Following in His Father's Footsteps... Kim Jongmin to Be Recognized as 'Instrument Maker' Holder

Cultural Heritage Administration Announces Preliminary Recognition of Pyeonjong and Pyeongyeong Instrument Making

Mr Paek Jongmin Recognized as Holder of 'Instrument Maker (Pyeonjong·Pyeongyeong Production)' Title

On December 8, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced a preliminary decision to recognize Paek Jongmin (age 57) as the holder of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage title for 'Instrument Maker (Pyeonjong·Pyeongyeong Production).' The final decision will be made after collecting opinions from various sectors for one month and a review by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

Mr Paek is the son of the current holder, Paek Hyungon (age 90). He learned the craft of making pyeonjong and pyeongyeong by assisting his father, was selected as an apprentice in 2013, and completed his training in 2016. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "He has consistently honed his skills based on documentary research."

Pyeonjong is a bell-shaped court musical instrument made of copper alloy, while pyeongyeong is a court musical instrument shaped like the Korean letter 'ㄱ' and made from limestone. Both are used in royal ancestral ritual music performances.

The transmission system for pyeonjong and pyeongyeong production is extremely fragile, which led to its designation as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2023. Currently, Paek Hyungon is the only recognized holder.

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