I am currently working as the CEO of TOOLMUSIC Co., Ltd., while also teaching at several universities. I work as an adjunct professor in the Dept. of Able Arts & Sports at Hyupsung University and lecture on music career development at Kangwon National University and Mokpo National University. In addition, I direct the TOOLMUSIC Ensemble for Disabled Artists, lead THEABLE project, and serve as the general art director of the G Sam Medical Center disabled artists ensemble.

  TOOLMUSIC is not just a performing arts agency—it is a social enterprise. Our mission is to provide sustainable opportunities for disabled and young musicians to perform on stage and to help them build music not merely as a hobby, but as a career and a livelihood.

  So far, TOOLMUSIC has held performances at prestigious venues such as Lotte Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center, and Hwaseong Nurim Art Hall, connecting audiences with talented musicians. Beyond concerts, TOOLMUSIC also engages in artist management, arts business consulting, employment training, and TOOLMUSIC Disabled Music Competition, fulfilling both artistic and social purposes.

  After graduating from a music university, I witnessed many young musicians struggling to find opportunities to perform or to sustain themselves financially. Especially, for disabled musicians, the situation was even more severe—they had the talent and passion, yet almost no chance to stand on stage.

  Most traditional art organizations were still heavily dependent on donations and ticket sales. I realized that for the arts to be truly sustainable, a new business model was essential. That is the reason that I decided to establish TOOLMUSIC as a social enterprise—to create a structure where performance art can generate both social and economic value.

  There have been many unforgettable moments. First, the solo recital of left-hand pianist, Lee Hun at Lotte Concert Hall remains deeply moving. Watching him fill the grand hall and perform for an hour using only one hand showed the true power of art beyond disability. Later, when I read the line “Director Chung is a person sent from heaven.” in his book, I felt profound gratitude realizing that one person’s effort could transform another’s entire life.

  Second, G Sam Medical Center recently hired ten disabled musicians as full-time employees. This was a historic step—not just offering performance opportunities but helping musicians gain stable employment as professionals. 

  Third, the blind pianist, Noh Young-suh successfully completed a four-city concert tour in Halle, Germany, where twelve foreign composers dedicated new works to her. He even received official recognition from Martin Luther University to perform as an affiliated artist. This was a proud moment that demonstrated the global potential of Korean disabled musicians.

  Finally, I am proud of the TOOLMUSIC Ensemble for Disabled Artists and the TOOLMUSIC Disabled Music Competition, through which over 450 disabled musicians have been discovered and trained. This program embodies why TOOLMUSIC exists.

  TOOLMUSIC’s performance is not merely a result. It is a process that connects people and society. The word TOOL itself symbolizes a bridge, an instrument, and a means of connection.

  When disabled and non-disabled musicians perform together, audiences experience more than music—they witness barriers breaking. Listeners who once viewed disability with pity now recognize true artistry and capability. Moreover, collaboration between young and disabled musicians becomes a symbol of connection across generations and society.

  The greatest change is the restoration of confidence. The moment disabled musicians receive applause on stage, they affirm, “I am an artist.” This transforms not only their musical skills but their sense of self-worth and the attitude towards life.

  Furthermore, performance opportunities also lead to economic independence. For example, pianist Lee, who once rarely had the chance to perform, now plays in more than ten concerts a year. Each invitation reinforces the idea that society values his work. Also, other musicians have expanded their careers to include corporate and public performances.

  The biggest challenges are the lack of performance opportunities and insufficient systematic support. Many performances remain one-time events, without continuity or career development. In addition, managing publicity, administration, and marketing alone can be overwhelming for individual musicians.

TOOLMUSIC addresses this by holding regular concerts, providing media promotion, record-keeping, and portfolio management for each artist. We also collaborate with companies to ensure performances lead to real employment and financial stability. We hope a structured support system for disabled artists will be established across the entire industry to nurture both disabled and young musicians in the long term.

  TOOLMUSIC operates four main programs:

1) TOOLMUSIC Disabled Music Competition: Is led at the national level and has discovered over 450 musicians so far.

2) Regular and Special Concert Series: Provides consistent stage experience at major concert halls nationwide.

3) Corporate Partnership Projects: Connects performances with job creation and sustainable income.

4) AI-Based Career Management System: Helps artists systematically manage and promote their portfolios.

  Additionally, starting in Jan. 2026, the TOOLMUSIC Disabled Artists Festival will debut at the Icheon Art Hall in collaboration with the Icheon Cultural Foundation, offering diverse and meaningful performances.

  Information about TOOLMUSIC’s activities is available through our official website, Instagram, Naver Blog, and YouTube channel. We also distribute press releases and posters whenever new performances are scheduled.

  In addition, for students interested in music management or performance planning, TOOLMUSIC offers internship and field training opportunities. Participants can directly experience production, promotion, and stage operation, gaining valuable insights into the workings of a social enterprise.

  Above all, finding your own stage is crucial. Youth is the time to take bold steps without fear of failure. Keep your possibilities open and create your own path. Just as TOOLMUSIC opens doors for disabled and young musicians, try to create opportunities for yourselves and contribute to the miracles for your dreams and society.

  Finally, just as TOOLMUSIC serves as a bridge, I encourage you to become a bridge for someone else—to shine a light on another’s path through your passion. I support the courage and growth of all students at CBNU.