Gugak Star Ahn Sook-sun Becomes Holder of Pansori License

Recognized for transmission ability, transmission environment, and contribution to transmission activities
Qualification as Gayageum Sanjo and Pyeongchang holder lost due to prohibition of duplicate recognition

Famous pansori master Ahn Sook-sun becomes a designated holder of pansori. However, she will lose her qualifications as a holder of Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang. On the 7th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it plans to recognize Ahn as a holder of pansori (Chunhyangga) while simultaneously announcing the cancellation of her recognition as a holder of Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang. Opinions from various sectors will be collected for one month, and the final decision will be made after review by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

Ahn has been actively involved as a renowned pansori master. In the recent recognition survey by the Cultural Heritage Administration, her transmission ability, transmission environment, and contribution to teaching activities were outstanding, earning her the qualification as a holder. With this recognition, her existing status as a holder of Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang will be revoked. The Cultural Heritage Administration does not allow multiple recognitions for one holder across different categories to ensure the stability of the national intangible cultural heritage transmission system.

Ahn is a leading figure who brought gugak (traditional Korean music) closer to the public. She made sounds that were once considered part of surrounding culture familiar and widely spread, quickly rising to stardom. She also played a pioneering role in the globalization of gugak. In 1998, she received the Order of Arts and Culture from the French Ministry of Culture, and in 2003, she performed the complete five pansori madangs at the Lincoln Center Festival in the United States. In 2004, she toured Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco with a performance commemorating the 59th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, conveying the emotion of our traditional sounds.