Sun-Mi Hong, a South Korean drummer based in the Netherlands, has been awarded the prestigious Paul Acket Award, an international jazz prize recognizing exceptional talent under 40. This honor comes after Hong had resigned herself to missing this year’s North Sea Jazz Festival, where she performed with three bands last year.

The award not only acknowledges Hong’s musical achievements but also grants her the opportunity to perform at the North Sea Jazz Festival on Friday, July 11. Hong expressed her disbelief and gratitude, emphasizing the significance of being recognized as a Dutch jazz musician after years of studying and performing in the Netherlands.

Adding to her rising prominence, Hong is also scheduled to perform three times as an artist in residence at the Music Meeting Festival in Nijmegen, a festival that celebrates musicians from diverse corners of the world. This weekend’s performances and the Paul Acket Award signal a significant turning point in Hong’s career, marking a moment of wider recognition for her talent.

Hong’s journey to success began fifteen years ago when she moved to Amsterdam to pursue her passion for jazz. Despite initial challenges including language barriers and cultural adjustments, she persevered.

Growing up in a strict Christian family in South Korea, Hong’s fascination with the drums led her to pursue musical studies, eventually leading her to the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Although facing gender imbalance and a lack of jazz education in South Korea at the time, she was inspired by jazz drummers like Roy Haynes and sought to develop her unique voice.

Overcoming initial feelings of fear and self-doubt, Hong found supportive teachers who encouraged her to embrace her identity. Now well-integrated into the Dutch jazz scene, she has released four albums with her quintet and tours extensively. Her latest album, “Meaning of a Nest,” released through Edition Records, has garnered critical acclaim, including a four-star review from The Guardian.

Hong’s success extends beyond national borders. She is actively involved in various projects, including collaborations with guitarist Teis Semey and a special performance at the Amsterdam Grachtenfestival. She also hopes to foster greater exchange between Korean and Western jazz, highlighting the growing presence of Korean musicians on the international stage.