Park So-hyun
Gayageum Performer
Introduction 
I am Park So-hyun, a Gayageum performer and the leader of the Korean traditional music group 'E-ppul.' Influenced by my mother, who is a cellist, I first began learning the Gayageum at the age of six. I majored in Korean Music at Busan Arts High School and Pusan National University. Currently, as the leader of 'E-ppul,' I connect with audiences through various performances and cultural arts programs. I am actively working across multiple stages to convey the charm of traditional music through a modern sensibility.
Highlights
B.A. in Korean Music, Pusan National University (Master’s coursework completed)
Full Member, Busan Gayageum Orchestra
Full Member, Kim Byeong-ho Style Sanjo Preservation Society
Performance at the Ferrara Buskers Festival, Italy
Performance at Tolfarte, Italy
Invited Performance for the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Performance at the World Peace Forum Peace Concert
Performer at the Busan Citizen's Bell Year-End Ringing Ceremony
My Philosophy 
The Gayageum is an instrument where sound is created by directly plucking and pressing the strings with your fingertips. Because of this, the sound changes subtly depending on the strength of my hands and my emotions during each performance. Even when playing the same piece, the resonance feels different based on my state of mind or the atmosphere of the stage.
In particular, I find the Nonghyeon (vibrato produced by pressing the strings) and the resulting resonance to be the most captivating aspects of the instrument. My emotions are naturally captured within those delicate vibrations and lingering echoes. When that sound reaches the audience, I feel an immense sense of fulfillment as a performer. For me, playing the Gayageum is more than just performing a song; it is a meaningful time to express the energy of the moment through sound and share it with others.
Interview
Q. What is your most memorable experience or place within Korea’s nature? 
On the last day of last year, December 31, 2025, our group 'E-ppul' participated in the 'Busan Citizen's Bell Year-End Concert.' It took place at Yongdusan Park, and despite the freezing weather, we performed while communicating with thousands of people. I especially remember playing while feeling the winter wind and night air of Busan in that outdoor space. Even in the cold air, I could feel the warm support and reaction of the audience. It truly hit home that we were all sharing the same moment through music. Sharing our hearts in an open, natural space at the intersection of a year's end and a new beginning was a deeply meaningful stage for me.
Q. What does "Nature" mean to you? 
To me, nature is something that puts the mind at ease. Watching the wind blow, hearing water flow, or seeing the seasons change naturally calms my heart and gives me space for reflection. While playing the Gayageum, I often feel that the atmosphere and "emotions" of nature resemble the music. The feelings and moments I’ve experienced in nature often come back to me naturally while I am performing.
Q. What do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
I believe the Gayageum is an instrument that has evolved quite modernly compared to other traditional instruments. With the development of 12-string, 18-string, and 25-string versions, the musical range has expanded, allowing it to be used in various genres beyond traditional music. Therefore, through my performance, I hope people find Korean traditional music accessible and fun rather than difficult. I want them to naturally feel the charm of our music through the clear and deep resonance of the Gayageum and realize that it is something they can enjoy comfortably in their daily lives.
Q. What kind of performances do you want to give in the future?
I want to be a "chameleon-like" performer who can show various colors depending on the situation and the stage. Based on the traditional beauty of the Gayageum, I want to blend in naturally with different music and stages—sometimes delicately, sometimes powerfully. I will continue to communicate with audiences through various attempts to ensure that Gugak (traditional music) is perceived as music anyone can enjoy comfortably. My goal is to be a performer who shows many different colors across time and space, rooted in the deep resonance and charm of the Gayageum.
Inquire for Collaboration
Gayageum Performer
Introduction
I am Park So-hyun, a Gayageum performer and the leader of the Korean traditional music group 'E-ppul.' Influenced by my mother, who is a cellist, I first began learning the Gayageum at the age of six. I majored in Korean Music at Busan Arts High School and Pusan National University. Currently, as the leader of 'E-ppul,' I connect with audiences through various performances and cultural arts programs. I am actively working across multiple stages to convey the charm of traditional music through a modern sensibility.
Highlights
B.A. in Korean Music, Pusan National University (Master’s coursework completed)
Full Member, Busan Gayageum Orchestra
Full Member, Kim Byeong-ho Style Sanjo Preservation Society
Performance at the Ferrara Buskers Festival, Italy
Performance at Tolfarte, Italy
Invited Performance for the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Performance at the World Peace Forum Peace Concert
Performer at the Busan Citizen's Bell Year-End Ringing Ceremony
My Philosophy
The Gayageum is an instrument where sound is created by directly plucking and pressing the strings with your fingertips. Because of this, the sound changes subtly depending on the strength of my hands and my emotions during each performance. Even when playing the same piece, the resonance feels different based on my state of mind or the atmosphere of the stage.
In particular, I find the Nonghyeon (vibrato produced by pressing the strings) and the resulting resonance to be the most captivating aspects of the instrument. My emotions are naturally captured within those delicate vibrations and lingering echoes. When that sound reaches the audience, I feel an immense sense of fulfillment as a performer. For me, playing the Gayageum is more than just performing a song; it is a meaningful time to express the energy of the moment through sound and share it with others.
Interview
Q. What is your most memorable experience or place within Korea’s nature?
On the last day of last year, December 31, 2025, our group 'E-ppul' participated in the 'Busan Citizen's Bell Year-End Concert.' It took place at Yongdusan Park, and despite the freezing weather, we performed while communicating with thousands of people. I especially remember playing while feeling the winter wind and night air of Busan in that outdoor space. Even in the cold air, I could feel the warm support and reaction of the audience. It truly hit home that we were all sharing the same moment through music. Sharing our hearts in an open, natural space at the intersection of a year's end and a new beginning was a deeply meaningful stage for me.
Q. What does "Nature" mean to you?
To me, nature is something that puts the mind at ease. Watching the wind blow, hearing water flow, or seeing the seasons change naturally calms my heart and gives me space for reflection. While playing the Gayageum, I often feel that the atmosphere and "emotions" of nature resemble the music. The feelings and moments I’ve experienced in nature often come back to me naturally while I am performing.
Q. What do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
I believe the Gayageum is an instrument that has evolved quite modernly compared to other traditional instruments. With the development of 12-string, 18-string, and 25-string versions, the musical range has expanded, allowing it to be used in various genres beyond traditional music. Therefore, through my performance, I hope people find Korean traditional music accessible and fun rather than difficult. I want them to naturally feel the charm of our music through the clear and deep resonance of the Gayageum and realize that it is something they can enjoy comfortably in their daily lives.
Q. What kind of performances do you want to give in the future?
Inquire for Collaboration