"Never Experienced Before, Beauty Itself" Korea's 'Ilmu' Enchants New York

"I have seen a lot of traditional Korean dances. But I have never experienced anything like this."

On the afternoon of the 22nd (local time) at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, New York City, Ellen Kodadek, whom we met, expressed her admiration when asked about her impression of the Seoul City Dance Company's creative Korean dance 'One Dance' (Ilmu·佾舞). Running the nonprofit arts center 'Flushing Town Hall' in Queens, New York, and having showcased Korean artists' performances several times in recent years, she said, "The movements are very traditional, yet at the same time very modern," emphasizing, "From the costumes to the drama, it is beauty itself."

This performance, a modern reinterpretation of the ritual dance of the first national intangible cultural heritage 'Jongmyo Jeryeak,' completed a successful New York debut by selling out all seats over three days from the 20th to the 22nd. Although it had previously recorded two successful runs at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Korea, this was its first overseas stage.

Initial concerns about how New Yorkers would receive the unfamiliar Jongmyo Jeryeak proved unfounded. Contrary to the assumption that most of the audience over the three days would be Korean, the attendees were diverse in race, age, and gender.

As the solemn drumbeats and restrained movements of Act 1, 'Ilmu Research,' began, it seemed as if even breaths were inaudible inside Lincoln Center. In Act 2, 'Chunaengmu,' performed by dancers dressed in green traditional costumes, spontaneous exclamations of beauty erupted. Act 3, 'Jukmu,' specially simplified for the New York performance, played a crucial role in elevating the unique Korean dance rhythm of stillness within movement (靜中動). In the final Act 4, 'Sinilmu,' a powerful and intense large-scale group dance unfolded to fast-paced music.

The direction, imbued with the concise yet sophisticated aesthetics of Jung Guho, perfectly harmonized with the choreography by Jung Hyejin, director of the Seoul City Dance Company, Kim Seonghun, and Kim Jaedeok, showcasing a flawless 'evolution from tradition to modernity.' Even the famously discerning New Yorkers responded with cheers and standing ovations to the beautiful Ilmu.

Jamie Stern, in his 30s, who shouted "Bravo" several times during the curtain call, said, "I have nothing to say but that it was beautiful," adding, "The 'power' displayed by the large group in the final piece (Act 4 Sinilmu) was intense. I don't think I will forget it." Hyun Yoonjung, a second-generation Korean American who has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, said, "It is moving just to see such a Korean performance in New York, especially at Lincoln Center." Accompanying her, Andrew Stroup commented, "The cool transitions and beautiful lines were impressive," calling it "fantastic."

This performance was made possible as Lincoln Center held 'Korean Arts Week,' focusing intensively on Korean culture this year through its summer festival 'Summer for the City.' Ilmu was the only paid performance in this program. The Lincoln Center team reportedly set ticket prices up to $190 before the show, highly rating it as "a price well worth paying."

Sejong Center President Ahn Hosang, who visited Lincoln Center, said, "With Ilmu successfully meeting New York audiences, we have gained confidence that works based on our pure traditional arts can resonate globally," adding, "It will be a new opportunity for the K-content domain to expand to another level."

In particular, the Ilmu performance was regarded as the 'highlight' amid various performances, exhibitions, and events promoting Korean culture held intensively across New York over the past week. SK Group, the official sponsor of Summer for the City, also provided generous support to promote Korean culture worldwide.

During Korean Arts Week, around Lincoln Center, events included a 'Silent Disco' where participants could dance joyfully while listening to K-pop music through headphones, an outdoor screening of director Bong Joonho's film 'The Host,' and 'Tribute to Korea,' featuring world-renowned flutist Jasmine Choi performing an orchestral version of Arirang. At the K-Indie Music Night co-hosted by the Korean Cultural Center New York and Lincoln Center, unfortunately, singer Baek Yerin's performance was canceled at the last minute due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, but Crying Nut and Say Sue Me delivered passionate stages.

In the Rockefeller Center basement, the global art platform 'Abitus Associate' is hosting the exhibition 'Discovery: 12 Contemporary Artists from Korea' until the end of August, showcasing works by 12 young Korean artists sponsored by SK Group. Alongside notable artists like Moon Seongsik and Park Jina, visitors can also see works by famous webtoon artists Jo Seok, Na Yoonhee, and Jo Hyunah, as well as photographic works by film director Park Chanwook.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.