Apoteosis: the Essence of Korean Music in Budapest

As part of the Touring K-Arts 2025 program series, Heo Yoon-jeong, master of the Korean zither, and his internationally renowned fellow artists will perform at the Eiffel Workshop on October 6. The free concert will be a unique encounter between traditional Korean music and contemporary performing arts.

As part of the Touring K-Arts 2025 (Korean Art on the Move) program series, Korean zither virtuoso Heo Yoon-jeong and her ensemble will embark on a tour of three countries: the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. The Hungarian audience will have the opportunity to see the performance entitled Apotheosis at the Eiffel Workshop on Monday, October 6, with which Heo Yoon-jeong won the grand prize at the prestigious Seoul Arts Awards in 2023.

The evening will focus on traditional Korean music (gugak), which the artist combines with contemporary and avant-garde sounds in her unique performance style. Heo Yoon-jeong uses only traditional instruments and musical motifs, which she creatively reworks to create a musical experience that is rooted in tradition yet modern. In her concerts, music, dance, and song are organically intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere.

The statement released says that what makes Apoteosis special is that leading artists from the Korean music scene also take to the stage: Kang Min Su and Hwang Min Wang (percussion, vocals), Jeong Yoon Hyeong (phansori, Korean gong), Cho Seong Jae (ajeng, vocals, percussion), and Choi Yeo Ean (traditional singing). The guest artist for the evening will be cellist Choi Gyeong Eun, who will add another dimension to the production. During the evening, the harmony of music, song and dance will provide the true "apotheosis."

Yu Hye-ryong, director of the Korean Cultural Center, highlighted that "this project gives us the opportunity to showcase the best of Korean arts in three Central European countries and allow audiences to discover Korea's cultural heritage through a profound and uplifting experience."

The concert aims to strengthen international dialogue and broaden international recognition of Korean musical traditions, combining the values of the past with the innovation of the present. The event will be a fitting celebration of Korea's rich cultural heritage and creative spirit.