Yoonseok Lee, with his exceptional talent and natural musicality, has quickly established himself as one of the most distinctive harmonica players of his generation. As both a concerto soloist and an active recitalist, he has garnered global attention, especially in the classical music scene, where professional harmonica players are rare. His performances have been spotlighted by major media outlets, including KBS – the Korean Broadcasting System.

Since his performance at the Seongnam Music Festival Series in 2017 with the Seongnam Philharmonic Orchestra, Lee has collaborated with top conductors such as Nanse Gum, one of South Korea’s most renowned conductors. He has appeared with major orchestras, including the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Seongnam Philharmonic Orchestra, and Changwon Philharmonic Orchestra. Beyond orchestral collaborations, he has performed as a chamber musician, showcasing original works for harmonica with string quartets, string orchestras, and arrangements for harp, guitar, and organ.

Lee’s international career has seen him perform on renowned stages and at prestigious festivals worldwide. He has been invited to perform at New Year’s concerts in Las Vegas and Irvine, USA, and participated in the Peace Music Festival in Tokyo and Hiroshima, Japan, under the invitation of the Korean Cultural Center in Japan. He has also appeared as a soloist at the International Symphonic Music Festival at El Jem in Tunisia, performed at the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore, and represented South Korea at events celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Norway, including Norway’s Constitution Day and Norway Day celebrations.

In 2018, Lee made history as the first harmonica player admitted to the prestigious Norwegian Academy of Music (Norges musikkhøgskole) in Oslo. There, he studied under the legendary harmonica virtuoso Sigmund Groven, gave numerous recitals for Norwegian audiences, and participated in chamber music projects featuring original harmonica compositions. His collaborations with contemporary composers have led to various experimental works written for and dedicated to him, performed in diverse chamber music settings. In 2021, Lee was selected as an official performer at the inaugural Seoul Arts Center Summer Music Festival, where his solo concert received enthusiastic acclaim.

Between international tours and performances at local arts centres in Korea, Lee dedicates time to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through workshops and coaching, he inspires students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Since 2017, he has also served as a co-instructor with Sigmund Groven for the Norsk Munnspillforum (Norwegian Harmonica Forum) in Norway. As a composer and arranger, Lee has created numerous pieces across genres, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, and tango, both for himself and other musicians.

Born in 1992 in South Korea, Lee began learning the harmonica at the age of nine. He majored in musicology at Seoul National University, graduating with top honours in 2017. After his studies with Sigmund Groven in Norway, he is now based in both Seoul and Oslo, actively performing worldwide.

Lee’s debut album, The Beginning (2022), features a collection of audience favourites, including his preferred concert pieces, original harmonica music, classical miniatures, traditional music, and his own compositions. His repertoire spans popular and folk music, his own compositions, and ranges from Bach to contemporary works.

Yoonseok Lee currently serves as a visiting professor at Myongji University in Seoul.