—Acclaim for New and Creative Music Style

Korean pianist and songwriter Younee Gwak, whose music fuses classical music with genres such as rock, pop, and jazz, has achieved remarkable success in Germany. An alumna of the Yonsei College of Music, Ms. Gwak is a graduate of the prestigious Yaewon School of Music and Seoul Arts and Music High School. Entering Yonsei in 2000, she majored in Instrumental Music before embarking on her professional career. While at Yonsei, she won several music awards, including the 2001 Gold Prize at the Yoo Jaeha Music Festival.    

Younee Has always Sought New Challenges

Ms. Gwak, who goes by the stage name Younee, focused on piano during her university years.  However, she felt that her major was limited, as there was the danger of falling into the routine of lessons and lectures.  Always highly motivated, she continually sought new challenges by learning about different music genres, attending a variety of concerts, and even emailing a law school professor to inquire about taking a course in music copyright law. 

“I was a student who was always thirsty for more information and new stimuli,” said Ms. Gwak. “I really envy today’s college students who can enjoy various kinds of programs and events, which can give them opportunities to develop many new ideas.” Ms. Gwak eventually studied abroad in England, where she released the jazz crossover album True to You.  While there, she also performed with English jazz musicians in venues such as the Piazza Express Jazz Club and the 100 Club. Ms. Gwak appeared on the BBC, and the title song of her album, “Home to You,” rose to the top spot on the Adult Contemporary Chart. Later, she moved to Germany, signing with a management company there; currently, she works with several music publishing companies including Sony/ATV.

Younee’s New Album Jugendstil Rises to First on Germany’s Classical Music Chart

Last August, Younee released the piano performance album Jugendstil, which rose to the top spot on Germany’s Classical Music Chart. Borrowing themes from canonical classical composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach, Younee fuses them with contemporary musical genres, such as pop, jazz, and rock. In reinterpreting classical music through modern forms, Jugendstil has appealed to the general public as well as fans of classical music and jazz.   

According to Ms. Gwak: “The most important thing for my music is that the general public be able to enjoy it in their everyday lives. I feel happy when I receive a great evaluation regarding my new style, or when people interpret my intentions with positivity. My favorite compliment has been: ‘a classic groove to make our everyday life more beautiful.’”

Younee Receives Recognition in Germany

In 2014, Younee made her debut at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, and since the release of Jugendstil, she has given a number of high-profile performances and media interviews. Last month, she was invited to perform in the opening concert at the Internationale Handwerksmesse (IHM), the global trade fair exhibiting work from over sixty skilled trades. Such is the importance of the IHM that German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave the keynote address.     

This coming year, Ms. Gwak plans to give a number of live performances and go on tour outside of Germany. In particular, her management company is interested in tapping into the music markets of South Korea and Asia; there are also plans for Jugendstil to go on sale in this country. News about her activities is updated regularly on her personal website and Facebook page: www.younee.com and www.facebook.com/youneemusic.