In a recent performance celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Gwangju Arts Center, 72-year-old conductor Kim Hong-jae shared his aspiration to conduct in Pyongyang, specifically aiming for a concert dubbed 'Melody of Peace' in 2028. The event featured Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony and included the encore piece 'Imjingang,' which Kim arranged himself. Despite the tense state of inter-Korean relations, the performance served as a poignant reminder of Kim’s lifelong dedication to fostering reconciliation through music.

Hailing from a Korean school in Japan and having lived as a stateless ethnic Korean for most of his life, Kim has been a passionate advocate for peace on the Korean peninsula. His journey is notable as he has broken barriers and achieved recognition in the Japanese classical music scene, including becoming the first ethnic Korean conductor in Japan. Throughout his career, Kim has received accolades such as the Saito Hideo and Watanabe Akio awards, proving his significant impact within the predominant Japanese music circles.

In a pre-concert interview, Kim reflected on the importance of musical exchanges between North and South Korea, particularly during times of strained relations. He emphasized that music remains a powerful medium for understanding and communication, suggesting that despite the political divide, efforts towards cultural sharing and collaboration should remain a priority for both Koreas. This interview underscored Kim’s belief that through music, paths to healing and understanding can still be forged even amidst geopolitical tensions.