November 20, 2025Nov 20, 2025
KCNA Pyongyang Times

‘You need real confidence to live your own life’

Date: 18/06/2021 | Source: Pyongyang Times | Read original version at source

When it comes to figure skating, people might bring to mind elegant and lilting tunes along with charming technical moves of players.

Music is to figure skating like wings are to a bird, as experts put it.

Therefore, background music takes an important part in arranging moves and defining themes in figure skating.

Choe Ri Bong (pictured) at the Taesongsan Sports Club has composed hundreds of music pieces for figure skating for dozens of years.

He decided to become a composer for figure skating over 30 years ago when he graduated from then Pyongyang university of music and dance after seeing a fascinating performance of figure skaters who made various rhythmic moves on the ice.

According to him, the work of writing music for figure skating was very difficult for him at first. However, he renewed his confidence and passion as he shared the joy of players who won a trophy with his music.

Red Chol Pass, Ballad of Bellows and other pieces arranged by him were highly praised by experts and figure skaters.

Not just the players but also figure skating fans say that his works are products of his enthusiasm.

His sports music albums are enjoying a growing popularity among local people.

“The happiest moments of my life are when I see skaters dancing to the tune of my music and spectators absorbed in it,” said Choe. “You need real confidence to go the long way of life toward the finishing line.”

The 62-year-old is still dedicated to writing music with youthful enthusiasm.

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