The National Gugak Center has announced the release of the National Gugak Center Game Sound Series, a collection of game soundtracks reinterpreted with traditional Korean instruments. Spanning three singles, the series features music from popular games such as League of Legends, Night Crow, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. The albums will be available on major music platforms and the National Gugak Center’s archive portal from December 18 to 20.

A preview listening session held on December 17 at the National Gugak Center Museum garnered praise from industry professionals. The event highlighted the seamless blending of traditional Korean music elements with the original game soundtracks, offering a fresh interpretation of familiar melodies.

The arrangements were led by accomplished composers Lee Ji Soo, known for her work on Oldboy and Architecture 101, and Kim Jin Hwan, the music director behind the soundtrack of JTBC’s drama Modest Sales. Performances were delivered by the National Gugak Center’s Court Music Orchestra and Creative Orchestra. The composers incorporated traditional Korean sigimsae (시김새, ornamental notes) and rhythmic patterns to preserve the distinctiveness of Korean instruments while respecting the emotional tone of the original compositions.

Lee Ji Soo highlighted the boundless potential of traditional Korean music, stating, “Gugak offers untapped possibilities. By combining its foundation with modern interpretations, it can evolve into something both contemporary and timeless.”

This marks the National Gugak Center’s second foray into game music reinterpretation. Earlier in May, the Center released an album featuring soundtracks from Lost Ark, Lineage, and Aion. These compositions gained further recognition when they were performed live during the opening ceremony of the Korea Game Awards on November 13, receiving an enthusiastic response from gamers and music fans alike.

The latest album release showcases the versatility of gugak in appealing to diverse audiences, bridging traditional culture with the contemporary gaming industry. By reimagining game music through the lens of Korean traditional music, the project underscores the adaptability and relevance of gugak in today’s cultural landscape.

With this initiative, the National Gugak Center continues to expand the reach of traditional Korean music, demonstrating its potential as a global art form. The Center’s efforts align with its mission to reinterpret and modernize gugak for younger audiences and international listeners.

Fans of gaming and traditional music alike can explore this innovative fusion by accessing the soundtracks on digital platforms. The National Gugak Center hopes the project will inspire a deeper appreciation for the richness and versatility of Korean traditional music.

Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com