Kim Ilgu Style Ajaeng Sanjo Performed with Violin

A Genre’s Expansion through New Experiement

Kim Ilgu style ajaeng sanjo is considered as one of the most unique and elegant pieces among all existing styles in terms of arrangement. Its distinctive pansori-ish elements and ever-changing tones are crafted into melodies that demand exceptional skillfulness. Its melodies beautifully express the unique firmness and delicacy of the Dongpyeon-je (lit. eastern) style, making it more attractive. Additionally, the sanjo features melodies that traverse tension and relaxation, resolution and release, and boundaries between beats through diverse key changes in each jangdan (rhythmic pattern) part.

At the 2025 Sori Festival, a special performance of Kim Ilgu style sanjo played by the violin will be staged. Violinist Park Sohyeon studied aejang sanjo under the renowned master Kim Ilgu for several years, and has explored the possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration between genres. This stage will showcase how those possibilities can be expressed. Audiences also will be able to enjoy Kim Ilgu's improvisational ajaeng sanjo as well as Kim Ilgu style ajaeng and gayageum sanjo byeongju (duo performance between two instruments).