Yiruma

Lee Ru-ma (; born 15 February 1978), better known by his stage name Yiruma (), is a South Korean pianist and composer.

Early life

Yiruma was born in Seoul. At five years old, he began learning the piano and moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended the Purcell School for Young Musicians and graduated from King's College London.

Career

After graduation, Yiruma returned to South Korea and released his debut album, ''Love Scene'', in 2001. His breakthrough came when the track "When Love Falls" was used as the theme for Choi Ji-woo's character in the hugely popular drama ''Winter Sonata''. The surge of interest in his music led to him holding his first solo concert in April 2002. He gained wider public recognition for composing the soundtrack of the animation '' Doggy Poo'' and performing the piano versions of the soundtracks from the popular 2006 drama '' Spring Waltz''. After completing his military service, he made his comeback with a nationwide tour spanning twenty different cities and featured Kim Bum-soo and Lee Hyun-woo as guest singers. On 1 January 2009, he became a DJ for KBS 1FM ''Yiruma's Music from All Around the World''.

Yiruma's 2011 compilation album ''The Best: Reminiscent, 10th Anniversary'' debuted at number three in the ''Billboard'' classical charts in July 2020 and reached number one just two weeks later; ''Billboard'' classical charts had done away with its rules of only counting albums sold in the United States and recognizing albums released in the last eighteen months. His music has seen a resurgence in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020. Several videos of his compositions posted on YouTube and other social media platforms have garnered millions of views, including "River Flows in You".

From 2010 to 2011, Yiruma began presenting the MBC music program ''Wednesday Art Stage'' () alongside singer Bobby Kim. The duo initially raised eyebrows due to their vastly different musical backgrounds and genres and the fact that they had no hosting or presenting experience but their candidness won audiences over. He and Kim returned when the program was revived in 2013 and rebranded as ''TV Art Stage'' (TV 예술무대). They were joined by actress and former newsreader Kim Sung-kyung.

In 2010, Yiruma filed a civil suit against his then-label Stomp Music to terminate his exclusive contract due to unfair payment percentages, with the judge mediating an agreement that the company should pay 30% of the profits to him. He filed a second lawsuit in 2018 as the company had failed to fulfill the condition. However, Stomp Music appealed the initial trial and the case was brought to the Supreme Court. In April 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and ordered the company to pay Yiruma his overdue share of the profits, which had amounted to 2.6 billion won (US$) by then.

Personal life

Yiruma previously held British citizenship, which he voluntarily renounced in order to enlist for mandatory military service. He enlisted in the Republic of Korea Navy in July 2006 and was assigned to public relations duties. He was discharged in August 2008.

In April 2007, while on leave, Yiruma married his girlfriend Son Hye-im, the older sister of actress and former Miss Korea contestant Son Tae-young. In 2008, they had a daughter.

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation and special albums

Film soundtracks

* ''Oasis

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