More than a century has passed since Koreans first listened to Western classical music -- in 1910, Korea was forced to import Western goods under Japanese colonial rule.

Now, rising Korean pianists, including Son Yeol-eum, are traveling the world, playing what used to be a foreign genre. Later this month, Son will explore what that means to her identity in what will be her first national tour in three years.

"Many in the West ask why an Asian person like myself would play their music," Son told reporters at a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday. "I myself have wondered whether it's natural for me to play Western music."

In her tour, "Modern Times," Son will play classical music from the early 20th century. Each recital will be divided into two acts, the first comprised of pre-World War I music and the second post-war. The reason for this arrangement is because the war marked a huge turning point for the world and Korea, Son said, adding she is experiencing one herself as she turns 30 this year.

"I haven't been confident in my 20s and have been preoccupied with my weaknesses," she said. "In my 30s, I hope I become more self-confident and contribute more to society."

Son won Silver Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2011. She also received the Best Chamber Concerto Performances and the Best Performance of the Commissioned Work at the same competition. Her big break came when she played with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as a solo pianist.

Son will hit all the major cities in Korea, including Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu and Busan.

In Seoul, she will perform at Gangdong Arts Center on Saturday and Seoul Art Center on Feb. 27. (Yonhap)