February 27, 2026Feb 27, 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

Flower baskets come to Ninth Congress of WPK

Flower baskets come to Ninth Congress of WPK

The Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, the General Association of Koreans in

February 25, 2026

The Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, the General Association of Koreans in

Russian diplomats give reception on Day of Defenders of Motherland

Russian diplomats give reception on Day of Defenders of Motherland

Charge d'Affaires ad Interim Vladimir Topeha and Defence Attaché Alexei Bartusov of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang gave a

February 25, 2026

Charge d'Affaires ad Interim Vladimir Topeha and Defence Attaché Alexei Bartusov of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang gave a

Online joint seminar held in Brazil

Online joint seminar held in Brazil

An online joint seminar of Brazilian political parties and organizations took place on February 15 to mark the 84th birth

February 24, 2026

An online joint seminar of Brazilian political parties and organizations took place on February 15 to mark the 84th birth

Birthday spread sent to centenarian

Birthday spread sent to centenarian

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ri Sil Baek, who is living in neighbourhood unit No. 45 of Junhyok-ri,

February 24, 2026

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ri Sil Baek, who is living in neighbourhood unit No. 45 of Junhyok-ri,

Cement production goes up

Cement production goes up

Cement production units in the DPRK are striving to increase production. The Sangwon Cement Complex has carried out its daily

February 24, 2026

Cement production units in the DPRK are striving to increase production. The Sangwon Cement Complex has carried out its daily

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un elected as General Secretary of WPK

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un elected as General Secretary of WPK

A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On Election of the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of

February 23, 2026

A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On Election of the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of

Heads of state and government of AU gather

Heads of state and government of AU gather

The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was held at the headquarters of

February 23, 2026

The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was held at the headquarters of

Students meet with war veteran

Students meet with war veteran

Graduating class students of senior middle schools in North Phyongan Province met with a war veteran at the provincial art

February 23, 2026

Graduating class students of senior middle schools in North Phyongan Province met with a war veteran at the provincial art

WPK Rules revised at Ninth WPK Congress

WPK Rules revised at Ninth WPK Congress

A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On the Revision of the Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea" was

February 23, 2026

A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On the Revision of the Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea" was

Press release of Ninth WPK Congress

Press release of Ninth WPK Congress

Members and alternate members of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea elected at the Ninth WPK Congress are as

February 23, 2026

Members and alternate members of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea elected at the Ninth WPK Congress are as

Chairman Kim Jong Il 's birth anniversary celebrated abroad

Chairman Kim Jong Il 's birth anniversary celebrated abroad

The 84th birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il was celebrated in Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Switzerland, France, Serbia and

February 22, 2026

The 84th birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il was celebrated in Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Switzerland, France, Serbia and

Strenuous worldwide efforts for space development

Strenuous worldwide efforts for space development

The international community is making proactive efforts for space development. At the recent sci-tech panel meeting of the UN

February 22, 2026

The international community is making proactive efforts for space development. At the recent sci-tech panel meeting of the UN

For protection and development of mother language

For protection and development of mother language

There are many countries and nations in the world and so are corresponding languages. On February 21 1952 inhabitants of the then

February 22, 2026

There are many countries and nations in the world and so are corresponding languages. On February 21 1952 inhabitants of the then

More Articles