Cho Ji-in, lead vocalist of the popular German Rock Band ¡°Krypteria,¡± recently visited the Republic of Korea with her band members.

Krypteria¡¯s debut single album, ¡®Liberatio,¡¯ was number two in the German single album chart last year, pushing it into the spotlight of German music—and with it Ms. Cho.

The German band raised 11 million Euros for relief efforts after Southeast Asia was devastated by the tsunami along with German private broadcasting RTL making them the most prominent band in Germany today.

The band has gained recognition in Korea as the story of Cho¡¯s success as a singer has spread. Ms. Cho¡¯s parents came to work in Germany years ago: her father as a miner and her mother as a nurse.

Cho majored in vocal music and piano at Koln Music College. She gained national fame when she placed first in ¡°Fame Academy,¡± a German TV program similar to America¡¯s ¡°American Idol.¡± She then joined Kyrpteria.

In addition to female vocalist Cho, Krypteria has three other members: Christoph Siemons (Guitar, Keyboards), Frank Stumvoll (Bass, Vocals), S.C. Kuschnerus (Drums, Vocals).

Ms. Cho visited Korea for the first time in 14, this time accompanied by her band. She radiated great pride in her Korean roots as she responded in this interview.

Q: Tell us about your band Krypteria.

A: Krypteria started with three original members and I joined the band later. Each of the members is a well-known German musician, and the leader, Christoph, is also a famous producer. Krypteria has sought to create a whole new musical genre. We made established a powerful image by combining classical and medieval music with rock, and I think this gave the German fans a taste of something innovative in our first single which they really loved.

Q: Do you consider yourself as Korean though you were born and grew up in Germany?

A: Definitely. I¡¯ve been drawing Korean National Flag, the ¡°Tae Guk Gi,¡± everywhere since kindergarten. Although I spent most of my life in Germany, I have thought of myself as Korean always, and I am thankful to be Korean German because I was given the great opportunity to experience two wonderful cultures.

Q: What virtues or merits do you find in Korean culture?

A: Korea is the country where people respect their elders. The politeness and respect shown towards older people can be complicated sometimes. The virtue of respectfulness and politeness are universal, however.

Q: There is a term ¡°Han-Ryu,¡± or ¡°Korean Wave,¡± that refers to the remarkable influence of Korean popular culture throughout the world. Have you heard about this phenomenon?

A: Oh, yes I certainly have. Even in Germany, we frequently watch Korean TV programs. I really loved the Korean movie, ¡°Joint Security Area.¡± And we all heard about the Korean singer Bi¡¯s recent blockbuster concert in New York City.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: Although neither my father nor my mother has a career related to music, they love music. My mother plays guitar and piano all the time, and my father enjoys singing. Since I was very little, they supported me in all my interests, including Tae Kwon Do, ballet, swimming and piano. Without their support, there would be no Cho Ji-in as the vocalist of Krypteria.

Q: What was school like for you?

A: Well, I was good at piano since high school. I even received a municipal scholarship for studying music. That musical experience led to my enrollment in the Koln Music College.

Q: Can you tell us about your future plans to visit Korea, especially about possible concerts?

A: I am not quite sure yet, but I am hoping to have a concert in Seoul next April. Due to the limits on time this trip, we could only schedule interviews and showcases. On the next visit, I want to tour around Korea.

Q: Anything you would like to say to your Korean fans?

A: Whenever I think about Korea, I feel a strange feeling of longing that makes me feel like crying. I am so happy I have had this chance to visit my home and perform some good songs. I hope Korean fans enjoy our songs.

By Jun Hwi-gon