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Musicians from Two Koreas to Sing in Tune

Published: 04 Jan. 2003, 19:07

South and North Korean musicians plan to get to together to sing of their aspirations for the reunification of the peninsula.

Kim Tong-jin, 88, composer of 'Kagopa', a song adored and often sung by Koreans, is now composing a duet, entitled 'Reunification, May Come Early' which will be sung by the superb South Korean soprano, Hong Hye-gyung, and a North Korean baritone, with musician Park Tong-myong conducting. The concert will be held around September 5 and will be sponsored by the Committee for the Unified Korean Concert which has been set up to put on performances by artists from both Koreas. The committee is made up of Koreans living in the United States.

Kim's new song is based on the legendary Korean story of the tragic love between Asadal, who is believed to have built the Sokkatap pagoda, a national tresure constructed in the Three Kingdoms period, and Asanyo. The parting of the two lovers will be translated into the mourning and suffering of separated families and their longing for reunification. Another solo piece by composer Kim, entitled 'Meeting' will also be performed.

Kim Tong-jin was born in Anju in South Pyongan Province, now in North Korea, but evacuated to South Korea during the Korean War. In the half-century since he moved to South Korea, he has never stopped longing for reunification.

by Lee Jang-jik