Since 1948, the Korean region has been split into North and South. However, no matter how different the countries may be, they will always have one thing in common: Korean music. UCLA’s Korean Music Ensemble focuses on playing traditional Korean folk music. The Korean region has a rich musical tradition, dating back almost 5,000 years.

“Though Korean music is old, it can blend to new,” said Professor Dong Suk Kim, the ensemble’s director. “But Korean music is never modified too much. The main ingredients are always there.”

There are three groups that perform under the banner of the Korean Music Ensemble. The string ensemble performs the music of the gayageum, a Korean instrument with anywhere from 12 to 25 strings. The wind ensemble features instruments such as the piri, an oboe-like instrument that leads the orchestra. The drum ensemble performs traditional percussion pieces that involve long pounding rhythms that culminate in a loud, gratifying finale.

Currently, UCLA is the only school outside of Korea to offer such an expansive Korean music program.

“Eventually, North and South Korea will reunite,” said Kim.

“Until then, I hope UCLA can be the international center for Korean music.”

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