'K-클래식' 이루마, 빌보드 클래식 차트 통산 21주 1위
K-Pop isn't the only genre of Korean music topping charts around the world.
Neo-classical pianist and composer, Yiruma has been on top of the Billboard Classical Albums Chart for 21 weeks.
Our Han Seong-woo has more.
The melody that started it all.
Yiruma's "River Flows in You" is included as the second track on his signature compilation album, "The Best - Reminiscent 10th Anniversary".
After debuting at number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Classical Albums Chart in mid-January, the album snatched the top spot two weeks later and kept it for 17 weeks straight.
A feat not even the great Andrea Bocelli nor John Williams can claim.
Back on top after a short-lived dip, it's now been at number one for a total of 21 weeks.
However, the 17-track collection is not a new release.
In fact, it came out nearly a decade ago.
Billboard attributes the album's rebirth to new chart rules allowing older, catalogue albums to compete while factoring in online streaming as a ranking criterion.
The music video for "River Flows in You" has over a hundred million views on YouTube and admirers have also uploaded their own renditions.
But the artist wonders if the chaos and stress caused by COVID-19 have turned more people toward his soothing sound.
"Many tell me they feel consoled when listening to my compositions. I'm just a man who writes music. It's surprising people can share my emotions at such a deep level."
One thing's for sure: there's a new Korean Wave ambassador in town.
They call him Yiruma and he's spearheading... possibly the next Korean export: "K-Classical".
Han Seong-Woo, Arirang News.
