The 2026 Ysaÿe International Music Competition, commemorating the famous Belgian violinist and composer Eugène Ysaÿe, will hold its finals on July 10-11 at the Icheon Art Hall, making it the first time the finals of this renowned international music competition are held inside Korea. The organizing committee announced this decision on the 23rd, revealing plans to host the finals in Korea in 2026 and 2027, followed by alternating hosting responsibilities with Belgium starting in 2028. The Ysaÿe International Music Competition, which was established in 2018 in Belgium, is distinct from the historical Ysaÿe Competition that originated in 1937 and inspired the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Despite its brief history, the competition has produced talented violinists from numerous countries, with notable success from South Korea, represented by Seohyun Kim's victory in 2021. This year, the competition received applications from 121 participants hailing from 23 countries, who faced preliminary rounds conducted online and via live streaming from Belgium. At the finals, a total of 20 competitors – 8 junior (under 14) and 12 senior (under 34) contestants – will showcase their skills by performing pieces including Ysaÿe's sonatas, as well as concertos by Beethoven and Brahms. The senior section will feature performances with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra. Judged by a panel of esteemed global musicians, including artistic director Ashot Kartazyan and co-director NamKara, this event will be streamed live on YouTube, enhancing its international reach. NamKara, the principal of the Korean International School of Arts, emphasized that this event represents a significant cultural collaboration between European musical traditions and Korean educational philosophy, which is expected to make a meaningful impact on the local music scene.