The Largest Domestic Music Festival for People with Developmental Disabilities 'GMF' Successfully Held

47 Performance Teams Participate... Grand Prize 'Ensemble Harmonia'
SK Innovation, 8th Year of 'Beautiful Companionship'

The country's largest music festival for people with developmental disabilities, 'GMF,' was successfully held on the 24th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This event began in 2017, hosted by the Heart-Heart Foundation, with SK Innovation serving as the sponsor.

On its 8th edition this year, the final competition featured six performing teams from classical and practical music fields, including the grand prize winner 'Ensemble Harmonia,' engaging in a heated contest.

On the 24th, members of the 'Ensemble Harmonia' team, who won the grand prize at the GMF Awards Ceremony held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are taking a commemorative photo. (Provided by SK Innovation)

The participants were selected after passing the preliminary round earlier this year, which involved a total of 47 performing teams (422 people). They also received professional musician lessons supported by SK Innovation, showcasing solid performance skills.

In the final competition, four teams were awarded after strict judging by a panel of experts, including Professor Lee Seok-jun from Korea National University of Arts. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon encouraged the participants through a video message, and Chairman Oh Ji-chul of the Heart-Heart Foundation, President Myung-sung of SK Earthon, and CEO Namgung Cheol of SM C&C attended the event to watch the performances.

GMF has established itself as a stage for people with developmental disabilities to socially become independent. Over eight years, a total of 238 teams (2,500 people) have participated. Based on outstanding performance skills, some performers have advanced as professional groups collaborating with famous orchestras, held solo concerts, and released albums.

Oh Ji-chul, Chairman of the Heart-Heart Foundation, said, "Every year, music groups of people with developmental disabilities with higher levels of musical skills participate. We ask for much interest and warm support so that people with developmental disabilities can freely express their dreams and talents through GMF and communicate with the world."

Myung-sung, President of SK Earthon, who presented awards, said, "The beautiful melodies resonating at the GMF event every year are like a prelude to people with developmental disabilities taking steps as members of our society. SK Innovation affiliates will gladly continue to accompany and support the independence and growth of people with developmental disabilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.