Im Jinok Expected to Be Recognized
as Holder of "Daegum Jeongak"
For the first time in 24 years, a new holder of national intangible heritage has been named in the field of Gayageum Byeongchang, a traditional Korean art of singing while playing the Gayageum.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on July 10 that Jung Oksun (stage name Jung Yejin) has been recognized as the holder of the national intangible heritage "Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang." Jung is a master who has dedicated herself to preserving and passing down this tradition. She began studying Gayageum under Park Gwihee (1921-1993) in 1969, became a certified trainee in 1986, and was appointed as a transmission educator in 2001.
The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "Jung has demonstrated outstanding understanding and interpretation of Gayageum Byeongchang pieces, and has made significant contributions to creating an environment for transmission and nurturing future generations through systematic education." The administration added, "We hope that recognizing her as a holder will bring renewed vitality to the field of transmission."
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced its intention to recognize Im Jinok, a transmission educator of "Daegum Jeongak," as a holder. Daegum Jeongak is music traditionally played on the daegum (bamboo flute) in royal courts, government offices, and private music gatherings. Im entered the Gugak Training Institute (the predecessor of the National Middle and High School of Korean Traditional Music) in 1968, majoring in daegum. She studied under the late Kim Sungjin, serving as both a scholarship trainee and a certified trainee, and was recognized as a transmission educator in 2015.
The Cultural Heritage Administration explained the background for this announcement, stating, "Im has shown exceptional understanding and interpretation of Daegum Jeongak pieces, and demonstrates precise performance skills with long, controlled breaths. She has also made significant contributions to nurturing future generations through her long-standing work as a transmission educator." The administration will collect and review opinions from various sectors for one month, and will decide whether to grant official recognition after deliberation by the Intangible Heritage Committee.
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