Singer and actor Seohyun / Captured from Seohyun’s Instagram account
Since her debut as a member of the idol group Girls’ Generation in 2007, Seohyun has been active as a singer, songwriter and actor.
Little was known about her hobbies until last week, when an announcement about her latest activity sparked online debate.
On Jan. 14, Seohyun’s agency, Kkum Entertainment, announced that the singer would perform on March 13 at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul as a solo violinist with the Sol Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble composed of non-professional musicians.
“Instead of the perfection of a professional performer, I will show the pure passion of someone who truly enjoys music,” Seohyun was quoted as saying. “I hope that through my challenge, many people will feel closer to classical music and discover its joy.” The announcement also indicated that she has been learning the violin for five months.
Critics accused Seohyun of exercising her privilege as a superstar.
“Five months of violin lessons … There are areas you shouldn’t touch. Classical music is a natural talent discovered before the age of six, and it takes incredible effort and tuition to perfect it. It’s not something you can just try because you have money,” one anonymous Naver user wrote.
Another commenter said, “Don’t take advantage of being a star for something you’ve only done for five months. You could be taking away a chance from someone who probably spent a long time trying to earn that opportunity.”
Supporters defended Seohyun for taking on a new challenge and urged critics to stop mocking her efforts.
Among her supporters was professional organist Jeong Sook-eun.
“Thinking that only the music we make is ‘royal’ and that only the most orthodox path is the right answer is anachronistic,” Jeong said. “Even Lotte Concert Hall has 2,000 seats. Even if someone lets you stand on that stage for free, not everyone has the composure and conviction to perform there. Instead of belittling others’ efforts, let’s focus on living our own lives.”
Jeong gained public attention after appearing on ENA’s reality dating show “I Am SOLO” in 2023.
“The orchestra itself is amateur to begin with, and Seohyun is unlikely to have time for endless rehearsals, given her packed schedule. Some audience members may also be first-time concertgoers, having decided to attend a classical performance because of Seohyun. This will help make classical music more accessible,” Jeong added.
At the concert, Seohyun will perform Italian composer Vittorio Monti’s “Csardas,” a Hungarian folk-inspired piece. In addition, the orchestra will play Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Arturo Márquez’s “Danzon No. 2.”
More information about the concert and tickets will be available on the orchestra’s Instagram account, @solphil_official.