Pansori (판소리) is a traditional Korean narrative music form that combines singing, recitation, and acting to tell epic and dramatic stories. Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2003, pansori holds a central place in Korean culture and has deeply influenced other artistic forms, such as changgeuk (Korean musical theater). This unique genre embodies both the history and collective emotions of the Korean people through its narrative simplicity and expressive power.

1. Origin and History of Pansori

Pansori emerged in the 17th century during the Joseon Dynasty, rooted in the folk traditions of peasants and itinerant storytellers. The term "pansori" is composed of two words: "pan" (판), meaning "place" or "space," and "sori" (소리), meaning "sound" or "song." This refers to the idea of an open-air performance in public spaces where people would gather to listen to sung stories.

Development: Pansori began as a folk art, performed during festivals or in the streets. In the 18th century, it gained popularity among the elite and the royal court, leading to a codification and refinement of performances. During this period, several schools of pansori emerged, each developing its own style.

Japanese Colonization (1910-1945): During this period, Korea faced severe cultural restrictions. However, pansori survived, often as a symbol of cultural resistance, even though its practice declined.

Modern Period: Since the end of World War II, pansori has experienced a revival. Today, it is recognized as a national treasure and is taught in specialized academies to preserve and pass on this art to future generations.

2. Characteristics of Pansori

Pansori is a highly specific art form that relies on a few fundamental elements, which together create a complete and captivating performance.

a) The Performance

A pansori performance primarily involves two performers:

• Gwangdae (or Sorikkun): The main singer who narrates the entire story, portraying different characters with subtle changes in voice, facial expressions, and gestures. The gwangdae must master both singing and recitation. In addition to singing, they describe the characters' actions and emotions, often with a humorous and interactive tone.

• Gosu: The percussionist who accompanies the singer by playing the buk (drum). The gosu not only keeps the rhythm but also interacts with the singer through encouraging exclamations called chuimsae, which help emphasize key moments in the narrative.

b) Singing and Voice

Pansori singing is known for its unique vocal technique, requiring great endurance and mastery of sound modulation. The singer must alternate between highly melodic sung parts and more recitative sections. The voice is often rough and powerful, allowing for the transmission of the emotional intensity of the story.

The vocal style of pansori is marked by han (한), a Korean concept that evokes deep melancholy and emotional pain, often associated with the historical suffering of the Korean people. Han is a fundamental element in how pansori stories are told and perceived by the audience.

c) Structure and Narration

Pansori stories are divided into several sections called madang (마당), which can be considered chapters. Each section can last several hours, and a full pansori performance can last between 5 and 8 hours, though modern performances are often shortened.

3. Classic Pansori Works

Originally, there were up to twelve major pansori works, but only five have survived and are regularly performed today. These stories often focus on themes such as love, loyalty, filial piety, and justice.

Here are the five classic pansori:

• "Chunhyangga" (춘향가): The love story between Chunhyang, the daughter of a courtesan, and Lee Mongryong, the son of a magistrate. It is one of the most popular pansori, highlighting loyalty and sacrifice in love.

• "Simcheongga" (심청가): This work tells the story of Simcheong, a daughter who sacrifices herself by jumping into the sea to restore her blind father's sight. It is a tale of filial piety and devotion.

• "Heungbuga" (흥부가): The story of two brothers, Heungbu and Nolbu. Heungbu is generous and kind, while Nolbu is greedy and mean. This pansori emphasizes themes of justice and retribution.

• "Sugungga" (수궁가): A satirical and humorous story where a clever rabbit tricks a dragon king. It is one of the lighter works in the repertoire, featuring elements of animal fables.

• "Jeokbyeokga" (적벽가): Based on the famous Battle of Red Cliffs from the Chinese novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." This pansori is known for its epic descriptions of battles and military strategies.

4. Vocal Techniques and Styles in Pansori

Pansori singing relies on a complex set of techniques that require extensive training. Singers must have excellent breath control, vocal endurance, and the ability to convey emotions.

• Jo (조): Jo refers to the different modes or tones used in pansori singing. Each mode creates a particular atmosphere:

  • Jinyangjo: Slow and deep, often used to express sadness.

  • Jungmori: Faster, used for joyful or humorous scenes.

  • Hwimori: Very fast, employed for action or tension scenes.

• Sori (소리): The term "sori" means both "sound" and "song." The singer uses different types of sori to embody various characters and emotions. The changdang (melodies) vary depending on the feelings expressed, alternating between slow and fast passages.

• Chuimsae (추임새): The percussionist's exclamations are essential to encourage the singer and energize the performance. Common exclamations like "Eolssigu!" and "Jota!" help set the rhythm and emphasize certain parts of the song.

5. The Social and Cultural Dimension of Pansori

Pansori is much more than just an artistic performance; it has long played an important social role as a form of popular entertainment and as a means of conveying moral values and national stories.

• An Art for All Social Classes: Although it originated among the lower classes, pansori transcended social boundaries to become an art appreciated by the aristocracy during the Joseon Dynasty. It became a symbol of cultural unity across different social strata.

• Pansori and "Han": Pansori is often seen as an expression of han, the collective emotion of pain, resilience, and deep sadness unique to the Korean people. Every pansori contains an element of this emotion, whether in stories of injustice, sacrifice, or suffering, offering catharsis for the audience.

6. Pansori in the Modern World

Today, pansori continues to thrive thanks to efforts to preserve and transmit it. It is taught in specialized schools, and festivals are organized to promote this art both in Korea and internationally.

• Contemporary Revival: Many contemporary artists are exploring new ways to evolve pansori by integrating it with other musical genres or using modern narratives.

• International Resonance: Pansori is also gaining attention on the global stage. Thanks to its UNESCO recognition, more and more international audiences are becoming interested in this art form and the deep emotions it conveys.