The Korean Culture and Information Service published “K-Classics: A New Presence on the World’s Musical Stage” on Monday, as the last publication in its English-language book series for foreigners to better understand Korean culture.

The fourth book highlights the growing influence of young Korean classical musicians who have been bagging top prizes at international competitions, including the Queen Elisabeth International Competition and the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

The full-color book also dedicates a chapter to the lives and music of the three leading Korean musicians ― Chung Myung-whun, Jo Sumi and Paik Kun-woo ― and introduces Korean orchestras and schools that have been expanding their influence at home as well as abroad.

The KOCIS, affiliated with the Culture Ministry and focused on promoting Korea overseas, has now completed the four-volume K-Culture series that also include “The Korean Wave,” “K-Pop” and “K-Drama.”

The KOCIS plans to distribute the books at 24 Korean culture centers and 172 overseas missions.

By Shin Hae-in (hayney@heraldcorp.com)