Yiruma (born 15 Feb 1978, currently 30 years old, Seoul, Korea) is a South Korean piano music composer. He is married to Miss Korea Son Hye-im.
Yiruma is well known throughout the world, and his albums are sold all over the United States and Europe, as well as Asia. His most famous pieces include "Kiss the Rain", "May Be" and "River Flows in You" (First Love).
Although he formerly held dual citizenship as a citizen of the United Kingdom and South Korea, in July 2006 he gave up his British citizenship and entered the Republic of Korea Navy to begin his military service, which is mandatory for all male South Koreans.
Yiruma started to learn the piano at home in Korea at the age of 5. In 1988 he moved to England, and in Dec 1996 he participated in the album The Musicians of Purcell (Decca). He graduated from The Purcell Of Specialist Music School (London) in July 1997, then from Kings College in June 2000.
His key dates and performances since then include:
- May 2001 - Album 'Love Scene' released
- Dec 2001 - 2nd album 'First Love' released
- Jan 2002 - Performed at the 36th MIDEM in Cannes, France
- Apr 2002 - Performed at the Young San Art Hall
- Jun-Aug 2002 - 'Oasis & Yiruma' released, promotion tour in Japan and Taiwan
- Dec 2002 - 'Gang Ah Ji Ddong' OST album released
- Jun 2003 - SBS Drama ' First Love' title track
- Oct 2003 - 3rd album 'From the Yellow Room' released
- Aug 2004 - Special Album 'Nocturnal lights... they scatter' released
- Apr 2005 - Special Album 'Destiny of Love' released
- May 2005 - Special Album 'First Love' repackaged and released
- Jul 2005 - Special DVD & CD of 'YIRUMA Live at HOAM Art Hall' released
- Nov 2005 - 4th album 'POEMUSIC' released
- Apr 2006 - 'Spring Waltz' Classic OST album released
