Im Jin-ok, recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Daegeum Jeongak, will host a special public performance on May 23, 2026, at the Folk Theater Pungryu within the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Education Center in Seoul. Titled '2026 National Intangible Cultural Heritage Daegeum Jeongak Public Event,' this concert aims to present the refined essence of Daegeum Jeongak, which Master Im has dedicated her life to preserving and advancing. The event is highly anticipated as a precious opportunity for audiences to experience the profound resonance of traditional Korean music and the master's artistic spirit.
Daegeum Jeongak Public Performance: 'Im Jin-ok's Daegeum Jeongak'
Im Jin-ok, the National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Daegeum Jeongak, will present '2026 National Intangible Cultural Heritage Daegeum Jeongak Public Event' at 5 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The performance will take place at the Folk Theater Pungryu, located within the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Education Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Organized with sponsorship from the National Heritage Administration, Korea Heritage Agency, and Crown Haitai, this event aims to popularize and actively promote the preservation and transmission of Daegeum Jeongak. Under the title 'Im Jin-ok's Daegeum Jeongak,' the performance emphasizes inheriting the authenticity of Daegeum Jeongak and sharing its artistic excellence with the public. Admission is free, and audience members wishing to attend can reserve their seats in advance via text message.
The program for this performance is meticulously curated to allow a full appreciation of Daegeum Jeongak's aesthetic. It features a diverse repertoire of six traditional pieces, including 'Chwita·Jeolhwa,' 'Cheonnyeonmanse,' 'Sangnyeongsan,' 'Yeominrak,' 'Woljeongmyeong,' and 'Gyeongpungnyeon.' Beyond Master Im Jin-ok's profound solo performances, the stage will also showcase various ensemble formats, highlighting the intricate collaboration with other master musicians playing instruments such as the piri (double-reed oboe), danso (vertical bamboo flute), gayageum (zither-like instrument), and janggu (hourglass drum). Additionally, there will be group performances involving both inheritors (Isuja) and trainees (Jeonsusaeng). This diverse presentation promises a valuable experience for the audience to witness the elegant and varied timbres of the daegeum (a large transverse bamboo flute) and observe the vibrant transmission of Daegeum Jeongak firsthand.
The Life and Artistic Journey of Daegeum Jeongak Master Im Jin-ok
Master Im Jin-ok embarked on her journey with the daegeum in 1968, enrolling in Gukaksa Yangseongso (now the National Gugak High School). She continued her training as a scholarship student and inheritor (Isuja) under the late Master Kim Seong-jin, thereby preserving the authentic lineage of Daegeum Jeongak. After serving as a transmission education instructor (Jeonsugyoyuksa) since 2015, she was finally designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder for Daegeum Jeongak in 2025, solidifying her status as a master who has dedicated over half a century to her craft.
The National Heritage Administration commended Master Im Jin-ok for her outstanding understanding and interpretation of Daegeum Jeongak pieces, noting her stable flow achieved through long breath control and precise performance skills. Furthermore, she received high recognition for her dedicated efforts as a transmission education instructor over many years, fostering future generations and contributing significantly to the development of Daegeum Jeongak. Her artistry, therefore, extends beyond mere performance technique, playing a pivotal role in the preservation and dissemination of this traditional art form.
With remarkable academic zeal, Master Im Jin-ok graduated from Seoul National University's College of Music, majoring in Korean traditional music (Gugak), and completed her master's degree at the same institution. She further earned a Ph.D. in Literature from Korea University, establishing herself as a traditional musician proficient in both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. She was awarded the 8th Korea Composition Award and served as resident conductor for the National Gugak Center and the Daejeon Metropolitan Yeonjeong Gugak Center. Currently, she remains an active contributor to the Korean traditional music scene, holding positions such as a director at the Kakdang Welfare Foundation, representative of the Daegeum Jeongak Association, and honorary professor at Suwon University. She has also consistently documented her profound artistic world by releasing a total of seven 'Im Jin-ok Daegeum Jeongak' series CD albums.
A Valuable Opportunity for the Preservation and Popularization of Traditional Music
The 'Im Jin-ok's Daegeum Jeongak' public performance offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Master Im's firmly established artistic world and the essence of Daegeum Jeongak in one setting. The deep resonance of Daegeum Jeongak, honed over a long history, is expected to provide modern audiences with profound emotional stability and a unique aesthetic experience.
Combining academic depth with extensive practical experience, Master Im Jin-ok's stage will serve as an important venue for the transmission of intangible heritage, preserving traditional culture while raising public awareness of its value. We encourage widespread interest and participation in this meaningful event, which seeks to rediscover the beauty of our traditional music through the elegant melodies of the daegeum and reflect on the significance of transmitting National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This 'Im Jin-ok's Daegeum Jeongak' public performance is an extraordinary chance to explore the artistic value of Daegeum Jeongak and experience the true essence of traditional music through a stage that encapsulates Master Im Jin-ok's academic profundity and practical expertise. We hope that many will attend this free concert to enjoy our unique intangible heritage and reflect on the importance of its transmission.
