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.
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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.
