Cellist and Conductor Han-na Chang reveals ideal types are deceased classical legends

Han-na Chang, the cellist, conductor, and 18th president of the Seoul Arts Center, revealed her ideal type for the first time on a broadcast. Rather than a real-life man, a succession of deceased classical music legends appeared, turning the studio into a sea of laughter. While the unexpected confession from the 43-year-old single Han-na Chang drew a hollow reaction from MC Kim Gura, her subsequent explanation regarding Beethoven revealed her deep affection and artistic passion for music.

During the 989th episode of the MBC entertainment program 'Radio Star' aired on the 11th, guests included Han-na Chang, Kim Hyun-chul, Forestella's Ko Woorim, and Harimu. The MCs questioned Han-na Chang about her ideal type, something she had never discussed publicly before. While curiosity grew regarding what kind of man the musician, who has built an unrivaled career in the music world, would prefer, her answer took a completely unexpected direction.

Han-na Chang maintained a cautious stance, stating, "If it is someone I can actually meet, I still don't know." When asked about her ideal type, she caused laughter in the studio by revealing, "(My ideal types) are all people who have passed away." This indicated that her heart leans toward the legends of classical music who have already left the world rather than men she could meet in reality.

The names she personally mentioned were figures who left significant marks on classical music history, including Beethoven, Mahler, Bernstein, and Karajan. As the names of these composers and conductors emerged, Kim Gura reacted, "It is an expected answer, but hearing it feels hollow," drawing laughter. It was a joking reaction to the fact that although she revealed her ideal type, there is effectively no possibility for a realistic romance.

However, Han-na Chang's confession did not end with mere humor. Her explanation regarding Beethoven, in particular, was a moment that demonstrated how deeply she understands and loves music. Recalling her experience while studying scores, Han-na Chang said, "Beethoven is such a wonderful person." She explained, "The notes were sparkling and dancing. They could be heard so clearly in my heart."

She went on to share the moment she interpreted Beethoven's music within the score in her own way. "In my heart, I thought, 'Beethoven wanted this. This is it. I want to share this more. This music is like a miracle. I must release the notes trapped in the score,'" Han-na Chang stated. This revealed her sense of mission as an artist to not merely play the notes recorded on a score, but to convey the intentions and emotions the composer embedded in the music to the world.

This confession provided insight into why Han-na Chang feels a deeper attraction to musical legends than to real-life ideal types. To her, Beethoven, Mahler, Bernstein, and Karajan are not simply great musicians in history, but beings with whom she constantly converses and gains inspiration through music. In particular, her expression about releasing the notes in the score to share them with more people aligns with her musical philosophy of expanding her scope from cellist to conductor.

Born in December 1982, Han-na Chang has continued international activities as a cellist and conductor after graduating from the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University. Noted for her artistic interpretations based on philosophical thought as well as musical achievement, she was appointed as the 18th president of the Seoul Arts Center for a three-year term in 2026, setting a record as the youngest and first female president.

While Han-na Chang's confession—which effectively closed the possibility of real-life romance by naming classical music legends as her ideal types—brought laughter, it was rooted in a deep affection for music. Han-na Chang's unique charm shown on 'Radio Star,' where even a question about a romantic partner was linked to musical inspiration and artistic longing, left a distinct impression on viewers.

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