Members of the nepes Rua Orchestra achieved a remarkable milestone after all participating members received awards at the 9th Tool Music Competition for Musicians with Disabilities, held in December 2025. Following their success, the orchestra took the stage at the inaugural “Tool Music Festival for Musicians with Disabilities” on January 13, 2026, at the Icheon Art Hall, where they performed for a live audience.
At the competition, four orchestra members were recognized for their musical excellence:
- Jinyoung Lee – 2nd place, Cello
- Seoyeon Cho – 3rd place, Cello
- Seojin Park – 3rd place, Violin
- Taeyeon Kang – Honorable Mention, Violin
Each awardee was subsequently invited to perform again at the festival, showcasing the skills they have honed over time.
Behind these achievements lies the members’ commitment not only to performance but also to their daily work routines. Rua Orchestra members maintain regular working hours, fulfill their assigned duties, collaborate with colleagues, and manage themselves responsibly. This steady discipline and stable job structure have contributed directly to their artistic growth, ultimately culminating in their success at an external competition.
The accomplishments represent more than individual excellence—they reflect nepes Rua’s operational philosophy of building a sustainable employment model rooted in professionalism and responsibility, rather than viewing employment for people with disabilities solely as an act of protection or care. Members are valued as working professionals first, and on that foundation, they continue to expand their artistic capabilities.
A nepes Rua representative stated, “These achievements represent not only the efforts of each Rua member, but also the accumulated contributions of the entire nepes organization—our work environment, collaborative structure, and stable operational system. Rua Orchestra will continue balancing diligent work with musical challenges, spreading positive influence within and beyond nepes, and fostering a culture where all members grow together.”