From Boxing Gloves to Danso: Memorial Exhibition for Cheolho Lee, Master of Korean Classical Music

June 30 to August 30 at the National Intangible Heritage Center

A young man who had competed in the national boxing team selection trials for the 1960 Rome Olympics later took up the danso (Korean bamboo flute), continuing the tradition of classical Korean music.

The late Injae Lee Cheolho.

The National Intangible Heritage Center announced on the 29th that it will hold a memorial exhibition for the late holder, titled "The Spirit of Korean Classical Music Continued Through the Danso: Cheolho Lee," from June 30 to August 30 in the special exhibition hall on the second floor of Nurimaru.

Cheolho Lee (1938–2024) was a boxing athlete in his twenties before turning to the danso. He became the recognized holder of the Gurye Hyangje Julpungnyu, a national intangible cultural heritage centered on string instruments such as the geomungo, gayageum, and danso, and served as the head of the preservation society for over 30 years, leading efforts to pass down the tradition.

The exhibition consists of three sections. The first part showcases records of transmission such as the certificate of designation and musical scores. The second part highlights his unique life, from boxer to master of Korean classical music, through personal belongings. The third part features video interviews with his family and successors, providing a multidimensional look back at his life and legacy.

The exhibition is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is closed every Monday. Next month, the center will host hands-on experiences with the danso and geomungo for families with children and teenagers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.