Korean Performing Arts Initiative | 유일한 Ilhan New: His Life in Music and Story - Featuring Original Songs by Lisa Sung

Join us for a special evening of music and storytelling celebrating the remarkable life of Ilhan New, a Korean American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and University of Michigan alum. This musical performance is presented in conjunction with the Nam Center for Korean Studies’ international conference, “Transpacific Lives in an American Century: Ilhan New as Method,” exploring New’s life and legacy across Korea and the United States.

Born in Pyongyang, New came to the United States at a young age and grew up in the Midwest. His journey took him from a Korean youth military school in Hastings, Nebraska, to Detroit and Ann Arbor, where he studied business and commerce at the University of Michigan. In 1922, he co-founded La Choy with his Michigan friend Wally Smith. Returning to Korea in 1926, he established Yuhan Corporation, a pharmaceutical company that reflected his commitment to public health and social responsibility. During and after World War II, New also contributed to Korea’s independence efforts and the rebuilding of the nation through education, philanthropy, and public health initiatives. His life offers a compelling lens through which to explore migration, identity, entrepreneurship, and the enduring connections between Korea and the United States.

Featuring original songs by Lisa Sung, this performance brings New’s extraordinary story to life through music and narrative, inviting audiences to reflect on the personal experiences and historical forces that shaped his legacy.

Performers
- Lisa Sung — Composer and piano
- Jeong Min Huh — Tenor
- Brynn Hilliker — Bass
- Cecilia Fornuto — Soprano
- Harrison McComb — Saxophone/Flute
- Nicholas Classen — Trombone
- Max Wetterlen — Drums

If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at outreachkorea@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.