Master artisans who have upheld the tradition of Korean crafts are set to be recognized as new faces of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 2nd that Kim Jong-min, aged 57, is acknowledged as the holder of the national intangible heritage title of “musical instrument maker” specializing in pyeonjong and pyeongyeong. Additionally, three individuals, Bang Chun-woong (82), Lee Hak-soo (70), and Seung Kyung-ran (64), are preliminarily recognized as holders in their respective fields.
Kim Jong-min is a second-generation artisan, succeeding his father, current holder Kim Hyun-gon, in the craft. He was taught the techniques of making pyeonjong and pyeongyeong under his father’s guidance. Since being selected as a scholarship apprentice in 2013, he has simultaneously engaged in scholarly verification and practical creation, establishing a robust system for the transmission of traditional musical instruments grounded in rigorous theoretical foundations.
Bang Chun-woong and Lee Hak-soo, who are preliminarily recognized as holders of the ongijang (Korean pottery) craft, are descendants of prominent family lineages in their field. Bang has dedicated his life to working with clay, inheriting a family business that dates back to his great-grandfather. Recognized as a holder of Chungcheongnam-do’s intangible heritage in 2008, he has steadily preserved the unique characteristics of regional onggi. Lee Hak-soo, son of the late Lee Ok-dong, a national intangible heritage holder, has produced onggi for over 30 years since 1990, demonstrating his craftsmanship as a holder in Jeollanam-do.
Seung Kyung-ran, preliminarily recognized as a holder for the ibsajang (metal inlay) craft, is known for manifesting traditional beauty through delicate craftsmanship. She learned the technique of engraving metal surfaces and inlaying gold and silver threads to create patterns from Hong Jung-sil, the current holder. Since becoming certified in 1997, she has devoted herself to inheritance education and artistic production for over 20 years, continuing the tradition of metal crafts.
The final decision on their recognition will be made after gathering opinions from various sectors over a month and undergoing the final review by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.
Meanwhile, Kim Il-man, aged 84, who has dedicated his efforts as an ongijang holder since 2010, is to be honored as an honorary holder. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained that this is in recognition of his contributions to maintaining the practice despite his advanced age.