Gagok Transmission Educator Lee Dong-gyu Designated Holder

Sixteen People Including Lee Howon of Goseong Ogwangdae Recognized as Honorary Holders

On the 22nd, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced its intention to recognize Lee Dong-gyu, a transmission instructor of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Gagok, as a holder. Opinions from various sectors will be collected for a month, and the decision on recognition will be made after deliberation by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

Lee entered the Gugak Training Center (the predecessor of the National Gugak High School) in 1958 and learned Gagok from his father Lee Byung-sung (1909?1960), who worked as a teacher. After graduation, he studied under Lee Joo-hwan, a Gagok holder, and has been active as a member of the National Gugak Center's Jeongakdan since 1971. In 1982, he was recognized as a transmission instructor of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Gagok and has been dedicated to the transmission of Gagok. A Cultural Heritage Administration official evaluated, "His understanding and interpretation of the musical pieces are outstanding, and his vigorous singing style combined with long experience gives his skill a remarkable depth."

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced its intention to recognize sixteen transmission instructors of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage as honorary holders, including Lee Ho-won of Goseong Ogwangdae. Others include Kim Bok-ja of Ganggangsullae, Seo Ki-seong of Eunsan Byeolsinje, Joo Young-geon of Gangneung Danoje, Jeong Young-bae, Baek Jeong-gang, and Lee Soon-gyu of Dongnae Yaryu, Won Han-gi of Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang, Jo Dae-gwon of Yeongsan Soemori Daegi, Hwang Gyu-nam of Gasa, Sa Jae-seong of Piri Jeongak and Daechwita, Lee Byung-ok of Songpa Sandae Nori, Park Jong-dan of Namdo Deulnorae, Kang Jeong-tae of Jindo Dashiraegi, and Jang Myung-hwa and Shin Sang-cheol of Gurye Hyangje Julpungnyu. A Cultural Heritage Administration official said, "They have devoted themselves to transmission education and activities as transmission instructors for over 20 years," adding, "We intend to honor their contributions." In 2020, the Cultural Heritage Administration amended laws to open the path for recognizing honorary holders among transmission instructors as part of expanding support for transmission holders.