Yang Bang-ean


Yang Bang-ean is a Zainichi Korean composer, arranger, record producer, and pianist. His Japanese name is Kunihiko Ryo.

Early life and beginnings

Yang Bang-ean was born in Tokyo, Japan, as the youngest son of five children in a Zainichi Korean family. His late father worked as a doctor; his mother worked as a nutritionist at a hospital that her husband owned. Yang started his early education at the Chōsen School, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He then proceeded to a Japanese high school, where he first became interested in foreign pop and rock music while listening to the radio, which led to him joining a band. He continued his study at Nippon Medical School, where he first started playing the keyboard. The band traveled around holding concerts and releasing an album. After his graduation from Nippon Medical School, he was appointed as a plastic surgeon in a hospital in Tokyo, but quit shortly after to become a musician.

Personal life

His father named him Yang Bang-ean, a name which has three meanings: Yang, symbolizing the family line; Bang, representing many countries- reflecting his dad's wish him to interact with people worldwide; and Ean, a common character in Japanese names to respect Japanese sentiment as the family was living in the country. At the one of interviews in 2007, he stated that the only thing he regretted when he became a successful artist was that his father had to pass away before his success as a musician.
Yang Bang-ean had lived with North Korean nationality for over 30 years. However, he had to give up his North Korean citizenship in 1999, as it was difficult to work overseas while holding such citizenship.
Yang Bang-ean first met his wife at a party she was hosting. He married her when he was in his mid-thirties after being in a relationship for approximately 10 years. He currently lives in Karuizawa, Nagano, to relax from busy city life and concentrate on music.

Discography