Master of South Korean Traditional Instruments Honored as ‘Historical Figure of the Month’

South Korean Cultural Heritage Master, Lee Young-soo, Honored as “Historical Figure of the Month”

Lee Young-soo, a master of South Korean intangible cultural heritage instrument-making, has been selected as the “Historical Figure of the Month” by Jeongeup City. Born in 1929, Lee dedicated his life to the craft, starting his instrument-making journey in 1954. Through his efforts and commitment to preserving and promoting the traditional instruments, he was recognized as the holder of the 42nd South Korean intangible cultural heritage instrument-making title in 1991. In 2013, he was granted the honor of being named an honorary holder.

A Life Devoted to the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Instruments

Before being recognized as an honorary holder, Lee Young-soo dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of traditional instruments. He learned from the last instrument craftsman of the Joseon Dynasty, Kim Bung-gi, and started his instrument-making career in earnest. Establishing his workshop in Incheon, Lee worked as the exclusive instrument craftsman for the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra and the National Traditional Music High School, creating and repairing instruments.

In 1979, Lee participated in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Crafts Exhibition and received an award for his Hyeongbipa, a traditional string instrument. In 1984, he was honored with an encouragement award for his geomungo, a traditional Korean zither. These achievements, along with his lifelong dedication, led to his recognition as the holder of the 42nd South Korean intangible cultural heritage instrument-making title in 1991. In 2013, he was bestowed the title of honorary holder.

Recognizing the Cultural Value of Jeongeup City

Lee Young-soo’s lifelong dedication to the preservation and promotion of traditional instruments showcases the rich cultural value of Jeongeup City. Mayor Lee Hak-soo stated, “The late Lee Young-soo, who lived his life repairing and making instruments, truly exemplifies the high cultural value of Jeongeup. We will continue to uncover hidden historical figures throughout the city to further explore our historical identity.”

Jeongeup City’s selection of Lee Young-soo as the “Historical Figure of the Month” emphasizes the city’s historical identity. The term “instrument-making” refers to the craft of creating traditional instruments, and Lee Young-soo’s lifelong dedication highlights the cultural value of Jeongeup City.

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