Coloratura Soprano Professor Kim Ji-hyun(Kathleen Kim) of the Department of Voice returned to the stage in the Sol Opera Group's production of <Rigoletto>. Returning to the role of 'Gilda' eight years after her last performance in the same opera in 2017, she shared her special feelings, saying, "As time has passed, the depth of Gilda's emotion has expanded."

Rigoletto, originally based on Victor Hugo's play Le Roi S'amuse, portrays the tragedy of a father and daughter caught in a world of power, desire, and corruption. Focusing on the revenge plot of the jester Rigoletto, who loses his daughter to the libertine Duke, the narrative of intertwining love and fate has been consistently reinterpreted worldwide for over 170 years since its premiere.

Despite its tragic narrative, Rigoletto is impressive for its popular and familiar music. Professor Kim expressed her wish that this performance would serve as an opportunity to change the public's perception of opera. She explained, "It is an excellent work for those who are new to opera to start with," adding, "The music harmonizes well with the story, making it easy to approach." She further noted, "I want the audience to feel, 'I didn't know Opera was this fun!'" and "I hope this performance becomes a platform to spread the appeal of opera widely."

In this production, Professor Kim portrayed Gilda in a different manner than before. Unlike the modernized production eight years ago, she appeared on a traditional version of the stage. She explained, "Even if I or the director have a vision of Gilda, my emotions change depending on the character presented by the co-starring actor. A new Gilda is born in every moment."

Her experience performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, one of the world's leading opera houses, significantly influenced Professor Kim's musical life. She stressed, "There, everyone works collaboratively with professional mindsets to create a perfect performance. In such a system, I, too, always strived to present my best."

Professor Kim cited 'always doing one's best' as a belief she has consistently upheld as a singer. Her personal principle is to always put forth her best effort, regardless of how big the stage is. She recalled, "I once played a minor role in a small local opera and made a mistake on stage. I felt so terribly sorry to the audience that ever since, I always pray, 'Please let this be a performance I don't have to apologize to the audience for.'"

This performance holds more than just a comeback significance for Professor Kim. She stated, "While I previously focused on the stage as the soprano Kathleen Kim, I now focus more on my life as a professor. While moving the audience through this performance is important, my greatest hope is that it becomes a valuable learning opportunity for my students."

Professor Kim has been nurturing the next generation of great singers at Hanyang University's Department of Voice since 2015. Discussing trengths of the department, she mentioned, "Our department have many hidden gems," and "Students' pure, genuine approach to music is my greatest pride." She added, "We help them gain practical experience by staging one opera production every year."

Balancing the demands of the stage and the academic podium is not easy, but Professor Kim manages this balance through rigorous self-management. She mentioned, "Teaching requires extensive use of the voice, so I sometimes adjust my class schedule when I have opera shows." However, she always makes sure that "students are not negatively affected," and expressed her desire to "provide good inspiration to the students through my opera activities."

Professor Kim offered a positive outlook on the development of the Korean vocal music scene. She remarked, "Korean students consistently achieve good results and stand out in international competitions," adding, "The fact that students have such great passion for opera, even though it is not a part of traditional Korean culture, is always amazing and something to be proud of."

Finally, Professor Kim offered advice to her students, "Opera requires extensive experience. During your invaluable university years, try to learn and experience everything you can." She concluded by urging them, "Only the prepared ones seizes opportunities. I hope you strive to be prepared every day, always in a learning attitude."