The Performer Beating the Kkwaenggwari and Janggu Wasn't Human... Robot "Mori" Takes the Stage at BPAM Closing Ceremony
Jajinmori and Hwimori solos; performs in response to human movements
Four Samulnori instruments draw attention from performing arts professionals worldwide
The performer energetically beating the kkwaenggwari and janggu on a performing arts stage in Busan was not human. A Samulnori robot presented a performance playing traditional Korean rhythms and responding to the audience.
The Samulnori robot “Mori” performed for about five minutes at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Busan International Performing Arts Market (BPAM), held on October 6 at Oaje in Haeundae, Busan.
That day, Mori performed Jajinmori and Hwimori as solos before playing the Chilchae rhythm in collaboration with others. Although brief, the performance showed a robot playing traditional Samulnori at a closing ceremony attended by performing arts professionals from Korea and abroad.
Mori also demonstrated its ability to recognize human movements and incorporate them into its performance. The robot’s playing continues in response to the audience’s movements. Mori plays four Samulnori instruments: the kkwaenggwari, janggu, buk, and jing. It was developed to automatically generate sheet music and playing movements using motion-recognition technology and AI, enabling it to perform.
Jineung Design Co., Ltd., an AI startup headquartered in Busan, developed Mori. The company uses motion-recognition AI to develop Samulnori robots, AI kiosks, and media content.
Now in its fourth year, BPAM is a performing arts market hosted by the Busan Metropolitan City Government and organized by the Busan Cultural Foundation. This year’s event took place from October 1 to 7 at locations around Busan, including Dongseo University’s Centum Campus and the Haeundae Cultural Center.
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“It was meaningful to share our traditional rhythms through a robot at a gathering of performing arts professionals from around the world,” said Kim Taehee, CEO. “We will continue to present performances that bring robots and traditional arts together.”
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