The Lives of Sobanjang and Pansori Masters Preserved in Records

Publication of Three Books Exploring the Lives and Artistic Worlds of Heritage Holders

“Transmission Processes and Rituals of Haenyeo and Jeju Great Shamanic Ritual Also to Be Documented on Video”

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 15th that it has published three books documenting holders of national intangible cultural heritage: 'Sobanjang Holder Kim Chunsik', 'Pansori Holder Kim Ilgu', and 'Pansori Holder Jung Sunim'.

From the left, cover of 'Sobanjang Holder Kim Chunsik,' 'Pansori Holder Kim Ilgu,' and 'Pansori Holder Jeong Sunim.'

These books are a follow-up to the national intangible cultural heritage video archives produced last year, and cover the lives, skills, artistry, and transmission processes of Sobanjang Holder Kim Chunsik and Pansori Holders Kim Ilgu and Jung Sunim.

'Sobanjang Holder Kim Chunsik' details the life and world of work of Kim Chunsik, who has dedicated his entire life to inheriting and developing the craft techniques for table-making in Naju. The book comprehensively presents his unique production methods, representative works, and activities for passing down the craft, conveying the essence of Korean traditional craftsmanship.

'Pansori Holder Kim Ilgu' highlights the artistic journey of Kim Ilgu, who learned from the late Pansori holder Park Bongsul. The book illustrates how Kim inherited the Park Bongsul version of 'Jeokbyeokga' while also developing an original artistic world rooted in the fundamentals of the Eastern School (Dongpyeonje) of Pansori, in accordance with his life journey and musical characteristics.

'Pansori Holder Jung Sunim' tells the story of Jung Sunim, who grew up in a family of Korean traditional musicians. The book introduces Jung’s musical identity, focusing on her succession of the late Park Nokju’s version of 'Heungboga' and her dedication to preserving the distinctive restraint and authenticity of the Eastern School Pansori.

Since 1995, the Cultural Heritage Administration has produced videos and books documenting the skills, artistry, and transmission status of national intangible cultural heritage. The accumulated records are widely utilized for academic research, education, and heritage transmission activities.

This year, work is underway to document on video the transmission processes and rituals of 'Haenyeo' (Jeju women divers) and the 'Jeju Great Shamanic Ritual'. In addition, video archives featuring the lives and artistic worlds of Pansori Holders Kim Sueon ('Sugungga'), Kim Youngja ('Simcheongga'), and Lee Nancho ('Heungboga') are being produced. The video documentation of the holders is scheduled for completion within the year, while the videos on 'Haenyeo' and the 'Jeju Great Shamanic Ritual' are planned to be finalized by August next year.

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