Korean traditional music virtuoso Heo Yoon-jeong will present her acclaimed concert 'Apotheosis' at Eiffel Art Studios in Budapest on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The performance is part of the 2025 Touring K-Arts (Korean Arts in Motion) series, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience contemporary interpretations of traditional Korean gugak music. While admission is free, advance registration is required for this highly anticipated cultural event.
The concert represents a major collaborative effort between multiple Korean cultural institutions and diplomatic missions. The production brings together the Korean Cultural Centers in Hungary and Austria, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (SFAC), the Korea Foundation, and FromA. This partnership demonstrates the continued commitment to promoting Korean traditional arts on the international stage.
Heo Yoon-jeong has established herself as a leading representative of traditional Korean music, gaining recognition both domestically and internationally for her innovative approach to gugak. Her performances are characterized by a masterful blend of traditional and creative musical elements, incorporating contemporary, avant-garde, and improvisational components. Using exclusively traditional instruments and musical materials, she creates a distinctive sound that remains deeply rooted in Korean heritage while striking audiences as remarkably modern and accessible.
'Apotheosis,' which earned the prestigious Grand Prize at the 2023 Seoul Arts Awards, serves as a profound expression of Heo Yoon-jeong's deep respect and reverence for traditional Korean music. The performance seamlessly interweaves music with dance and song within a traditional context, creating a multidimensional artistic experience that offers audiences something truly extraordinary. The production showcases how ancient Korean musical traditions can be reimagined and presented in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The concert will feature an ensemble of distinguished performers specializing in traditional Korean music. Kang Min Su and Hwang Min Wang will contribute vocals and percussion, while Jeong Yoon Hyeong will present pansori (Korean folk opera) vocals accompanied by traditional Korean gongs. Cho Seong Jae will perform vocals, ajaeng, and percussion, and Choi Yeo Ean will contribute traditional singing techniques. The evening's guest artist is cellist Choi Gyeong Eun, whose participation adds an additional layer of musical depth to the performance.
Throughout this extensive tour spanning three countries, audiences will witness the essence of Korean music unfolding in its full splendor and complexity. The international tour represents a significant cultural exchange opportunity, allowing European audiences to experience authentic Korean traditional music while observing how these ancient art forms continue to evolve and adapt to contemporary performance contexts. Additional information about the concert and registration details can be found at hungary.korean-culture.org.
