The rich tradition of Korean all-women theater, known as gukgeuk, is poised for a grand revival as veteran and modern performers bring this unique art form back to the spotlight. The Korea Heritage Agency announced that it will host a special gukgeuk performance titled "Korea's First Woman Opera: The Women Who Became Legends" at the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission and Training Center in Seoul on December 3.

Gukgeuk, which combines singing, dancing, and acting performed exclusively by women, emerged in 1948 under the influence of celebrated singer Park Rok-ju. This art form became a cornerstone of Korean popular culture after the Korean War, with as many as 25 gukgeuk troupes active between 1948 and 1969. The resurgence of interest in gukgeuk has been fueled by the popular tvN drama "Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born," based on a webtoon. The drama, starring Kim Tae-ri as Jeong-nyeon, explores the transformative journey of a young singer who joins a gukgeuk troupe, delving into the genre's innovative tradition where women played all roles.

The special December performance is divided into two segments. The first will feature a talk concert with veteran gukgeuk actors such as Hong Seong-deok, Lee Ok-cheon, and Huh Sook-ja, offering insight into the art form’s origins, its golden era, and notable anecdotes. This session promises to be a living history lesson, reconnecting audiences with a cultural treasure that captivated mid-20th-century Korea.

The second part will be a full performance of "Princess Seonhwa," one of gukgeuk's iconic productions from the 1950s. The play tells the timeless tale of Prince Seodong of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa of Silla, whose love triumphed over formidable challenges. Renowned pansori singer and actor Kim Keum-mi will portray Prince Seodong, while Park Ji-hyun will embody Princess Seonhwa. Accompanied by veteran performers, this production will blend the nostalgic allure of gukgeuk with contemporary artistry.

The Korea Heritage Agency also aims to expand awareness of gukgeuk beyond live audiences by making videos of the performance available on its YouTube channel. This initiative seeks to bring the beauty of this historically significant art form to a broader, global audience.

As gukgeuk steps back into the limelight, it not only celebrates Korea’s rich cultural history but also inspires a new generation of artists and audiences, reaffirming the timeless power of storytelling through music and theater.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com