Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Tongyeong faced limitations in conducting its regular activies, prompting a shift toward
online events and communications. Despite these challenges, the citycontinued its commitment to promoting
musical endeavors. Since earning the UNESCO Creative City of Music title in 2015, Tongyeong has fervently championed
various music-related initiatives. These includethe Tongyeong International Music Festival, the ISANGYUN Competition,
Tongyeong Campus of Korea National Institute for Gifted in Arts, and traditional Korean performing arts like Namhaean
Byeolsingut,Tongyeong Ogwangdae, and Seungjeonmu.

The city has also actively organized the Isang Yun Children's Song Festival, Musicians in the Street, TIMFOutreach Concerts,
and a plethora of diverse educational programs. These efforts aim to nurturebudding musicians while expanding
citizens' access to cultural events, activities, and related services,even in the face of pandemic restrictions.
Furthermore, Tongyeong's commitment to preserving and elevating its musical assets remains steadfast.Initiatives like the
Tongyeong Festival Orchestra (TFO), Ensemble TIMF, and Tongyeong Municipal Boysand Girls Choir are testament to this
dedication. Despite Tongyeong's relatively small population ofaround 121,000, its stature as a global music city is unwavering.
Through hosting high-qualityperformances featuring renowned artists worldwide, Tongyeong has solidified its place among
theworld's creative cities, showcasing its vibrant musical culture on a global stage, even amidst challengingtimes