Juris Kuns

Juris Kuns is an instrumental ensemble consisting of five young ambitious musicians who use instruments from both the East and West—coustic and bass guitars, gayageum (12-string zither), janggu (doubleheaded hourglass-shaped drum), and percussion—entered on the multitalented artist, Kim Juri, who plays the two-string spike fiddle, haegeum. Apart from “assumed” and trendy stylistic fusion, Juris Kuns creates a highly original and astonishing sound that crosses the border between tradition and modernity, all accentuated and reinforced with the lyrical expression of the haegeum. Remaining intact from its first introduction to Korea from China in the 12th century, the haegeum continues to retain its sonority of antiquity, rustic simplicity, and naivete, yet it is surprisingly modern at other times, the bow trapped in between the two strings creating a piercing and edgy resonance. Perhaps that is why the haegeum is known for constantly seeking freedom! Juris Kuns recently released their first album, Juri's First Passage, which has drawn the attention of music critics and listeners alike for the innovative new music for haegeum. Music critic Seo Jung Min-gap comments, “Kim Ju-ri does not limit herself to common ideas of the beauty of haegeum but has a strong conviction to seek freedom . . . she goes beyond the expected lyricism from the instrument, achieved by being truthful to herself . . .”