Bujihwa Art Troupe to Perform Traditional Korean Music Drama Celebrating Hope Bridge's 60th Anniversary on the 21st This Month

Bujiwa Arts Group, which pursues “fun” performances based on traditional arts, will present a modern gugak musical drama at the Textile Center Building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 21st. This is a commemorative performance stage for the “2021 Hope Bridge 60th Anniversary Celebration” organized by Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association, established through the collaboration of numerous newspapers, broadcasters, and social organizations.

This performance centers on traditional Korean music instruments and folk songs while incorporating popular songs. It was born as a “modern gugak musical” by combining traditional arts with popular songs, contemporary choreography, and a variety of costumes including traditional attire and casual wear. Starting from the attempt to break the prejudice that “gugak is boring,” it adds elements of modern musicals and drama. Additionally, various performers ranging from human cultural assets to young gugak artists appear in this creative musical drama reinterpreted based on authentic gugak.

Kim Jeong-hee, Secretary General of Hope Bridge who hosted the performance, said, “Since ancient times, the spirit of ‘Hwannansanghool (患難相恤)’?compassion in times of hardship?has embodied cooperation and solidarity to overcome national disasters,” and added, “We hope this year’s ‘Voice of Hope’ performance will be an opportunity to share hearts.”

Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association was established to help citizens suffering from repeated natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rains every year. It was founded on the occasion of the severe flood damage caused by Typhoon Sarah in July 1961, when representatives from all walks of society launched the National Disaster Countermeasures Committee. Hope Bridge is a purely private organization and the only legally authorized relief organization in Korea that can provide disaster relief funds for natural disaster victims. Over the past 60 years, it has supported those in need with a cumulative total of 1.5 trillion won in donations and more than 50 million relief supplies.