Mezzosoprano Yeonjae Chloé Kim Appointed as Full-Time Soloist of the Korea National Opera

Mezzo-soprano Yeonjae Chloé Kim, an alumna of the School of Music, has drawn national attention with her appointment as a full-time soloist at the Korea National Opera (KNO), the nation’s premier opera company.

The KNO’s selection process—conducted in a highly competitive survival-style format—was more rigorous than ever. Out of approximately 160 applicants, Kim emerged as the sole winner in her category, a testament to her outstanding artistry and technical mastery.

Kim has also earned international acclaim, securing both the Second Prize and the Audience Prize at the 2026 Opera Columbus Cooper-Bing International Vocal Competition in Ohio. Earlier in her career, she was awarded First Prize at the 2023 Elise Meyer Competition and Third Prize at the 2024 Mozart-Prize for Singing, solidifying her reputation on the global stage.

Beyond her virtuosic technique, Kim is celebrated for the deep expressiveness of her performances that profoundly resonate with audiences. Her invitations to live auditions at the Napa Valley Music Festival and the Merola Opera Program further highlight her rising prominence within the international opera scene.