Ryan Koo (Hankyol)

Conductor - Actor - Teacher

Hi! I’m Hankyol, but everyone calls me Ryan. I’m a conductor, actor, and teacher who’s passionate about juggling creative projects and connecting with people through music and performance. Take a look around - I’m so glad you’re here!

• About
• Conducting
• Acting
• Modeling
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About

I was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to the U.S. when I was six. Since then, I’ve built a life centered around creativity, connection, and performance.My background is in choral conducting and music education, and I’ve spent years directing choirs, teaching voice and piano, and helping students grow through music. More recently, I’ve made an exciting shift into orchestral conducting, working with ensembles and training under inspiring mentors as I continue to grow in this field.During the pandemic, I also found a new creative outlet in acting. What started as a fun experiment quickly became a serious pursuit, and now I’m grateful to be able to work in both music and film/tv. Whether I’m conducting a concert, performing in a scene, or coaching young musicians, I’m passionate about storytelling and collaboration.Juggling it all keeps life interesting and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love working with people to create something meaningful, whether it’s a performance, a classroom moment, or a commercial shoot.

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Conducting

I’m a conductor with a background in choral music and a growing passion for orchestral work. After years of directing choirs and teaching music, I’ve recently shifted my focus toward orchestral conducting and it’s been an exciting next chapter in my musical journey.I’m currently studying privately with conductor Tianyi Lu, whose artistry and mentorship have deeply shaped my development. To further my training, I’ve attended conducting workshops at the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of South Carolina, and the Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute, where I’ve had the opportunity to work with live ensembles and receive direct feedback from leading conductors.Before transitioning to orchestral work, I studied choral conducting with Bruce Rogers & William McIntosh at Mt. San Antonio College, Dr. Shawna Stewart at Biola University, and Dr. John Sutton & Michelle Jensen at Azusa Pacific University. I've also studied privately with vocal jazz music educators such as Mat Falker and Michele Weir. These experiences laid a strong foundation in gesture, score study, rehearsal technique, and expressive communication.I love the collaborative energy of the rehearsal room and the storytelling power of music whether choral or orchestral. My goal is always to lead with clarity, heart, and a deep respect for the people and music in front of me.

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Acting

I discovered acting during the pandemic as a creative outlet and it quickly became a true passion. What started with self-tapes in my living room has grown into an exciting journey filled with commercials, classes, and collaborations I never expected.I’ve been fortunate to work on commercials for clients such as Samsung, Hyundai, and ESPN alongside comedian Jim Gaffigan. Each project has taught me something new and deepened my love for storytelling on screen.To keep growing, I’ve trained in improv at The Groundlings, UCB, and Cold Tofu, and have taken a variety of acting classes to build my craft. Whether it’s comedy, commercial work, or character study, I love the challenge and connection that acting brings.For me, it’s all about collaboration - whether I’m working on set, rehearsing a scene, or playing off the energy of an improv group. I’m excited to keep learning, keep showing up, and keep telling stories that matter (and maybe make you laugh, too).

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Modeling

Modeling has been one of the most unexpected (and exciting) parts of my creative journey. To be honest, I’ve spent much of my life feeling insecure about being in front of a camera so stepping into this world has taken some courage. But it’s also been incredibly rewarding.I’ve had the opportunity to model for major clients such as Coffee Bean, Wells Fargo, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Each shoot has challenged me to grow more confident and comfortable in my own skin, while collaborating with some amazing creative teams along the way.While this wasn’t something I ever imagined doing, I’m so glad I said yes to that first shoot. It’s reminded me how fun and empowering it can be to embrace the unexpected and show up fully - even when it’s outside your comfort zone.

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