rise in popularity of classical music albums overall,... which is unprecedented considering most albums in the category have struggled to reach sales of 10 thousand in the local market.

[Reporter]
Kim Ji-yeon

"People want to know Cho Seong-jin as a person so I would like to ask you some personal questions. What made you fall in love with playing the piano when you were a child?"

"I also played the violin as a child...

[Interview]
Cho Seong-jin / Pianist
But violin it was very difficult for me to practice because you have to stand up and play the violin. The piano, we don't need to stand up. That's why I preferred the piano."

[Camera]
Lim Hyun-jung

In contrast to the wit and charm that came across in front of the cameras and reporters, Cho described his experience playing in the Chopin competition as nerve-racking.

He said he was relieved by the results though... and hopes to continue to pursue his dream to perform around the world.

Cho also said that he is excited for the opportunity to record a performance for his forthcoming album with Korean Maestro Chung Myung-whun in Dresden this April.

Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News.