Magic bridges East and West

Sleight of hand

Asia Magic Week also marked the Magic Castle debut of I Ryun, a 35-year-old magician from South Korea.

First enthralled by magic in 2008, I Ryun cultivated his craft for about 18 years and garnered 31 awards including a world championship.

I Ryun performed what is known as prestidigitation, or sleight of hand routine. The style revolves around hand manipulation in which the magician transforms objects solely through the nimbleness of hand and fingers, with props that include coins, cards, and ropes.

South Korea excels in the field and has developed some signature finesse and a distinctive flair.

A virtuoso in prestidigitation, I Ryun's manipulation act featured high energy K-pop music during which he produced a plethora of colored CDs. In the Palace Theatre, the Magic Castle's biggest and most prestigious stage, dozens of discs seemed to materialize from nowhere via I Ryun's hands, shifting size smoothly from large to small, and back, without a pause.

I Ryun said he believes anyone who witnesses his magic would sense the unique cultural characteristics of Korea.

Kenji Minemura, a master magician from Japan who has been invited to the castle many times before remained eager to share his art during Asia Magic Week.

His magical journey began at 10 when he found upon a children's magic book in his brother's room.

After showing his newfound skills to his classmates, the shy young Kenji discovered a connection with people he had never experienced. Since then, magic has become his preferred medium of expression.

Growing up in the countryside with limited access to resources and no magicians around, Kenji searched the nearest town, only to find one toy shop with a single shelf dedicated to magic-related products.

After that, Kenji saved his money to buy magic books and tricks and his second-floor bedroom became his sanctuary where he could fully immerse himself in the world of mysteries. A few small balls and thimbles served as his props. While practicing his routines, he would occasionally drop a ball, which would strike the floor with a distinct sound. That sound became his constant companion throughout his youth.

Modest in nature, Kenji said he is "not an ambitious person", yet, his exceptional skills have attracted numerous opportunities and he has competed at the International Federation of Magic Societies, the Olympics of magic, where he became world champion in 2000.