Yu Tae-pyeongyang, known as a "gugak prodigy" who performed the complete Heungbuga at age six and a second-year student in the Department of Korean Music, captured first place in the pansori category of the 28th Dong-A Gugak Competition, his first-ever competition.

At this competition, which featured 540 participants including members of the public and students in pansori and instrumental categories, Yu delivered a stirring rendition of the "prayer for the son-in-law's success" passage from Chunhyangga, earning high praise from the judges.

The gugak community viewed Yu's victory in his debut contest—after rising to fame as a "gugak prodigy"—as evidence that he has returned as a full-fledged adult vocalist.

Yu said, "I entered the competition alone with no expectations, so I am very happy to have won. I see this award as the beginning of my transition from a 'gugak prodigy' to a full-fledged vocalist. I will devote myself to my singing and become a performer who can introduce our music to the world."

Meanwhile, Yu entered the Department of Korean Music last year, and the stage where he completed Heungbuga at age six was also the Samsung Arts Center, giving him a deep connection with the university.