Performance of the women's gukgeuk “King, Wearing a Mask - Jangja Beonduk” in 2020 (Photo courtesy of the Women's Gukgeuk Production Studio)
Korea’s traditional performing arts saw gukgeuk emerge as a significant cultural phenomenon after liberation from Japan’s colonial rule in 1945. Gukgeuk is a musical drama where cast members sing their character’s lines. It developed from pansori – lyrical operas sung by solo performers that originated in the late 17th century during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In the reign of Joseon’s last king (Sunjong, 1907-1910), pansori narratives were divided among different singers. This evolved into the art form of gukgeuk, and the staging gradually became more theatrical.
Gukgeuk featured elaborate costumes and scripts blending traditional and modern elements, offering grand productions with dramatic lighting and accessible storylines. This set it apart from traditional pansori, which relied on one very expressive singer accompanied by a drummer. Female gukgeuk, popularized in the 1950s, was particularly notable for breaking traditional gender roles on stage as women played both the male and female characters. These performances – the “K-musicals” of their time – drew huge crowds, consistently packing theaters.
(Top) Performance of “Women’s Gukgeuk Samjil-i's Hero” in 2024; (bottom) Performance of “Women's Gukgeuk Legend: Tale of Chunhyang” in 2024 (Photo courtesy of the Women's Gukgeuk Production Studio)
The significance of female gukgeuk extended beyond entertainment. It offered an accessible blend of tradition and modernity, reflected women’s strength and resilience in society and mirrored the way women took on more roles during the country’s post-war recovery. In the challenging post-Korean War period, gukgeuk quickly became a beloved entertainment form, offering solace and inspiration to a nation rebuilding itself. The performances highlighted the evolving role of women, giving them a platform to express themselves artistically and challenge traditional norms.
Scene from the live performance of the changgeuk “Jeongnyeon-i.” “Jeongnyeon-i,” which revolves around a women’s gukgeuk, is expanding into webtoons, changgeuk, and dramas. (Photo courtesy of the National Changgeuk Company’s “Jeongnyeon-i”)
The legacy of gukgeuk continues to inspire modern Korean entertainment, as evidenced by the upcoming K-drama “Jungnyeon: The Star is Born,” featuring well-known actors like Kim Tae-ri, Ra Mi-ran and Moon So-ri. This historic art form laid the groundwork for K-pop, K-dramas and other cultural exports. Gukgeuk’s innovative blend of traditional elements with modern themes and enthusiastic performances foreshadowed the kind of fusion that has made Korean popular culture internationally appealing, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape.
Though female gukgeuk’s popularity started to wane in the 1960s, its impact continues to resonate in modern Korean society. It reminds audiences of a time when women dominated the stage and redefined the possibilities of the performing arts. Gukgeuk stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and artistic contributions of women in shaping Korean cultural expression. In the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment, its influence endures.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."
