Master Yoon Jin-cheol's Complete Performance of 'Simcheongga'

Youngest Pansori Intangible Cultural Asset Yoon Jin-cheol's Complete Performance of 'Simcheongga'
Graceful Musicality and Preservation of Traditional Bosung Sori from Old Banganso-ri

The National Theater announced on the 21st that it will perform "Complete Pansori - Yoon Jin-cheol's Simcheongga" at the National Theater Sky Theater. Photo by National Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The National Theater announced on the 21st that it will hold a performance of "Complete Pansori - Yoon Jincheol's Simcheongga" at the National Theater's Haneul Theater.

The performance will take place on April 9th. Yoon Jincheol, a master holder of the national intangible cultural asset "Jeokbyeokga," is set to showcase the essence of Boseong Sori through a four-hour complete rendition of "Simcheongga." This is Yoon's first full-length performance since being designated as a master holder in 2020, raising great anticipation.

Master Yoon first learned pansori at the age of 11 from Master Kim Heungnam and honed his skills under renowned masters of the time such as Kim Sohee and Jeong Gwonjin. Continuously refining his unique sound and dedicating himself to solo practice, he has won numerous awards including the Presidential Award in the Master Singer category at the 1998 Jeonju Daesaseupnori, the Korean Broadcasting Award for Traditional Music Artist, the 2005 KBS Traditional Music Award, and the 2013 Seoam Traditional Culture Award.

In addition to his outstanding vocal skills, Master Yoon is also known for his diverse talents. As a holder of the national intangible cultural asset for pansori gobeop (accompaniment), he is an excellent drummer. From 2010 to 2014, he served as the artistic director of the Gwangju Municipal Gugak Troupe, presenting various changgeuk (traditional Korean opera) stages. He is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation and preserving pansori traditions. Recognized for his exceptional ability and contribution to pansori transmission, he was designated in 2020 as the master holder of the national intangible cultural asset pansori "Jeokbyeokga," becoming the youngest to hold such a title.

The "Boseong Sori" performed by Master Yoon is a style passed down in the Boseong region of Jeollanam-do through Park Yujeon, Jeong Jaegun, Jeong Eungmin, and Jeong Gwonjin. It refers to the school perfected by Master Jeong Eungmin, who synthesized sounds learned from various teachers based on Master Park Yujeon's Gangsanje ritual. This style preserves the tradition of old pansori performed indoors at wealthy households, characterized by its delicate yet weighty sound and an emphasis on musicality through vocal variations that enhance its aesthetic appeal. Among its repertoire, "Simcheongga," which contains many dramatic passages expressing sorrow, is considered the work that best showcases the delicate expression and diverse vocal tones unique to Boseong Sori.

As the legitimate successor of Boseong Sori and the last disciple of Master Jeong Gwonjin, who was a master holder of pansori "Simcheongga," Master Yoon is praised for inheriting his teacher's style, which was restrained in emotion yet strict, free, and dignified beyond common conventions. Since his teacher's passing, he has continuously studied recordings and albums to master not only the most mature sounds of Master Jeong but also his artistic philosophy, pride in Boseong Sori, and unwavering dedication to reaching the pinnacle of pansori.

On this stage, the gosu (drummer) will be Park Siyang, a master holder of the national intangible cultural asset pansori gobeop, along with Jo Yongsu from the National Changgeuk Company’s instrumental section. Yoo Youngdae, president of Gugak Broadcasting, will serve as the commentator and host.

Master Yoon stated, "With the mindset that this will be my last complete performance in life, I plan to sing every passage of the approximately four-hour-long Boseong Sori 'Simcheongga' without omission, embodying the 'Jeongsim (Right Mind)' and 'Jeongeum (Right Sound)' emphasized by my teacher."

The National Theater's complete pansori performances, which began in 1984, have been a dream stage featuring the era's greatest masters such as Seong Changsoon, Park Songhee, Seong Woo-hyang, Nam Haeseong, and Song Sunseop. It is the longest-running complete pansori stage where audiences can fully appreciate the value of an entire pansori piece. All seats are priced at 20,000 KRW.