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BMK Transitions from Stage to Classroom, Teaching Singing at Seoul National School for the Blind
On June 29, JTBC’s investigative program Close‑Up Camera turned the spotlight from stage lights to classroom desks as South Korean singer BMK stepped into a new role.
The 51‑year‑old vocalist, known for her powerful voice and hit albums since 2003, has been teaching singing classes at the Seoul National School for the Blind in Yongsan, Seoul, for the past two years. The program showed her guiding visually impaired students through vocal exercises and song selection, delivering 20 sessions each semester.
Students at the school, which prepares individuals who have lost their sight due to illness or accident for new careers—many of whom pursue massage‑therapist certification—described BMK’s lessons as a source of comfort and inspiration. One pupil said, “When I sing, I can feel light even without sight,” while another added, “The world usually feels gray to me, but when I listen to music, it feels pink. My heart becomes peaceful and beautiful.”
BMK learned about the school through an acquaintance who encouraged her to bring music to the students. After a formal interview process, she was hired as a music teacher. The broadcast revealed that the students had only recently discovered her fame, noting that they had admired her smiling face and felt her sincerity in class.
In the segment, BMK urged her pupils to follow their hearts after each song and to believe in themselves, saying, “If you accept yourself as you are, dream first, and believe in it, then anyone has possibilities.” Her background as a performer lends weight to her guidance. She debuted in 2003 with the album No More Music and has since released several successful records. In 2011, she married Maxy Lary Dierel, a former U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot.
The Seoul National School for the Blind, established to provide specialized education for visually impaired students, offers a range of programs that help students transition to independent adult life. BMK’s involvement aligns with the school’s mission to enrich students’ lives beyond academic instruction. By sharing her professional experience, she provides a tangible example of how music can be both a therapeutic tool and a potential career path.
The segment also highlighted a broader trend of artists engaging in educational and charitable work. BMK’s decision to teach at a specialized institution demonstrates how musicians can leverage their skills to support underserved communities. While the program did not detail future plans, it confirmed that BMK will continue her teaching schedule for the upcoming semester.
In summary, the JTBC broadcast revealed that BMK has expanded her career beyond recording and performing to include music education for visually impaired students. Her classes at the Seoul National School for the Blind have already made a measurable impact on the students’ emotional well‑being and outlook on life. The segment provided a rare glimpse into the singer’s personal commitment to giving back to the community, illustrating how established artists can play a meaningful role in education and social support and underscoring the importance of accessible music programs for individuals with visual impairments.
The 51‑year‑old vocalist, known for her powerful voice and hit albums since 2003, has been teaching singing classes at the Seoul National School for the Blind in Yongsan, Seoul, for the past two years. The program showed her guiding visually impaired students through vocal exercises and song selection, delivering 20 sessions each semester.
Students at the school, which prepares individuals who have lost their sight due to illness or accident for new careers—many of whom pursue massage‑therapist certification—described BMK’s lessons as a source of comfort and inspiration. One pupil said, “When I sing, I can feel light even without sight,” while another added, “The world usually feels gray to me, but when I listen to music, it feels pink. My heart becomes peaceful and beautiful.”
BMK learned about the school through an acquaintance who encouraged her to bring music to the students. After a formal interview process, she was hired as a music teacher. The broadcast revealed that the students had only recently discovered her fame, noting that they had admired her smiling face and felt her sincerity in class.
In the segment, BMK urged her pupils to follow their hearts after each song and to believe in themselves, saying, “If you accept yourself as you are, dream first, and believe in it, then anyone has possibilities.” Her background as a performer lends weight to her guidance. She debuted in 2003 with the album No More Music and has since released several successful records. In 2011, she married Maxy Lary Dierel, a former U.S. Army Black Hawk pilot.
The Seoul National School for the Blind, established to provide specialized education for visually impaired students, offers a range of programs that help students transition to independent adult life. BMK’s involvement aligns with the school’s mission to enrich students’ lives beyond academic instruction. By sharing her professional experience, she provides a tangible example of how music can be both a therapeutic tool and a potential career path.
The segment also highlighted a broader trend of artists engaging in educational and charitable work. BMK’s decision to teach at a specialized institution demonstrates how musicians can leverage their skills to support underserved communities. While the program did not detail future plans, it confirmed that BMK will continue her teaching schedule for the upcoming semester.
In summary, the JTBC broadcast revealed that BMK has expanded her career beyond recording and performing to include music education for visually impaired students. Her classes at the Seoul National School for the Blind have already made a measurable impact on the students’ emotional well‑being and outlook on life. The segment provided a rare glimpse into the singer’s personal commitment to giving back to the community, illustrating how established artists can play a meaningful role in education and social support and underscoring the importance of accessible music programs for individuals with visual impairments.