The modern Korean opera “Tcheo Yong” has mesmerized Europe, the birthplace of opera. The Korea National Opera, the Korean National Symphony Orchestra and the National Chorus of Korea showcased the opera at the prestigious Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria, on June 13, concluding a successful tour that included Paris and Berlin. The European tour was designed to elevate international recognition of Korean classical music ahead of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris this July. 

A promotional poster for “Tcheo Yong” (Photo courtesy of the Korea National Opera) 

The history of Western-style Korean opera stretches back to a performance of “Chunhyangjeon” (The Tale of Chunhyang) in 1950. It was based on a traditional pansori from around the 17th century about a young couple’s love. Over the past 70 years, Korean opera has made steady strides, but the European premiere of “Tcheo Yong” is especially meaningful. The Korea National Opera first commissioned Lee Young Jo to compose this 90-minute opera to commemorate the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and it premiered in 1987. Thus, it is fitting that the work is being performed in Europe right before the Paris Olympics. 

Scenes from the stage performance of “Tcheo Yong” at the Opéra Comique in Paris (Photos courtesy of the Korea National Opera)

“Tcheo Yong” is based on Korean folklore and is set right before the fall of Silla (57 BCE to 935 CE), one of three major kingdoms that once jostled for control of the Korean Peninsula. After the ruler of heaven, the Great Jade Emperor, resolves to destroy Silla because of its corruption, his son Tcheo Yong descends to Earth to try and save the kingdom. However, a woman named Gasil draws his attention and wins his heart with her beauty. Tcheo Yong later realizes his mistake and tries once more to rescue the kingdom, but fears it is too late. The demon Yeoksin, who desires Gasil, offers to save Silla in exchange for the woman. Tcheo Yong acquiesces, handing the key to Gasil’s room to Yeoksin, who then violates her. Overwhelmed with regret, Tcheo Yong pursues Yeoksin and later takes his own life. Ultimately, Tcheo Yong and Yeoksin face judgment before the Great Jade Emperor.

Scenes from the performance of “Tcheo Yong” in 2013 at the Seoul Arts Center (Photos courtesy of the Korea National Opera)

Favorable reviews of “Tcheo Yong” after the Paris and Berlin performances gave ticket holders in Vienna high expectations. And the final stop of the European tour did not disappoint; audiences were left spellbound. One critic who wrote for a Berlin newspaper said that the opera used a variety of modern musical techniques, but unlike typical modern Western compositions, maximized melodic and dramatic effect, making for an audience-friendly performance.