Hello, I’m Danny Koo, a violinist. I’ve been connecting with audiences through various performances, and since appearing on I Live Alone, it seems more people recognize me now. I am honored to be selected as an Amorepacific ‘New Beauty Icon.’ I hope to convey what I believe New Beauty and true beauty mean to me today. I look forward to continuing these meaningful connections.

Honestly, I didn’t expect people to take such an interest in me. I’m quite an ordinary person, leading what I thought was a very uninteresting life. Before filming, my managers and I were worried because my daily routine was so consistent we thought it might come off as dull. I genuinely live according to my routine—practicing is a given, exercising is a non-negotiable promise I make to myself, and I don’t pay much attention to fashion unless I have a schedule. But to my surprise, people appreciated seeing this side of me. It was fascinating. I think they found beauty in how I earnestly stick to my routine, and I’m incredibly grateful.

I’ve always tried to cultivate good habits. When I faithfully keep my promises to myself, it builds my confidence. Since I decided to pursue music as a career later than most, I had to work harder to compensate for the areas where I lagged. Honestly, office workers put in their best effort from 9 to 6, so it only makes sense that I dedicate most of my day to practice. I wouldn't say I like the idea of musicians only practicing when they feel like it or wasting hours lingering over coffee. There’s no reason artists should be any different. I’ve been exercising for a long time to maintain my stamina. Back in the U.S., I traveled frequently, meaning my workouts were scattered—sometimes in the morning, sometimes at night. It started feeling like a chore and became stressful. That’s when I decided to work out at the same time every day, and that commitment naturally became part of my routine. I believe that if you work hard when you need to, you’ll also be able to enjoy your downtime fully.

Watching “I Live Alone” made me realize for the first time that I live life at a fast pace. I had never thought of myself that way before. But this rhythm feels natural to me. Practicing the violin is a slow process—it’s about tackling complex problems that don’t have quick solutions. So, I tend to move quickly in other areas of my life. By nature, I don’t like to hesitate or dwell on things. If someone comes to mind, I call them immediately. If something piques my interest, I dive in right away. When an opportunity presents itself, I try it without overthinking. I have so much I want to do, but I still feel hungry for more. That’s why the idea of becoming complacent because things are going well right now doesn’t make sense. Maybe that’s why I’m pushing the pace even more. Others might say I’m too hasty, but I believe in living at my speed and rhythm.

Certain preconceived notions often come to mind when people think of the classical music world. This sense of it being severe and weighty can create a distance from the general public. This aura of inaccessibility, I believe, stems from the perception that while the music itself must be taken seriously, the musician doesn’t necessarily need to carry that same gravitas. When I was first invited to appear on “I Live Alone,” the producers mentioned that I was the first classical musician to be featured on the show. Similarly, I was told that my appearance on “Radio Star” was the first by a classical musician in a decade since Sumi Jo. These moments highlighted how much the classical music world had distanced itself from the broader audience. From the outset, I’ve always wanted to be a bridge between classical music and the public. At some point, I shifted my focus from striving to be the best to simply aiming to be the only one—because being unique is something I can achieve through my effort and passion, without comparison. My appearances on variety shows like “I Live Alone,” and my collaborations with pop musicians align with this mission. Moreover, I have many interests, and I’m not one to shy away from challenges, so I plan to continue exploring and taking on new ventures that will allow me to walk my path.

Musically, my biggest desire is to collaborate with more singers and a more comprehensive range of musicians. I’m looking forward to the ‘Credia Park Concert’ in September. I’m excited because it marks the Korea Coop Orchestra’s first performance in five years and because collaborating with an orchestra in an outdoor setting is incredibly appealing. On a personal note, I started boxing six months ago, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it, so I’m putting a lot of energy into that. And the most exciting thing I’m doing these days is writing—I don’t know if it will ever turn into a book, but I’ve been writing. I feel like I’m at a pivotal moment, standing on the threshold of something new, with so many thoughts swirling in my mind. I wondered, “What if I could gather all these thoughts together?” So, I’ve been writing whenever I find the time without rushing. This process has given me an excellent opportunity to reflect on myself, and I’m enjoying it.

The most arduous period for me was when I moved back to Korea during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no performances, nowhere to go, and I didn’t know many people here, so I had no one to lean on. But in hindsight, I think that time was crucial in helping me regain my sense of balance. While many around me were disheartened, I saw it as an opportunity to reassess and reorganize my life. I used that time to think deeply about how I wanted to develop my music, what I lacked, and how to objectively identify and work on my weaknesses while nurturing my strengths. When I was younger, my father often told me everyone should have a five-year or ten-year plan. I suppose his advice stayed with me, allowing me to turn what could have been a crisis into a period of preparation.

It might sound presumptuous, but I see myself as a new kind of figure. I maintain my identity as a classical musician while freely crossing into other genres and comfortably engaging with the public. Everyone has their unique charm, and if I were to assess myself, I would say I have a fresh and distinctive quality, an individuality that sets me apart from others. That’s why people see my uniqueness as part of this New Beauty, this concept of being true to oneself. Reflecting on it, I realize I haven’t changed much; instead, it’s as if the spotlight found me. This makes me think that New Beauty isn’t about discovering something entirely new but rather about uncovering what has always been there. In this sense, New Beauty is about a ‘prepared beauty’ that has always been within us.

It’s undoubtedly when I’m performing. I come alive on stage, and that’s when I shine the brightest. I also believe the variety of stages I can perform on is unique to me. There’s a particular experience I’d love to share with you. Two years ago, in December, I had an extraordinary week. I was invited to perform at a classical concert, then as a guest artist with the legendary Sumi Jo, and finally with the group GOD, who I’ve admired since childhood. Within just one week, I could do a classical solo performance, collaborate with a revered mentor, and share the stage with pop musicians I’ve idolized for years. It was indeed an incredible experience.

It’s undoubtedly when I’m performing. I come alive on stage, and that’s when I shine the brightest. I also believe the variety of stages I can perform on is unique to me. There’s a particular experience I’d love to share with you. Two years ago, in December, I had an extraordinary week. I was invited to perform at a classical concert, then as a guest artist with the legendary Sumi Jo, and finally with the group GOD, who I’ve admired since childhood. Within just one week, I could do a classical solo performance, collaborate with a revered mentor, and share the stage with pop musicians I’ve idolized for years. It was indeed an incredible experience.