An Bichwi's 100th Anniversary: Students Weave a Musical Drama of Memories

Three holders, Lee Chunhee, Kim Hyeran, and Lee Hoyeon, share the stage
Concludes with the Twelve Japga and "Gyeongbokgung Taryeong"

The National Intangible Heritage Center will present "Master Homage: Song of an Empty Room" at the Eolssumaru Grand Performance Hall on November 20 and 21, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of master An Bichwi (1926-1997), a former holder of Gyeonggi folk song, a National Intangible Heritage.

“Homage to the Masters: Song of an Empty Room” Cast / National Intangible Heritage Center

After being recognized as a holder in 1975, An Bichwi founded the Korean Folk Song Research Society and trained numerous successors. Her students Lee Chunhee, Kim Hyeran, and Lee Hoyeon will take center stage in this performance. Rather than follow the conventional biographical format of presenting events in chronological order, the show weaves together anecdotes each of them has cherished and presents them as a musical drama of memories. All three trained under An Bichwi and now serve as holders of Gyeonggi folk song.

In Act 1, they recount the affection their teacher showed young Lee Hoyeon aboard the local trains they took to performances, through "Gu Arirang" and "Shin Gosantaryeong." Act 2 tells the story of how the teacher recognized Kim Hyeran's talent and encouraged her to study with Lee Jisan, a master of Seoul gut.

Act 3 revisits, through "Jebiga" and "Sabalga," the memory of how the teacher guided Lee Chunhee, who was shaken by nerves on the day of her transmission test in 1976, with firmness and deep affection. In Act 4, all three holders will sing "Hoesimgok," the song the master most enjoyed performing during her lifetime.

The final performance features the Twelve Japga and "Gyeongbokgung Taryeong." All the performers, including the three holders and 15 students, will show how the songs passed down by their teacher are being carried forward to the next generation. Kim Sihwa is in charge of the script and direction, and Lee Minhyeong is the music director.

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