Sun-Mi Hong, a South Korean drummer residing in the Netherlands, has been awarded the prestigious Paul Acket Award and will now perform at the North Sea Jazz Festival. This comes as a delightful surprise, as she had initially resigned herself to missing the festival this year.

Hong, who recently released her fourth critically acclaimed album with her quintet, had planned a trip to South Korea for her 35th birthday during the festival week. However, a phone call changed her plans. She was informed that she had won the Paul Acket Award, an international jazz prize for artists under 40 who deserve wider recognition.

“Amazing is not the word. I found it really unbelievable,” Hong stated, expressing her surprise and gratitude. The award includes a performance slot at the North Sea Jazz Festival, filling a gap in the schedule on Friday, July 11.

Hong’s rising star is also evident in her upcoming residency at the Music Meeting Festival in Nijmegen. She reflects on her journey from a shy, introverted newcomer to a recognized figure in the Dutch jazz scene. Arriving in the Netherlands fifteen years ago, she faced language barriers and cultural differences while pursuing her passion for jazz.

Growing up in a strict Christian family, Hong discovered her love for drums in her church’s house band. Despite initial challenges and a lack of support for female drummers in South Korea, she pursued her musical dreams, eventually finding inspiration in the freedom of expression offered by jazz.

After moving to Amsterdam with a scholarship in 2010, she dedicated herself to her studies, overcoming language barriers and cultural adjustments. She credits her teachers for helping her accept herself and overcome her fear of making mistakes. Since graduating in 2017, she has become well-integrated into the Dutch jazz community and formed a relationship with trumpeter Alistair Payne.

Hong emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and perseverance in the jazz world, highlighting the need to actively seek opportunities and create work for her band. She has released four albums with her quintet and secured a record deal with Edition Records, a renowned British jazz label.

Her recent album, “Meaning of a Nest,” has garnered positive reviews, including a four-star rating from The Guardian. She is currently working on a new album while also collaborating with other bands and preparing for a performance at the Amsterdam Grachtenfestival.

Hong also reflects on the growing exchange between Korean and Western jazz, noting the increasing recognition of Korean musicians in the Netherlands. She hopes for greater appreciation in her own country.

“Meaning of a Nest” explores themes of family and home, featuring a photo of Hong with her father on the album cover. She acknowledges the influence of her parents and the impact of her father’s passing on her music.