Minyoung Kim is a composer and soloist from Seoul who is taking her show to the Edinburgh Fringe this year. She talks to me about her upcoming trip to the festival.
When and where are you performing at the Fringe this year?
I’ll be performing at Summerhall Arts (Venue 26) from August 6th to 31st at 8:45 pm, except on August 17th and 24th.

What was the inspiration for your show?
My work is always inspired by my own inner world. I am fascinated by the strange and mysterious feelings within me. The core of this performance is to explore my inner world and bring those hidden emotions out onto the stage. By mixing the powerful sound of the Geomungo with electronic music, I want to show the raw movements of my inner world.

When did you first step on the stage as a performer?
I was about 13 years old. I had just started learning the Geomungo and joined a big music club. Since I was a latecomer, the other kids didn’t really welcome me and I felt left out. But instead of giving up, I practiced completely by myself, learned the whole piece, and finished the show successfully. I felt so proud. Looking back, that experience made me the independent performer I am today.

What is the best piece of advice about working in Theatre you have received?
Rather than advice, I have a memorable story. When I first debuted my original music, a famous, legendary music master in Korea strongly criticized my work. They said, “How dare you ruin the elegance of our ancestors’ music? I cannot accept this!”
Since I play the Geomungo quite aggressively and reinvent tradition through a fresh perspective, I face a lot of criticism. But getting that kind of backlash on my very first day was quite a shock. However, I never backed down. History shows that many great artists were heavily criticized at first. I actually felt a strange thrill thinking, “Maybe I’m following the same path as those legendary artists.”

Who or what inspired you to take to the stage?
Again, it comes from within me. I’m someone who feels a deep need to express what’s inside me through art; it’s a necessity for me. I am just happy that my expression found its voice in music. The best part about being on stage is that my personal stories and sounds become a shared experience between me and the audience. The stage is where my world meets theirs.

Who is your target audience?
This show is for everyone. In particular, I highly recommend it to people who love to experience something entirely new. If you are curious about Asian or Korean traditional sounds, this is a great show for you. You’ll experience the essence of Korean tradition and contemporary music side by side.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/plastic