Lee Ru-ma (; born 15 February 1978), better known by his stage name Yiruma (), is a South Korean pianist and composer. Biography Yiruma was born in Seoul to a pastor. At age five, he began learning the piano and moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended the Purcell School for Young Musicians and graduated from King's College London. After graduation, Yiruma returned to South Korea and released his debut album, Love Scene, in 2001. He gained wider public recognition for performing the piano versions of the soundtracks from the popular 2006 drama Spring Waltz. On 1 January 2009, he became a DJ for KBS 1FM Yiruma's Music from All Around the World. Yiruma's 2011 compilation album The Best: Reminiscent, 10th Anniversary debuted at number three in the Billboard classical charts in July 2020 and reached number one just two weeks later; Billboard classical charts had done away with its rules of only counting albums sold in the United States and recognizing albums released in the last eighteen months. His music has seen a resurgence in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020. Several videos of his compositions posted on YouTube and other social media platforms have garnered millions of views, including "River Flows in You". Personal life Yiruma previously held British citizenship, which he voluntarily renounced in order to enlist for mandatory military service. He enlisted in the Republic of Korea Navy in July 2006 and was assigned to public relations duties. He was discharged in August 2008. In April 2007, while on leave, Yiruma married his girlfriend Son Hye-im, the older sister of actress and former Miss Korea contestant Son Tae-young. They have a daughter (born in 2008). Discography Studio albums Compilation and special albums Film soundtracks Oasis and Yiruma (2002) Doggy Poo OST (2002) Live albums Yiruma: Live at HOAM Art Hall (2005) Extended plays Singles References External links 1978 births Living people 21st-century composers 21st-century male pianists Alumni of King's College London Musicians from Seoul New-age pianists People educated at Purcell School People who lost British citizenship Republic of Korea Navy personnel South Korean Christians South Korean film score composers South Korean pianists