Born in Seoul, South Korea, Sangah started learning piano at age five. By nine, she was fully committed to pursuing music. Her classical piano training laid a strong foundation, but as a teenager, she developed a passion for non-classical music, especially heavy metal. Her bold decision to perform Metallica’s Master of Puppets for her college audition in 2000 solidified her path toward becoming a versatile musician.
Sangah attended Dongduk Women’s University, where she majored in music and graduated in 2005. She was also accepted into Seoul Institute of the Arts, both institutions being renowned for their programs in non-classical music. Her education not only strengthened her technical piano skills but also gave her the flexibility to explore various musical genres.
Sangah’s professional career began in 2004 when she performed with one of South Korea’s leading female singers, Chun-hwoa Ha. After that, she became a highly requested session musician and played with various concert and broadcast bands, working with top national networks such as MBC, KBS, and SBS. Sangah’s versatility made her a sought-after pianist, leading to opportunities to perform across the country in high-profile venues and events.
Her television work included a two-year stint on Ah-chim Madang (Morning Garden), a popular live morning show on KBS, where she performed weekly. Sangah’s experience also extended to musicals, where she debuted in the Korean production Give Me Back My Youth in 2004, and later toured nationally with Ah-shee (My Lady) in 2005. In the U.S., she served as the Musical Director and solo accompanist for Broadway productions such as Camelot, A Chorus Line, and Man of La Mancha at the Compass Rose Theater in Annapolis, MD.
In addition to her stage performances, Sangah was a prominent lounge pianist in South Korea, playing at prestigious hotels such as the Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. She held a residency as the main pianist at the Millennium Seoul Hilton from 2005 to 2010, just before moving to the U.S. In Virginia, she continued performing with residencies at venues like the Ritz Carlton, MGM, and St. Regis.
Sangah has been teaching piano since 2001, finding joy in guiding students of all levels, especially beginners. She has also dedicated time to volunteering, teaching music to psychiatric patients and the blind. For Sangah, teaching is a continuous learning process and a way to share her love for music with others.
Beyond music, Sangah is a passionate aviator. After earning her Private Pilot’s License in 2012, she continued to pursue advanced certifications and is now an FAA-certified commercial pilot for single-engine airplanes.
Sangah continues to inspire and entertain her global audience through her YouTube channel, livestreams, and piano performances. Whether on stage, teaching students, or in the sky, her life is driven by a love for learning and sharing her gifts with the world.