Soojin Han has never let the deafness in her left ear hold her back.
Han was only 4 when the discovery was made, coming after she kept misunderstanding her homework assignments at school. Seated on the left backside of the classroom, it was only after the teachers pointed out the issue to her parents that she was taken to hospital.
“It's actually a genetic condition. My mother has it and her grandfather had it. But it's a condition that usually skips a generation. But somehow it was anomalous that it came straight to me. And of course, they had no idea that it would happen,” says Han, now 36.
“I heard later on that my mum was devastated. She didn't show it at all, because I think she knew that it would probably shock me. But it was something that she really didn't want me to have inherited from her. But she made no show of it. They never made it seem as if it was a disability of any kind.”
Despite the tough circumstances, it hasn’t stopped her from becoming a world-class violinist. As Han’s father pursued a doctorate degree in the UK, her family left South Korea when she was 2, a decision she believes played a pivotal role later in life.
I was able to grow at my own pace and I had space. It is so important for the development, not only of a human being but also as an artist, it's so crucial to have that
Soojin Han,
violinist
She began playing the instrument at 8, being inspired by her mother. Growing up, she further explored her talent, as a student at The Purcell School for Young Musicians in the UK and at the University of Oxford and the Royal Academy of Music in London. She believes her multicultural upbringing helped her get to where she is today.
“In the UK, the education system allows you to be yourself. It allows you to develop character from a very young age and I think that was something that I benefited most from: I found my voice,” she says.
“I was able to grow at my own pace and I had space. It is so important for the development, not only of a human being but also as an artist, it's so crucial to have that.
"But in Korea, because everyone was so focused on the growth of the economy and everyone has to be the best at everything, I think that that's where the focus was slightly different. And from what I heard from my peers who grew up in Korea, they were always so focused on being competitive and that there was no time, there was no space. And if I had that, then maybe I wouldn't have been a musician.”
These days Han performs as a soloist, meaning she does not perform in any orchestra — though she does occasionally. She has performed numerous times in the British capital as well as on tours in Europe and the US. She says that being deaf on her left side isn’t an issue, but admits it took a while to figure out how to work with it.
“When I'm playing with others, it's actually OK if I play in a chamber group because it's a small group. But for instance, when I'm playing as a soloist with an orchestra, there are certain places even in concerti, even if I'm the main player, that I have to accompany one of the players in the woodwind section, which is on the left of me. So on the stage, it would be to the back left and I can't hear them at all,” she says.
“In those kinds of cases, I would just put all my concentration on the conductor and so I'd rely on him. I was able to go about these situations but it just took a little bit of time to find the solution there.”
Those who have watched Han perform before will notice her face is filled with expression as she plays. This is because of how deeply connected she feels to the music, which she’s often called “healing” because of her own experience. When she was young, her mother would play music when she was sick and even now, when playing music for others, she’s also heard them share feedback about how it feels as though it has the power to heal.
Even though musicians want to always be in a positive mindset before going on stage, that isn’t always the case. This can make for a difficult performance. However, Han says that even if she isn’t feeling a specific piece for the moment, that doesn’t mean that her mood might not change during the event and still make for a beautiful experience.
“You can play everything, of course. But if you're not in the mood, then you can't really put your whole being into it I suppose. I mean you try. I think you go through phases, and when you're completely immersed in the music, then it's like you're connected to a greater force or something. And that's when miracles happen,” she says.
“But sometimes it's interesting because you feel that you're not in the mood. But sometimes onstage when you're in that state of concentration, suddenly the inspiration comes from somewhere and then you think what's happening and you realise that it's not you who are creating it, you realise that you are a channel for something else for something bigger to go through."
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Company%20profile
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
Celta Vigo 2
Castro (45'), Aspas (82')
Barcelona 2
Dembele (36'), Alcacer (64')
Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
57kg quarter-finals
Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.
60kg quarter-finals
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.
63.5kg quarter-finals
Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.
67kg quarter-finals
Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.
71kg quarter-finals
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.
Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.
81kg quarter-finals
Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0
Results:
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah (PA) | Group 2 | US$55,000 (Dirt) | 1,600 metres
Winner: AF Al Sajanjle, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint (TB) | Group 2 | $250,000 (Turf) | 1,000m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
8.15pm: Meydan Trophy Conditions (TB) | $100,000 (T) | 1,900m
Winner: Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) | $250,000 (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Poetic Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (D) | 1,200m
Winner: Lava Spin, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Mountain Hunter, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE BIO:
Sabri Razouk, 74
Athlete and fitness trainer
Married, father of six
Favourite exercise: Bench press
Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn
Power drink: A glass of yoghurt
Role model: Any good man
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
ATP WORLD No 1
2004 Roger Federer
2005 Roger Federer
2006 Roger Federer
2007 Roger Federer
2008 Rafael Nadal
2009 Roger Federer
2010 Rafael Nadal
2011 Novak Djokovic
2012 Novak Djokovic
2013 Rafael Nadal
2014 Novak Djokovic
2015 Novak Djokovic
2016 Andy Murray
2017 Rafael Nadal
2018 Novak Djokovic
2019 Rafael Nadal
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
