From Understudy to Star: Late-Blooming Tenor Sings of Victory

[Anchor]

"Nessun Dorma" is a piece that has become a symbol of the World Cup, famously performed by Luciano Pavarotti. It is also the signature song of South Korean tenor Baek Seok-jong, who is currently capturing global attention. He is now preparing for his opera stage debut in his home country.

Culture and Arts Correspondent Kim Soo-hyun reports.

[Reporter]

On the opening day of the 2026 World Cup, a powerful voice resonates from the terrace of the Royal Opera House in London.

Tenor Baek Seok-jong, joined by a choir wearing soccer jerseys, passionately sings "Nessun Dorma," which concludes with the iconic line, "Vincero" (I will win).

Baek is a late-blooming tenor who made his debut in 2022 at the age of 36, receiving critical acclaim after stepping in as an understudy for lead roles in two consecutive productions at the Royal Opera.

He had originally sung as a baritone for 17 years and was even selected as a San Francisco Opera Young Artist, but after much deliberation, he decided to transition to a tenor.

However, the ensuing pandemic left him with no stages to perform on and no access to vocal coaches.

He spent his days practicing tenor vocal techniques alone at a local church.

[Baek Seok-jong/Tenor (230 curtain call appearances): There were times when I couldn't sing, and I would even have nightmares about failing on stage. But after a year passed, I started to find my voice. I could sing without straining.]

Like a master emerging from seclusion to conquer the world, he established himself as a next-generation opera star in just a few years.

The aria "Nessun Dorma," sung by Prince Calaf in the opera Turandot, has become his signature piece, often leading to multiple encores during his performances.

[Baek Seok-jong/Tenor: It fits my voice the best, and as Prince Calaf—a person who shouts for victory and hope—I think it also reflects my own character to some extent.]

Baek will make his debut on the opera stage in his home country with this very role.

The performances have already completely sold out.

[Baek Seok-jong/Tenor: Although I have performed on many special stages around the world, I believe there is no stage more special than this one, where I can sing in front of my parents and the audience I love.]

He shared that he has prepared for this performance with the intention of dedicating it to his father, who recently passed away.

A song of victory, a song of hope—"Nessun Dorma" will soon echo through his homeland.

(Video Editing: Kim Yoon-sung | VJ: Oh Se-kwan | Video Source: Royal Opera, Met Opera, Seoul Arts Center)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.