The 21^st Seoul International Music Competition (SIMC) presented by LG, will take place in Seoul from March 15 to 22, 2026, featuring the Voice division.

Founded in 1996, the Seoul International Music Competition is one of Korea’s leading international music competitions. Dedicated to fostering international cultural exchange through music and discovering outstanding young artists, the competition rotates annually among three disciplines—piano, violin, and voice.

As a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), SIMC has earned international recognition for its fairness and prestige. Over the years, it has launched the careers of numerous distinguished musicians who now perform on the world stage, including Aviram Reichert, Ju-Young Baek, Liviu Prunaru, Byung-Woo Kong, Clara-Jumi Kang, and Chi Ho Han.

This year, 175 applicants from 11 countries applied to compete. Following Preliminary Round, 57 singers from 10 countries (36 from Korea and 21 from overseas) have advanced to the First Round. Many participants are prizewinners of major international competitions, and a highly competitive event is anticipated.

The jury panel for the Voice division is composed of distinguished artistic directors and casting directors from leading opera houses worldwide, as well as internationally acclaimed singers. The gathering of representatives from some of the world’s foremost opera institutions in one place is a rare occasion and reflects the growing international interest in the competition.

Jury Members (in alphabetical order)

•      Sang-Ho Choi (Korea) – Tenor; Professor, Korea National University of Arts

•      Anthony Freud (UK) – Former General Director, President & CEO, Lyric Opera of Chicago

•      Peter Heilker (Germany) – Deputy Artistic Director & Head of Casting, Theater an der Wien, Vienna

•      Myra Huang (USA) – Music Director, Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, The Metropolitan Opera, New York

•      Iwan van Kalmthout (Netherlands) – Former Artistic Director, Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, Lisbon

•      Andreas Mase (Germany) – Incoming Opera Director (from the 2026/27 season), Deutsche Oper Berlin

•      Isolde Schmid-Reiter (Austria) – Soprano; Professor, University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna

•      Youngok Shin (Korea) – Soprano

•      Samuel Youn (Korea) – Bass-baritone; Professor, Seoul National University

•      Zhang Wenwei (China) – Bass-baritone; Professor, Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing

The winner will receive a first prize of USD 50,000, along with opportunities to perform with leading orchestras in Korea and abroad and invitations for recital engagements. Korean laureates placing second or higher will also be eligible for military service exemption benefits in accordance with relevant Korean law.

In addition, the competition has newly established the “Sun Nam Kim Special Prize” in honor of the pioneering Korean composer Sun Nam Kim (1917~1983?). The prize, accompanied by an award of USD 5,000, will be presented to the semifinalist who delivers the most outstanding interpretation of a Korean art song. The award aims to promote the artistic value of Korean art song on the international stage.

The Seoul International Music Competition is jointly organized by The Dong-A Ilbo and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. As the first major international music competition to bear the name of Seoul, it continues to enhance the city’s cultural stature. The 21^st edition (Voice) is co-organized by The Dong-A Ilbo and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with sponsorship from LG and Korean Air, and is expected to serve as a global platform showcasing the future of Korean vocal artistry.