Yoon Seong-ki
A singer-songwriter who offers comfort with his voice
"The First Note from a Broken Guitar"
In middle school, he got a broken guitar from a friend. He fixed it himself, drew out a sound, and the resonance stayed with him. He longed for music, but following his parents’ wishes, he attended a rigorously exam-focused high school and went on to study Computer Engineering at university. In his senior year of high school, his father passed away unexpectedly, placing the weight of life on his shoulders. Even so, he never let go of music, keeping the flame alive through a campus music club and private lessons.
"A Decision at Thirty: Practice Rooms Were a Friend’s Home and a Warehouse "
After military service and graduation, he moved from job to job until his health gave way. That’s when his mind cleared: “It’s late, but I’m starting music now.” At thirty, he left home. He practiced relentlessly at a friend’s place and in the warehouse where he worked part-time. Teaching himself to compose, he uploaded demo tracks online. Musicians who were moved by his voice gathered around him, and the band Humanrace was born.
"A Miracle, Yet Proof"
They released an album of his original songs, but recognition didn’t come easily. He entered the TV audition show Voice Korea 2 and took runner-up in one sweep. For a late starter—an indie-band vocalist at that—it felt like a miracle, yet it was proof of his ability. From major rock festivals to intimate live clubs, he ran without rest and released his first full-length album.
"A Pause, and Singing Again"
After the Sewol ferry disaster (2014), his activities came to a halt. Even so, he took to the stations along Seoul Subway Line 2 with a song of comfort,“It’s Okay (괜찮아),” busking to console those who were hurting. The intent behind this performance resonated widely and was later published as a book. With a renewed conviction in the worth of his own songs, he began his solo career in 2016.
He has been releasing records and performing ever since—slowly, but without stopping. And he says this: he wants his voice to offer comfort to people.
"Musical Theatre, and New Challenges"
Beginning his work as a musical-theatre actor during the COVID-19 period—starring as the lead in Where the Wind Blows, a musical built around the songs of Korean legend Kim Kwang-seok—opened the door to a broader, more open practice that moves between acting and song. Breaking out of his own frame, he introduced traditional Korean instruments with “Alive,” followed by easy-listening acoustic duets—“Ruminations (반추)” and “Have a good day(오늘 그대)”—a lyrical cello instrumental “We were,”and the witty, stylistically playful single “Hot night (끓는 밤).” He continues to evolve, constantly experimenting and moving toward ever more refined music.
