Soprano Kim Jee-Hyun leads globalization of Korean 'gagok'

Soprano Kim Jee-Hyun and nine of her Chinese students, all in the doctor of musical arts course at Sangmyung University, perform during a “gagok” concert at Jangcheon Hall in the Gwanglim Arts Center in Seoul on October 18.

By Kang Seok-jae

Korean soprano Kim Jee-Hyun, one of the best-known Asian vocalists, is going all out to help globalize Korean "gagok." Gagok refers to a genre of vocal music using lyrics from a poem.

As part of her efforts to further globalize gagok and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her debut in Korea as a vocalist, Kim, 50, a professor of vocal arts at Sangmyung University in Seoul, presented a gagok concert on October 18 with nine of her Chinese students, all in the doctor of musical arts (DMA) course.

It marked the first time that such a concert featuring a Korean teacher and Chinese vocalist students had been held in Korea.

The concert, titled “Soprano Kim Jee-Hyun & Golden Muses,” was at the Jangcheon Hall of the Gwanglim Arts Center in downtown Seoul. It was organized by Wang Zhi Guo, Kim's No. 1 student, and conducted by the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra's Seo Jang-Won.

The first part of the concert featured nine Korean gagok songs by nine Chinese vocalists, followed by Kim's “Bongjeongsa (Temple).” The song is based on poet Seo Young-Soon's lyrics and was composed by Sung Yong-Won. It was the first time the song was presented in the orchestra version.

A duet of “On the Road of the Wind” by Kim and Chinese baritone Zhu Fungjia followed. The song was written by Seo and composed by Sung. It also marked the first time the song was performed in the orchestra version.

Kim, who organizes master classes in China and Korea every month, was appointed last month as “the peace ambassador” by GCS International at the 2019 GCS International Convention in Gwangju, Korea.

At the 2019 GCS Peace Concert during the convention, Kim performed “Love of Wonyeonggyo (Bridge),” a song written by Seo and composed by Lee An-Sam.

In April, Kim released an album that featured “Love of Wolyounggyo” and other Korean gagok songs and several Chinese songs.

“Now Korean gagok is gaining more popularity among Chinese vocalists and gagok can be another form of the Korean wave, or 'hallyu,” Kim said.

“After the October 18 concert, I have received several requests for similar concerts featuring Chinese vocalists in Korea. The Korean gagok can serve as a good bridge between Korea and China in the cultural sector.”

Kang Seok-jae is vice president of the Asia Journalist Association.