Pansori is a Korean traditional folk music. One ‘Sorikkun’ (means a vocalist in Korean), weaves a story by using songs, words, and gestures along with the beat of a ‘Gosu’ (means a drummer in Korean). Audiences actively join the performance by adding exclamatory words like ‘Eolssigu (means Yippee)’ and ‘Jota(means good).’
While not exactly known when Pansori began, it is generally assumed that it started in the 17th century, mid-Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Since then, Pansori had gained great popularity among all classes from elite to ordinary in the 19th century. A number of works have been created with improved artistic value and great Sorikkuns became famous as Myeongchang (means a master singer). There are five stories that have remained until this day, <Simcheongga>, <Chunhyangga>, <Heungbuga>, <Sugungga>, and <Jeokbyeokga>, and all Koreans know about the stories. Pansori is a comprehensive art. It involves music with the songs, literature with narratives, and play with its theatrical performances. For this reason, it is often compared with Western operas. While the performance of operas is a large scale with symphony orchestras, dance troupes and choirs on colorful stages, Pansori is performed by one Sorikkun and one Gosu only. Recently, it has been newly popular by collaborating with various genres of contemporary music.
It is said that Pansori contributed to the communication between high and low classes in the Joseon Dynasty by embodying the common life of the ordinary in music. We hope that Pansori will be a Korean heritage, globally introduced with the identity of Koreans in the 21st century, and making a contribution to the communication and harmony between Korea and the world.