With numerous K-pop artists making their marks all over the world, pianist Yiruma is quietly but surely letting his name known throughout Europe.

Yiruma's Stay In Memory which was released in Germany in February sold over 10,000 copies in just a month. Even in Europe, for a foreign pianist's solo album to sell that many is a rare feat.

In April, Yiruma held a showcase at Partenkirchen where Jason Mraz and John Legend have previously performed.

"The venue was a church. The audience was very receptive as they laughed to my broken-English jokes, gave standing ovations and cried a few tears to my music. I was amazed," Yiruma said of his showcase.

Secret to Success is 'Background Music'

What is the reason behind Yiruma's success in various countries and cultures?

"It is background music. You can hear it anywhere, while studying, chatting at a café, driving to places, etc. I think my songs come off friendly and comforting, like background music to one's life," Yiruma answered.

He added, "I would like to continue writing music that people will love and appreciate. Rather than trying too hard to showcase 'Korea' I just want to keep up what I have been doing. That way, listeners will come to grow closer and more comfortable with musicians from Korea and be beneficial for K-pop in the long run."

Having Your Own Color the Key to Survival

Having enjoyed a long list of accomplishments, where does Yiruma want to go from here on out?

"I want to focus more on teaching. Develop young artists-in-training and pass on my knowledge. I want to establish a music school later on."

As an artist who studied abroad in Europe as a child and through adolescence, Yiruma says that his experience in the motherland of classical music was definitely a great boost for his development. He stated, however, it is not necessary for every musician.

"Wherever you are, I think the most important thing is to find and develop your own color of music. No one really showed me the way, either, so I had to do it myself. I want to be able to guide young talents by opening up an international music school in Korea," Yiruma shared.

He added, "More than attending a good university and receiving quality music education, it is important to know what kind of music you want to do. Establishing your musical identity is the key to survival."