KWAK Soo-eun and Gayageum Ensemble La on G | Sanjo for 25-string Gayageum

Kwak Soo-eun is an inspirational musician on the gayageum as well as a composer. As reflected in her intellectual approach to performing and composing music for the gayageum, the instrument representing the heritage and history of Korea, Kwak has been a constant musical presence for both traditional and contemporary music-making, unequaled by others of her generation. Kwak is also one of the musicians who popularized the modern version of the 25-string gayageum instead of the original 12-string one. She expanded the body and repertoire for that new instrument, often getting criticized for mimicking the sound of the Western harp. However, Kwak’s music has neither a “Western” nor “harp” sound. Rather, she has seen an opportunity for a broader unfathomable expression and language that entices the artistic conversation between the musician and listeners. According to the renowned music critic Yoon Jungkang, “Kwak hopes to transcend the boundaries of raw ability and trained talent to participate in a purely artistic tradition. She does not pursue her creativity in an insulated way but aspires to a new level . . . If she composes and plays faithfully following or believing in her great artistry and authenticity, as she thus far has done . . . we can expect her to inherit the mantle of Master Hwang Byungki, the founder of new music for the gayageum.”