M.M. in Music ‘03, D.M.A. Musical Arts, Piano Performance ‘07, College of Music
Continuing with what is safe and familiar or venturing across the world into the unknown. That was the choice Minjung Kim confronted as she began planning beyond her senior year at Yonsei University in Korea.
Born and raised in Seoul, she accepted a scholarship and graduate assistantship to Michigan State. To Kim's delight, the experience was more than she expected and was a turning point, she says, "both in my musical journey and in my personal development."
“Having grown up in the heart of Seoul, the nature-filled campus was a refreshing change. I found peace being close to nature, and it gave me a sense of emotional comfort that I hadn’t realized I needed,” Kim says.
“I still remember the deer families I would see at dusk and the fireflies flickering on the lawn in front of my apartments. I loved the quiet walks back after late-night practice sessions, surrounded by stillness. Everything about it felt calm and comforting. And yes, I fully enjoyed the snow—every flake of it.”
During her first year, Kim lived in Mayo Hall, surrounded by students from different countries.
“It encouraged me to be open, ask questions and connect with people from diverse backgrounds,” says Kim.
For nearly 30 years, Kim has taught piano lessons. Teaching, for Kim, is “deeply personal.” Like her days living in Mayo Hall when she was learning to connect with people from around the world, teaching piano affords her opportunities to connect—to communicate and to listen.
Today, Kim plays an integral role in each Korean Spartans Alumni Association event—whether she is seated at the piano bench performing during the annual MSU College of Music Korean Alumni Concert, giving opening remarks at the podium or managing behind the scenes.
When Kim commits to something, she’s all in.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in the alumni community is the chance to meet people from fields very different from my own. That joy—of learning from others’ experiences and perspectives—is something I truly cherish. It broadens my thinking and adds richness to my own journey.”
