Guitar Wonder Boy Sungha Jung Meets Malaysian Press

You might have seen him on Youtube where he first started. You might also have seen him performed with Jason Mraz. The melodious sound coming from his guitar and playing with such dexterity makes people consider him as guitar wonder. As of March 2013, his videos had gotten a total of over 650 million hits & more than 1.5 million YouTube subscribers.

Yes, he is Sungha Jung, South Korea's finest fingerstyle guitarist and he is back in Malaysia with his third acoustic solo album- 'Paint It Acoustic' that was released in April 2013 in conjunction with his tour. This was his third visit to Malaysia since his 2011 tour in Kuala Lumpur & Penang, and for his promotional mini concert to celebrate the launching of 'Borneo to the World' in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu last year. So, what brought him to Malaysia again this June? What motivates this young guitarist to continue the path that he has chosen? What is his future aspiration? Let's find out more in these excerpts of Q&A session:

Q1: What does it feel to come again to Kuala Lumpur for a second time?

A: First of all, it was nice to meet all of you and the warm feeling of welcome that I received upon my arrival. I'm very excited to be here again and I can't wait for tonight's concert.

Q2: For tonight's concert, did you prepare any surprises or special stage to be showcased to the fans?

A: It's a secret! (laugh). Yes, I prepared something special for my fans but I cannot tell you what kind of performance it is, since it's going to blow the surprise.


Q3: You have collaborated with many local (Korean) and foreign artists and musicians. Is there any other musician that you would like to collaborate in the future?

A: I have met Roy Kim, the singer who rose to fame through Korean Audition Program- SuperStar K, during the Jason Mraz concert, and I would love to strum my guitar and collaborate with him. That would be my choice for Korean artist. As for foreign artists, I would say, Bruno Mars.

Q4: If you have to pick one sing from your latest album, which track would be your favorite?

A: That will be my own composition, a ballad melody song entitled 'Nostalgia' .

Q5: This song 'Nostalgia' have a melody and a 'calm and soothing feeling' that will make the listeners reminisce their nostalgic moments in their life. Are there any stories behind this composition?

A: To be honest, there is no specific story or history behind the song. I was practicing my guitar and the melodies were naturally 'flowed through the strings'.

Q6: Who do you consider to be your greatest musical influence and inspiration?

A: I always looked up to this Australian guitarist named Tommy Emmanuel who is known for his amazing guitar performance and complex fingerstyle technique. I wish that one day I could be like him.

 Q7: Do you have any plan for a tour in the United States of America?

A: Yes, the tour kick off will be in March 2014.

Q8: You rose to fame through Youtube Channel which where you first started. Have you ever expect this kind of success?

A: To be honest, it was still a shock to me. When my first video was first uploaded on Youtube (by my father), I was only 9 or 10 years of age. I was too young to know the power of Youtube, in fact I would say I don't really know what Youtube was or get familiar with it. Until today, I could never imagine myself to achieve this kind of success.

Q9: Besides being a musician, have you ever considered to be a singer or a K-pop idol?

A: (laugh) Well, I did take some vocal lessons but I didn't really have time to practice it or perfecting my pitch. With my hectic daily schedules, it seems impossible for me as of now to change my path to other than what I am today.


 Q10: What do you think of your collaboration with Jason Mraz?

A: It's liked a 'Cinderella dream' for me to finally meet and perform with him for his concert. It was a rare opportunity and I felt very honored that I was given this opportunity to be on the same stage with one of the renowned musician like Jason Mraz.

Q11: Is there anything you would like to say to other aspiring guitarists that wanted to be like you?

A: I heard that a lot of people started to play guitar after watching my videos on Youtube and I feel thankful and honored that I become their inspiration. Well, I'm still young in this industry and I don't think I would be the perfect person to give an advise to others. However, all I can say is practice makes perfect; practice harder to pursue their interests in order to realize their dream.

Q12: You are very dedicated towards your instruments, both the guitar and ukulele. Besides music, what do you do to spend your free time?

A: A: I'm just like any other normal kids. I used to play basketball with my friends. However, due to my hectic schedule now, to add with my home schooling, I rarely got the chance to do that anymore, nor that I have time to meet or hang out with my friends. If I do, I usually do some web surfing just to 'kill' my time

Sungha Jung Live in Kuala Lumpur concert is brought to you by The Guitar Store

Photo Credits: Ain Osman/Nik Tim | Writer : Nik Tim | Contibutor : Amalina.A & Lai Umali

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Sungha Jung
Malaysia
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