
Jazz Pianist Kwak YoonChan’s 11th Album
《When You Study Upon a Star》 – Track 06: Fish Caught
🎵 Kwak YoonChan’s new album, When You Study Upon a Star, is finally out!
Kwak YoonChan is one of Korea’s leading jazz pianists, known for his sensuous performances and unique interpretations. He has been actively performing both domestically and internationally, and Listeners and critics widely credit Kwak YoonChan for elevating Korean jazz to a new level. Moreover, his music combines delicate yet powerful expressions, allowing listeners to experience both sophistication and raw emotion. As a result, his works always carry a profound musical philosophy and innovative attempts.
A Unique Concept: Jazz Meets Education
📖 When You Study Upon a Star is a conceptual album that blends jazz with educational themes. Unlike traditional jazz albums, this one delivers a fresh musical experience through piano-centered jazz, where each track tells a story-like narrative. Furthermore, this work goes beyond a simple jazz performance—it conveys deep meaning through music.

Track 06: Fish Caught – A Story of Choice and Change
🎶 “Fish Caught” is a song about the moment of being chosen—and the transformations that follow.”
As the title suggests, a fish that is caught is not simply trapped—it is chosen. Similarly, in life, we often encounter unexpected choices, just as the fish is suddenly removed from the water.
This track is built around three core chords, with emotions shifting through arrangement and harmonic development.
- 🎼 The introduction starts with a calm yet expectant melody. At first, the atmosphere feels peaceful, but soon, the music begins to build tension.
- 🎹 Gradually, harmonic changes create tension, symbolizing confusion and emotions at the moment of choice. As the piece progresses, the mood becomes more intense.
- 🎵 The middle section features intense chord progressions, reflecting the dramatic changes that come after a decision. Eventually, the harmony stabilizes, mirroring how we adapt to new circumstances.
Just as a fish is thrown into a new environment, our choices can lead us down completely different paths. Thus, this piece invites listeners to reflect on their own transformative moments.

More Than Just an Instrumental Piece
Fish Caught is not just a simple jazz composition—it carries a philosophical depth. Through his intricate composition, Kwak YoonChan allows us to experience life’s unpredictable moments of choice and the emotions they bring. Ultimately, this track showcases his ability to translate deep themes into captivating music.
Once again, Kwak YoonChan demonstrates his musical depth, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a journey of transformation and reflection.
Listen Now!
Kwak YoonChan’s new album, “When You Study Upon a Star”, is now available on JIGPU! 🎧✨
🔥 Don’t miss the chance to experience his latest masterpiece!
- Listen to Kwak YoonChan’s When You Study Upon a Star now on JIGPU!
- Check out our previous review of Kwak YoonChan’s top albums!