Synopsis

“A special program presents *Kokdu: A Story of Guardian Angels* accompanied by a live performance by an ensemble from the National Gugak Center.”

Directed by Tae-yong Kim and with music by Junsuk Bang, the National Gugak Center’s performance *Kokdu* was adapted into a film in 2017. The story follows young siblings who journey to the underworld in search of their late grandmother’s flower shoes. Along the way, they meet four "Kokdus"—guardians of the afterlife—who help them on their quest. This warm family tale weaves together traditional Korean culture, music, and dance, portraying the process of mourning and letting go of a loved one. The film has been invited to numerous domestic and international festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival and the New York Asian Film Festival. At JIMFF 2019, this touching story of healing and joy is presented with live Korean traditional music, or "gugak," produced by the National Gugak Center and Kirin Productions.

• Ensemble: Jeongakdan (Court Music Orchestra)

• Arrangement & Direction: Jonggil Lee (Concertmaster, Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 39, Cheoyongmu Dance)

• Piri: Wooseok Ko (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 46, Piri Jeongak and Daechwita)

• Tae-pyeongso: Hyungwook Yoon (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 46, Piri Jeongak and Daechwita)

• Daegeum: Seungyeop Lee (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, Jongmyo Jeryeak)

• Danso: Jongbeom Lee (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, Jongmyo Jeryeak)

• Haegeum: Gapsu Han

• Gayageum: Hyungseop Kim

• Geomungo: Bangsil Lee

• Ajaeng: Inae Kim (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, Jongmyo Jeryeak)

• Yanggeum: Jiyeong Jeong

• Jeongga (Classical Korean Vocal Music): Jinhee Park (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 41, Gasa)

• Multidrum Percussion: Seongil Ahn (Holder of Intangible Cultural Property No. 1, Jongmyo Jeryeak; No. 46, Piri Jeongak and Daechwita)

• Production: National Gugak Center, Kirin Productions

• Co-hosted by: Jecheon International Music & Film Festival, Korean Film 100th Anniversary Committee, Korean Film Council, Korean Film Archive

Director

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  • Tae-yong Kim
  • Kim made his directorial debut in 1999 with Memento Mori (Whispering Corridors 2). His second feature, Family Ties (2006), won the Golden Alexander Award, the top prize at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece. His film Late Autumn (2011) was invited to the Berlin International Film Festival. Kim has continued to expand his artistic reach through various genres including documentary and theater, building a unique and experimental filmography.