Singer Jin Sori (born Kim Do-hyun), the daughter of traditional-arts master Kim Bong-gon from Cheonghak-dong, was chosen as Miss Chunhyang with the title Jeong (貞).
On the afternoon of the 30th of last month, the 96th Chunhyang Festival’s Global Chunhyang Selection was held on the main stage at Gwanghallu Garden in Namwon.
Jin Sori was ultimately crowned Chunhyang on the winners’ stage, which awards distinctions titled Jin, Seon, Mi, Jeong, Suk and Hyun. From roughly 300 hopefuls, two rigorous preliminary rounds narrowed the field to 36 finalists. After a 12-day residency and final performances, the judges selected the winner. Jin Sori drew strong applause for her solo rendition of "Sarangga," the love song segment of the pansori Chunhyangga.
The contest requires contestants to use their legal names, so she was announced as Kim Do-hyun. She introduced herself, saying, "The fragrance of flowers travels a hundred ri; the fragrance of people travels ten thousand ri. I am Chunhyang contestant No. 4, Kim Do-hyun, and today I will leave a lasting fragrance in your hearts."
"I’ve trained in Chunhyangga and traditional arts since childhood, so I understand Chunhyang better than anyone," she said. "As the saying goes, ‘what is most Korean is most global.’ I will be a global Chunhyang — Kim Do-hyun — who brings Namwon’s and Chunhyang’s story to the world through movements and music that blend tradition and modernity." Kim Da-hyun, watching from the audience, congratulated her sister on the win.
Jin Sori was born in Cheonghak-dong in Jirisan and began studying pansori at age four. After five years as the lead vocalist of a fusion girl group, she now performs as a trot singer. In September of last year she released her debut album Uhwa (羽化), which features 12 tracks.
iMBC Entertainment Kim Hye-young | Photo credit: Hyun Company
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