Minyo diva wins famed German award

Lee Chun-hee

By Lee Kyung-min

Lee Chun-hee, 66, one of the most prominent singers of minyo, or Korean folk songs, has won the Deutschen Schallplattenkritik Award for her album, “Chant Arirang et Minyo.”

Established in 1980, the award is one of the most prestigious of its kind in Europe. A panel of more than 145 experts — music critics, scholars and veteran music program producers— select the winners every year.

“Chant Arirang et Minyo” was produced with the support of the Arts Council Korea, and was released in France and 60 other countries on May 1.

Lee was named the 57th Intangible Asset in Korea, specializing in Gyeonggi minyo, and she served twice as the traditional music art director at the National Gugak Center.

She started training in minyo techniques after graduating from high school and is recognized as one of the most esteemed virtuosos in the traditional genre. Lee serves as the president of the Korean Traditional Folk Song Association.

The singer said she was honored to be given recognition from foreign experts and expressed her hope that more people will become interested in the minyo genre. “Up until now, Gyeonggi minyo has not been a popular genre, nor has it been recognized much by the public. This award is not just for me, but for all the professionals of Gyeonggi minyo and the people who love our traditional music,” Lee said.

Her album features signature pieces from her repertoire, along with some versions of the best known Korean traditional number “Arirang.”

The award ceremony was held on May 15 in Bonn, Germany.