February 17, 2026Feb 17, 2026
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.

More From Pyongyang Times

Saeppyol Street inaugurated with splendour

Saeppyol Street inaugurated with splendour

Saeppyol Street has made an imposing appearance in an excellent location in the Hwasong area of Pyongyang, the capital of the

February 16, 2026

Saeppyol Street has made an imposing appearance in an excellent location in the Hwasong area of Pyongyang, the capital of the

Congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan arrives in Pyongyang

Congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan arrives in Pyongyang

A congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan led by Ko Tok U, chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Headquarters of the General

February 16, 2026

A congratulatory group of Koreans in Japan led by Ko Tok U, chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Headquarters of the General

Chinese FM rejects reckless remarks of Japanese prime minister

Chinese FM rejects reckless remarks of Japanese prime minister

A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected the reckless remarks of the Japanese prime minister at a press conference on

February 16, 2026

A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected the reckless remarks of the Japanese prime minister at a press conference on

‘Our father’

‘Our father’

When February comes every year, Min Hong Dan, an officer of the Korean People’s Army, remembers the extraordinary story of her nam

February 16, 2026

When February comes every year, Min Hong Dan, an officer of the Korean People’s Army, remembers the extraordinary story of her nam

Seminars on exploits of Chairman Kim Jong Il held abroad

Seminars on exploits of Chairman Kim Jong Il held abroad

Seminars on exploits of Chairman Kim Jong Il were held in Cambodia, Pakistan, Romania, the Czech Republic and Algeria from January

February 15, 2026

Seminars on exploits of Chairman Kim Jong Il were held in Cambodia, Pakistan, Romania, the Czech Republic and Algeria from January

Russian FM censures US, West for pursuing hostile policy

Russian FM censures US, West for pursuing hostile policy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the United States and the West for pursuing a hostile policy in an interview on

February 15, 2026

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the United States and the West for pursuing a hostile policy in an interview on

Iranian commander-in-chief warns enemy against provocation

Iranian commander-in-chief warns enemy against provocation

The commander-in-chief of the Iranian army referred to the enemy’s acts of provocation in a meeting of commanding officers of

February 15, 2026

The commander-in-chief of the Iranian army referred to the enemy’s acts of provocation in a meeting of commanding officers of

Youth and students meet socialist patriotic young pioneers

Youth and students meet socialist patriotic young pioneers

Youth and students met with socialist patriotic young pioneers at the hall of the youth league on February 13. Speeches were made

February 15, 2026

Youth and students met with socialist patriotic young pioneers at the hall of the youth league on February 13. Speeches were made

National youth and children's festival of loyalty opens

National youth and children's festival of loyalty opens

The 25th National Youth and Children's Festival of Loyalty opened in the DPRK on the occasion of the auspicious February holiday,

February 14, 2026

The 25th National Youth and Children's Festival of Loyalty opened in the DPRK on the occasion of the auspicious February holiday,

Iranian FM clarifies stand to defend national interests

Iranian FM clarifies stand to defend national interests

A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed the stand to defend national interests on February 5. He said that Iran

February 13, 2026

A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry expressed the stand to defend national interests on February 5. He said that Iran

Russian FM issues statement on expiration of New START

Russian FM issues statement on expiration of New START

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on February 4 with regard to the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction

February 12, 2026

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on February 4 with regard to the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction

Top 10 players of DPRK for 2025 (2)

Top 10 players of DPRK for 2025 (2)

With overwhelming superiority O Kyong Ryong, Merited Athlete and wrestler of the Pyongyang Sports Club, was born into a farmer’s

February 12, 2026

With overwhelming superiority O Kyong Ryong, Merited Athlete and wrestler of the Pyongyang Sports Club, was born into a farmer’s

More Articles