Kim Young-hee: Potential Recognition as National Intangible Cultural Heritage Holder for ‘Okjang’

Kim Young-hee, Potential Recognition as Holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage ‘Okjang’

Source: Newsis

Overview:

Kim Young-hee is expected to be recognized as the holder of the national intangible cultural heritage, ‘Okjang.’ The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 22nd that they plan to acknowledge Kim Young-hee (64) as the holder of Okjang. Okjang refers to the function of creating various objects and ornaments using jade. Jade is a representative gemstone in the East Asian cultural sphere, along with gold and silver. It has been used as a decorative item to signify social status. The qualities of jade, which are gentle and soft, also symbolize perseverance, gentleness, subtlety, and patience.

Process of Jade Production:

Looking at the process of jade production, it involves quarrying, designing, cutting, shaping, detailed carving (drilling holes, making grooves), and polishing. Various tools such as saws, drills called hwalbibi, and grinding wheels are used depending on each process.

Recognition Process:

The Cultural Heritage Administration conducted an investigation to recognize Kim Young-hee’s skills as the holder of the national intangible cultural heritage, Okjang. Last year, after a public call, a written examination and on-site investigation were conducted to assess Kim Young-hee’s skills in key Okjang techniques such as engraving and carving.

Kim Young-hee’s Background:

Kim Young-hee is currently recognized as a holder of the provincial intangible cultural heritage, Okjang. He entered the field as a disciple of Kim Jae-hwan in 1970 and honed his jade processing skills for 53 years.

Expected Impact:

Currently, there is only one holder of the national intangible cultural heritage, Okjang. The additional recognition of Kim Young-hee as a holder is expected to bring vitality to the future transmission of Okjang skills.

Upcoming Decision:

The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to gather and review opinions from various experts for a period of at least 30 days regarding the potential recognition of Kim Young-hee as the holder of the national intangible cultural heritage, Okjang. The final decision will be made through the deliberation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

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