KCCUK showcases Emerging Korean Artists in the UK through ‘New Talents’ Programme

The Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) is supporting emerging artists in the UK through its New Talents programme, offering performance opportunities and fostering creative growth. This year, the KCCUK is partnering with a range of UK art schools and holding open calls to spotlight Korean artists working across various fields.

As part of the 2025 Korea Now! campaign, themed “New Future Cultural Heritage: Korean Culture, Now!”, KCCUK successfully hosted the inaugural “New Talents in K-Arts” event on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. The evening brought together emerging Korean and British figures in music and visual arts, offering performances, encouragement, and valuable networking opportunities.

The featured performance included a collaboration between Gayageum artist Seoyoung Park and percussionist Kangsan Lee, presenting a medley of traditional Gayageum Sanjo Participating artists expressed their excitement about the chance to connect with other creatives active in the UK.

The New Talents initiative also featured:

On Thursday, 24 April, in collaboration with the Royal College of Music, the Neul Duo—violinist Youngjun Lee and guitarist Seungyeon Lee—delivered a captivating performance. Formed in 2022, the duo has performed across the UK, including at St. James’s Piccadilly and St. Paul’s Church in Bedford.

Their programme included Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, Paganini’s Cantabile, Mendelssohn’s On Wings of Song, Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango, and Falla’s La Vida Breve. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, expressing deep appreciation for both the performers and the event organisers.

On Thursday, 15 May, the programme presented the Uriah Piano Trio—in partnership with the Royal Academy of Music. Formed by students of the Academy, the trio features flutist Michelle Choi, cellist Joseph Reynolds, and pianist Helen Meng. Their performance included Debussy’s Piano Trio in G Major, Piazzolla’s Oblivion, and Yongjin Noh’s Psalm 23.

On Thursday, 20 June, a piano and flute duo featuring Kiyoka Ohara (Flute) and Hyunjung Hwang (Piano) was presented in collaboration with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

In the latter half of the year, additional performances featuring Korean artists selected by Open Call will be presented across genres including piano, gayageum, and visual arts. Pianist Hwanhee Kim will introduce the stylistic elements of Korean piano music through works by composer Kukjin Kim. Gayageum artist Seoyoung Park will present a fusion performance blending traditional music with British musical theatre. In visual arts, artist Inhye Song will lead a collage workshop using traditional Korean lucky pouches to explore nature in urban spaces, personal memory, and identity.

Director Seunghye Sun said, “By nurturing the talent and passion of next-generation artists, we pave new paths for the future of culture. There is nothing more meaningful than creating moments when art enriches the heart and makes the world feel more beautiful. It is deeply significant that we can provide a broad range of opportunities for Korean artists to thrive in the UK, and we hope to see even more such occasions in the future.”

Through the New Talents series, the KCCUK will continue to introduce emerging Korean artists to UK audiences and provide meaningful opportunities for their artistic development.

More information can be found on the official KCCUK website: www.kccuk.org.uk