By Kim Young-ah and Kim Young Shin

“Songs of the Dragons" (Yongbieo-cheonga, 용비어천가, 龍飛御天歌) is the first epic poem written in Hangeul, and it praises the foundation of Joseon (1392-1910) and the virtue of its illustrious leaders.

Published by the fourth Joseon monarch, King Sejong the Great (세종, 世宗) (r. 1418-1450), the poem depicts the achievements of six of his ancestors, from Mokjo (목조, 穆祖) (d. 1274), the great-great-grandfather of the founder of Joseon, through to King Taejong (태종, 太宗) (r. 1400-1418), the third Joseon monarch and Sejong's father.

The National Gugak Center is now presenting a modern musical adaptation of the poem, titled "New Music of King Sejong the Great – Tree of Deep Roots, Water of Deep Springs,” which portrays King Sejong’s ruling philosophy: love the people and be virtuous.

The musical translated the original text into comprehensible contemporary Korean. It is sung along to gugak, traditional Korean music, played by the National Gugak Center’s Court Music Orchestra. Dancers also perform court dances during the musical.

The musical comprises of three acts. Act I is about the deep-rooted history of Joseon’s foundation and the distinguished accomplishments of Sejong's ancestors. Act II shows how King Taejo (태조, 太祖) (r. 1392-1398) submitted to Heaven’s will when he established the new country. Finally, Act III is about respecting Heaven’s will and ruling over the people well.

“The aim of this musical is not to restore the rituals of the time, but to deliver King Sejong’s message to contemporary audiences in a new form,” said Shin Sun-Hi, the director of the musical. "The show will present the true nature of Korea’s cultural spirit.”

The musical will be performed at 8 p.m. on May 25 and 26. On May 27, the show will be at 3 p.m.

For more information, please visit the National Gugak Center’s website (http://www.gugak.go.kr/) or call +82-2-580-3300.

kimya124@korea.kr