Kim Il-Jin

Who is Kim Il-Jin?

Kim Il-Jin is a North Korean conductor.

He was born in Manpo, a city of Jagang Province, but he grew up mainly in Wonsan. He studied cello in Pyongyang University of Music and Dance.

After graduating in 1977, Kim joined the Mansudae Arts Troupe as a cellist but he turned to conducting shortly after. He went to Russia and studied conducting at the Moscow Conservatory.

In 1985, Kim participated in the Herbert von Karajan International Conductors Competition in West Berlin and took second prize. He is the only North Korean to have won this competition.

After returning to North Korea, Kim rejoined the Mansudae Arts Troupe as a conductor. He also rehearsed the Troupe's famous Merited Female Instrumental Ensemble and founded the Isang Yun Orchestra in 1990.

Kim received a title of 'Merited Artist' in 1988.