Il-Jin Kim

Il-Jin Kim (born 1956, Manpo, North Korea) is a North Korean conductor.

He was born in Manpo, a city of Jagang Province, but he grew up most time in Wonsan. And he studied cello in Pyongyang University of Music and Dance (not to be confused with Pyongyang University of Music named after Won-Gyun Kim).

After graduated first in 1977, Kim Joined Mansudae Arts Troupe as a cellist. But he turned to conducting shortly after. He went to Russia and studied conducting in Moscow Conservatory.

In 1985, Kim participated Herbert von Karajan International Conductors Competition in West Berlin and took second prize (without first). It was a first and last North Korean winner of this competition.

After returned his country, Kim joined Mansudae Arts Troupe again as a conductor. He also rehearsed Troupe's famous Merited Female Instrumental Ensemble and founded Isang Yun Orchestra in 1990.

Kim received a title of 'Merited Artist' in 1988.