Tae-Young Kim is one of the most prominent classical saxophonists in Korea today, widely recognized for both his exceptional artistry and his dedication as an educator who has nurtured many outstanding young musicians. With natural talent inherited from his parents and innate musicality, Kim has emerged as one of the most passionate and inspiring classical artists of his generation. His thoughtful and poetic, yet assertive and tender playing combines virtuosity and color with elegance and purity, guided by an impressive natural sense of balance.
Born in Seoul in 1983 into a musical family — his mother a pianist and his father a high school music teacher — Kim was destined for a life in music. Surrounded by music from an early age, he developed a keen sensitivity and deep connection to sound, growing naturally into a musician of great depth and expression.
In 2003, Kim served for two years in the Republic of Korea Navy Symphonic Band, where he led the ensemble as a music leader. During this time, he toured across Europe and the Pacific for over 100 days, gaining invaluable experience performing internationally and learning about organizational discipline and musical collaboration.
Kim studied under renowned composer and saxophonist Lee Sung-hwan, performing actively as a member of the Korean Saxophone Ensemble from a young age. He earned his Bachelor of Music from Seoul National University, Korea’s top music institution, in 2008. That same year, he moved to France to pursue advanced studies in classical saxophone — studying with Jean-Yves Fourmeau at CRR de Cergy-Pontoise, and later with Nicolas Prost and Jérôme Laran at CRR Saint-Maur and the Conservatoire d’Aulnay-sous-Bois, where he graduated in 2013.
In addition to his performance career, Kim has established himself as a highly respected educator in classical saxophone. He currently teaches at Seoul National University, his alma mater, and also serves as a lecturer at several leading institutions, including the Korea National University of Arts, Ewha Womans University, Chung-Ang University, Seokyeong University, and Seoul Arts High School.
Since 2014, Kim has been a member of the Amigo Sax Ensemble and a faculty member of the Asia Pacific Saxophone Academy in Bangkok, where he participates in the annual academy, teaching and communicating with students from all over the world.
Kim is also an international artist representing Vandoren Paris and Henri Selmer Paris, performing globally as both soloist and chamber musician. He is an active member of the Project ‘S’ Ensemble, and serves as conductor of the Amuse Saxophone Ensemble, leading numerous performances across Korea.
As an active recitalist, Kim regularly holds solo recitals and has received numerous accolades, including 1st Prize at the Seoul National University Competition, 2nd Prize at the Nantes International Saxophone Competition, and 1st Prize at the Sungshin Women’s University Competition. He has performed with major orchestras such as the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National d’Île-de-France, Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, and Seoul Youth Orchestra.
Throughout his career, Kim has collaborated in ensemble performances with his mentor Jérôme Laran and participated in the Korean performance group “Cecile” in France, performing for the Korean community in Paris. In Korea, he continues to present solo recitals — notably in 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023 at the Seoul Arts Center — further solidifying his position as one of Korea’s leading classical saxophonists.