Grand Prize Winners:
Master Singer Category - Han Danyeong
Master Drummer Category - Kim Kangyu
Boseong County in South Jeolla Province announced on May 7 that the 27th Seopyeonje Boseong Sori Festival, held from May 4 to 6, attracted more than 300 participants for the first time in its 27-year history, with a total of 319 singers and drummers from across the country competing. The event concluded in great success amid an unprecedented level of enthusiasm and response.
The Seopyeonje Boseong Sori Festival, held in Boseong?the birthplace of Seopyeonje, one of the five major pansori styles in Korea?captured the artistic spirit of the region and the sentiments of the Korean people, drawing nationwide attention.
An award ceremony is underway for the National Pansori Gosu Competition, featuring 319 singers and drummers from across the country. Provided by Boseong County
The main competitions took place at the Boseong County Culture and Arts Center and the Boseong Pansori Sacred Site. Special performances by master singer Jo Sanghyun and past Presidential Award winners were also held, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience for their high-quality vocals and drumming.
This year, the Grand Prize (Presidential Award) in the Master Singer category was awarded to Han Danyeong (38, female), who received a trophy, a cash prize of 40 million won, and recognition as a leading next-generation master singer. The Grand Prize in the Master Drummer category (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award) went to Kim Kangyu (25, female).
Additionally, the Seong Changsun Master Singer Award, established last year in memory of the late master singer Seong Changsun, was presented to Lee Daeun (34, female), who won the top prize in the Master Singer category. The award, sponsored by the bereaved family association, included a cash prize of 2 million won.
This year’s Seopyeonje Boseong Sori Festival also served as a cultural venue for learning, enjoying, and experiencing pansori, with side events such as traditional instrument experiences, singing along to pansori, and magic performances, allowing people of all ages to participate.
In particular, for elderly residents who found it difficult to visit the festival in person, a real-time video streaming service was provided via village hall IPTV for the Master Singer finals, the awards ceremony, and Jo Sanghyun’s special performance, which was well received by many.
Chae Heeseol, Chairperson of the Seopyeonje Boseong Sori Festival Organizing Committee, stated, "The Seopyeonje Boseong Sori Festival, held in Boseong, the home of pansori, has established itself as a leading traditional music festival representing Korea. We will continue to promote Boseong’s music and share the inspiration of traditional culture with even more people in the future."
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