By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Duobud

Duobud specializes in fusion rhythmic patterns and melodies through innovative experimentation. Kim Sora plays the traditional hourglass-shaped drum janggu and other percussion instruments, while Lim Jihye is a gayageum (12-string plucked zither) player and composer.

In their debut, the group won the grand prize at the Sori Frontier competition of the Jeonju International Sori Festival of Korea. Duobud has performed worldwide at leading festivals and venues such as Babel Med Music in France (2016), South by Southwest in the U.S. (2019), K-Music Festival in the U.K. (2023) and CINARS Biennale (2024), North America's leading performing arts market.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Duobud from Feb. 5-9.

What attracted you to your traditional instruments?
Kim: I began learning nongak (folk percussion) at age 9. My teacher was one of Korea's top female percussionists and an Intangible Cultural Heritage. My mentor helped me develop my skills at a professional level from an early age. Though the janggu is a rhythm-only instrument without melody, resonance and energy create an emotional impact unlike any other.

Lim: I started playing the gayageum when I was 10, initially drawn to its warm, delicate and beautifully resonant tone. What captivated me most was the way the instrument is played, not with external tools but directly with the hands. As I played, I came to appreciate the instrument's profound depth and expressive range even more. It's a fascinating instrument because of its ability to transcend eras and musical boundaries while continuing to develop in new artistic directions.

Duobud comprises Lim Jihye (left), who plays the gayageum (12-string plucked zither), and Kim Sora, who plays the janggu (hourglass-shaped drum).

Why did you two team up and what do you love most about your instruments?
Kim: In traditional Korean music, the janggu and the gayageum are among the most fundamental instrumental pairings. I, however, saw the potential for a different dynamic between both instruments. The gayageum produces a delicate yet profoundly resonant sound, while the janggu has a bold presence. By reimagining their interplay and exploring new performance techniques, I believe we could develop a unique musical identity.

Lim: The interplay between the janggu's raw, percussive energy and the gayageum’s lyrical melodies creates a compelling musical dialogue. At times, the janggu can be played with such delicate precision that you can hear the performer's breath, while the gayageum can produce sounds reminiscent of electronic music, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

What elements of traditional music are crucial to your music?
Kim: The traditional jangdan (rhythmic cycles) possess a unique groove that transcends conventional Western rhythmic structures. This distinctive quality can only be truly understood through immersive study and performance of traditional music. Whether performing traditional pieces or creating new compositions, I am deeply committed to preserving this characteristic groove and breathing pattern.

Lim: In my view, the most essential elements of traditional music lie in the organic interplay between jangdan (rhythm) and seonyul (melodic phrasing). Equally crucial are the elements of improvisation and emotional textures that performers weave into the music. Duobud wants to preserve these fundamental elements while reimagining them through a contemporary lens.

Duobud takes the stage.

What is difficult about incorporating spontaneous elements into traditional music?
Kim: The most challenging aspect is defining my role as a performer and exploring how to convey our musical message with authenticity and impact.

Lim: When the janggu and gayageum engage in spontaneous musical dialogue, it needs a profound understanding of each other's musical language and the ability to respond intuitively. This level of musical communication needs extensive practice and a strong sense of musical synergy. Yet these challenging moments often lead to unexpected beauty.

What's ahead for Duobud?
Kim: We're marking its 10th anniversary. We're preparing our third full-length album and hope for more collaborations with fellow musicians. We hope to curate concerts that bring together diverse artistic voices, foster new creative exchanges and continue our own musical journey. And as I approach my 30th year of playing the janggu, I hope to remain an artist who always has the spirit of exploration and innovation.

Lim: As we celebrate our milestone, we have exciting projects including an anniversary concert, release of our third album and collaborations with other artists. Through new compositions and arrangements, we aim to further expand the expressive possibilities of the gayageum and percussion. We're also preparing performances in Korea and abroad.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.