Korean composer Chin Unsuk has been selected as the recipient of the 20th Wihuri Sibelius Prize, according to the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

Fifty-six-year-old Chin is the first Asian to win the prestigious prize, along with a cash award of 150-thousand euros.

The Wihuri Foundation for International Prizes is a Finnish organization that has recognized prominent classical music composers since 1953.

The Wihuri Sibelius award is named after Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, who was the first recipient.

Russian composer Dmitri Schostakovich and British composer Benjamin Britten were later recipients.