Jung Sungha

Biography

Sungha Jung (정성하; born September 2, 1996, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong, South Korea) is a renowned South Korean acoustic fingerstyle guitarist who rose to international fame through his YouTube channel, where he began uploading guitar covers and original compositions as a child prodigy. Inspired initially by watching his father play guitar, Jung transitioned from piano to guitar at a young age, quickly developing a unique fingerstyle technique that allows him to simultaneously play melody, harmony, and percussion on a single instrument. His early influences included Japanese guitarist Kotaro Oshio and German fingerstyle virtuoso Ulli Bögershausen, who would later become a mentor.

Jung's career accelerated rapidly after his YouTube videos, particularly his cover of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' theme, went viral, earning him millions of followers and widespread acclaim. He has since released several albums, including his debut 'Perfect Blue' and its follow-up 'Irony,' and has collaborated with prominent artists such as Narsha, 2NE1, G-Dragon, and Jason Mraz. Jung is known for his meticulous arrangements, often learning songs by ear or from videos, and for his ability to blend genres from pop and k-ballad to soundtrack music. Despite being dubbed a 'guitar prodigy' and 'August Rush' in Korea, he prefers to be recognized simply as a guitarist.

Jung's legacy lies in his role as a bridge between classical fingerstyle traditions and contemporary pop culture, inspiring a new generation of guitarists worldwide. His dedication to his craft, innovative arrangements, and approachable online presence have made him a leading figure in modern acoustic guitar music.

Fun Facts

• Jung often learns and arranges songs by ear, sometimes taking only a few hours to master a new piece before recording.
• He was nicknamed 'August Rush' in Korea due to his prodigious talent, referencing the film about a musical prodigy.
• Jung played a role in the 2011 Korean movie 'The Suicide Forecast' as Ahn Hyeok.
• He is fluent in English, which he learned to better communicate with international fans and during overseas concerts.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ulli Bögershausen - German fingerstyle guitarist who served as a mentor and musical inspiration, teaching Jung about composition and arrangement. (Guided Jung's early development; acknowledged in interviews and credits.) [2007–2010s]
• Hata Shuji - Japanese jazz guitarist who provided guitar lessons to Jung. (Private instruction; not tied to specific albums.) [2000s]
• Kotaro Oshio - Japanese fingerstyle guitarist whose performances inspired Jung to pursue fingerstyle guitar. (Inspirational influence; not direct collaboration.) [2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Trace Bundy - American fingerstyle guitarist who invited Jung to perform together after seeing his YouTube videos. (Live performances in South Korea and the United States.) [2011]
• Narsha - K-pop artist; Jung featured on her solo album. (Song 'I'm in Love' on the album 'NARSHA'.) [2010]
• 2NE1 - K-pop group; Jung arranged and performed acoustic versions of their songs. (Acoustic versions of 'Lonely' and 'I Love You'.) [2012]
• G-Dragon (BIGBANG) - K-pop artist; performed live together. (Live performance of 'That XX'.) [2012]
• Jason Mraz - American singer-songwriter; performed together live. (Live performance of 'I'm Yours'.) [2013]

Artists Influenced

• Numerous young fingerstyle guitarists worldwide - Inspired a new generation of guitarists through his online presence and arrangements. (Covers and original pieces widely studied and emulated by aspiring musicians.) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. If It Is You (Another Miss Oh, Pt. 5 (Original Television Soundtrack))
2. Day & Night (START-UP (Original Television Soundtrack) Pt. 2)
3. Get To You (KING THE LAND (Original Television Soundtrack), Pt.3)
4. The Snowman (Spring Again)
5. Wind (Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (Original Television Soundtrack), Pt 11)
6. One More Day (In The Spring)
7. An Ordinary Day (My Mister (Original Television Soundtrack), Pt. 3)
8. Night and Day (CASTAWAY DIVA OST Part.4)
9. Ask Out (Motel California OST Part.6)
10. Breath (Doctor Cha (Original Television Soundtrack) Pt. 3)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia