Pearl Abyss received the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s Commendation for Outstanding Cooperation at the National Gugak Center’s year-end awards ceremony held on December 27 at the Yeakdang Hall. The accolade recognized the company’s contribution to promoting Korean traditional music (gugak) globally through the original soundtrack (OST) of Black Desert Online’s expansion, Land of the Morning Light.
As part of the Land of the Morning Light: Seoul update, Pearl Abyss collaborated extensively with the National Gugak Center and the Cultural Heritage Administration. This partnership resulted in the release of the main theme music video Drawing Joseon, which highlighted the rich allure of gugak. In February 2024, Pearl Abyss composers, including Audio Director Ryu Hwi Man, also participated in a career academy for traditional music majors, sharing insights on integrating gugak into game soundtracks. Additionally, music from Black Desert Online was featured in the National Gugak Center’s Game Sound Series, further bridging traditional music with modern gaming.
Land of the Morning Light introduced a new in-game region inspired by the Joseon era, incorporating traditional Korean aesthetics and music. The OST, heavily infused with gugak, garnered widespread acclaim from both domestic and international players. Many overseas users, encountering gugak for the first time, praised the soundtrack for its unique and deeply emotional resonance, showcasing the cultural depth of Korea.
Ryu Hwi Man expressed his gratitude, stating, “Receiving this meaningful award as Black Desert Online celebrates its 10th anniversary is truly an honor. Just as we have done over the past decade, we will continue to challenge ourselves by creating innovative music and content that brings fresh entertainment to our players for the next 10 years.”
This recognition underscores Pearl Abyss’s dedication to merging cultural heritage with modern entertainment. By spotlighting gugak through its game, the company has not only enriched the gaming experience but also contributed to raising global awareness of Korea’s traditional arts.
Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com
