South Korean Pianist Wins First Prize at Prague Spring International Music Competition

Pianist Son Se-hyeok won first prize in the piano category at the Prague Spring International Music Competition, organizers said on May 15, 2026. The 18-year-old South Korean took first place after competing against 41 other pianists in the finals held in Prague on Thursday, May 14, 2026 local time.

Chinese pianist Zhiquan Wang came in second place and Chinese pianist Xuehong Chen came in third place, according to the organizers.

Yonhap reported that the announcement of Son Se-hyeok winning first prize was made on May 15, 2026. The competition was established in 1947 and is held annually in two instrumental categories. This year's Prague Spring International Music Competition featured the piano and flute categories.

Son Se-hyeok made his debut through the Kumho Prodigy Concert in 2021. That same year he won the grand prize in the Henle Piano Competition. The piano category last took place in 2021, when South Korean pianist Lee Dong-ha won first prize.

The results mark the second time in five years a South Korean pianist has claimed the top piano award at the prestigious event. Organizers confirmed the placements shortly after the finals concluded in the Czech capital.