Aritist

Kim Duk Soo

The word 'genius' should not be used to describe an individual with extraordinary talents, but rather an individual who uses those talents to inspire the best from those around him in this sense. The term is a fit appellation for the leader of SamulNori, Kim Duk soo, born in 1952. His father chose him out of eight other siblings to follow in his footsteps as a professional musician in the tradition of wandering artists, called Namsadang.

At the age of five he was awarded the President's citation for his performance, thus beginning an amazing personal career that has taken him to virtually every corner of the world. He graduated from the Korean traditional music and performing art school in Seoul and attended one year of college before the demands of his professional life took over. Aside from his talents as a performer, he has managed, directed, and created numerous productions involving not only music, but also dance and theater.

With the formation of SamulNori in 1978, his life took on new and complicated dimensions. There were five specific purposes in forming the group: to research more expensively the traditional music of Korea, to study the music and instruments (especially percussion instruments) of other traditions throughout the word, to create new music and to provide educational opportunities for students and others to learn Korean percussion. In addition, as leader he has had the responsibility to maintain the excellence that the group is known for.

SamulNori Hanullim, Inc. SamulNori Hanullim, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the goal of better preserving and promoting the diverse Korean traditional arts through performances, research, and education. Their artistic vision of the traditional Korean arts is that it is a living entity that requires constant creative care so that it may continue to grow. To this end, there must be concrete manifestation of the spirit of traditional Korean arts not only in performances, but also efficacious educational programs. Thus it is their dream to create an accessible art that is both Korean and universal, ancient and modern.