Pak Yon (1378-1458) was a music theoretician, composer and instrumentalist in the 15th century. And he was one of the three great musicians of old Korea.
At his proposal the feudal government established a musical instrument agency to make different kinds of instruments. A large orchestra was also formed.
His works have been handed down recorded in the music book attached to Sejong Sillok (Chronicles of King Sejong).
The following is an episode about the musician.
While learning at a local Confucian school, Pak, in his spare time, learned to play the flute from a man of a neighbouing village who was good at playing it.
One day, several months later, the man told Pak not to come to him any longer. Pak was disappointed by the man's words.
"Did I do anything wrong with you?" asked Pak.
“Oh, no, no," the man explained. "But I have nothing more to teach you. In a month you've learned all that I have. Now I know you can play the flute better than I. What else can I teach you?"
Pak could hardly entreat any more. Thus he achieved fame as the best flute player in the locality. Even the royal palace came to know this and sent for him. Then it had a musician of the central music academy test him.
After hearing Pak play the flute, the musician shook his head, saying, 'This man's tunes are common, and the rhythm is not right. And he is bound to the old practices. So he is hopeless," the musician concluded.
Pak was heartbroken to know that he was not well-informed about music yet. He then visited and entreated the musician to teach him even for a few days, saying he was reluctant to return without learning anything.
Thus the musician began to teach him right tunes and rhythms, and Pak worked deep into the night day by day, assimilating what was taught.
When the teaching period came to a close, the musician said, "I'm pleased to teach you. I'll readily help you if you want to learn more.”
Thus Pak kept learning from the musician for another several days. The musician taught him without attending to anything else.
Pak's musical ability improved day after day. One day, after hearing him play the flute, the musician slapped his knee with great joy, exclaiming, "You're really a master of music." And he went on to say, "Now I have no more to teach you. My talent is no match for yours. What a quick music learner you are!"
Pak said with a smile, "How can I be called a master? And how could I have learned music without a teacher who sincerely taught me without complaining about my poor ability?"
Finally, Pak came to outdo his teacher, and worked as musician in the royal palace all his life.
Pak Yon
More From Uriminzokkiri (En)
City and county organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea are making an intensive study to deeply grasp the idea and spirit of
January 09, 2024
City and county organizations of the Workers' Party of Korea are making an intensive study to deeply grasp the idea and spirit of
The Korean people, who successfully passed the third year of the implementation of the five-year plan for national economic
January 09, 2024
The Korean people, who successfully passed the third year of the implementation of the five-year plan for national economic
The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Sunday: According to the ratification of the
January 08, 2024
The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Sunday: According to the ratification of the
The very important report and conclusion made by the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th
January 08, 2024
The very important report and conclusion made by the respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Sunday issued the following
January 08, 2024
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Sunday issued the following
All the people of the DPRK out in the new year advance are intent on the intensive study to fully arm themselves with the new idea
January 08, 2024
All the people of the DPRK out in the new year advance are intent on the intensive study to fully arm themselves with the new idea
There are many people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who regard love of and devotion to others as their duty.
January 07, 2024
There are many people in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, who regard love of and devotion to others as their duty.
Pyongyang, January 5 (KCNA) -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Friday: On the
January 07, 2024
Pyongyang, January 5 (KCNA) -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) issued the following report on Friday: On the
Saussurea seoulensis syringin developed by the Kuryongsan Pharmaceutical Manufactory is winning growing favour among users as the
January 06, 2024
Saussurea seoulensis syringin developed by the Kuryongsan Pharmaceutical Manufactory is winning growing favour among users as the
Among those who took the floor at the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in May Juche 104 (2015)
January 06, 2024
Among those who took the floor at the Second National Conference of Exemplary Young People of Virtue held in May Juche 104 (2015)
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Tuesday issued the following
January 05, 2024
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, on Tuesday issued the following
Leading newspapers of the DPRK Thursday editorially call upon the officials and working people to successfully carry out the tasks
January 05, 2024
Leading newspapers of the DPRK Thursday editorially call upon the officials and working people to successfully carry out the tasks
The Yoon Suk Yeol group of puppets, who spent days and months of 2023 with dangerous military provocations to push the Korean
January 05, 2024
The Yoon Suk Yeol group of puppets, who spent days and months of 2023 with dangerous military provocations to push the Korean
Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says in an article that there are countries which make efforts to tide over the difficulties and bolster
January 04, 2024
Rodong Sinmun Wednesday says in an article that there are countries which make efforts to tide over the difficulties and bolster
Officials of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League conducted political work at the construction site of
January 04, 2024
Officials of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League conducted political work at the construction site of
All the people and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army greeted the New Year Juche 113 (2024) significantly. Visitors
January 03, 2024
All the people and service personnel of the Korean People’s Army greeted the New Year Juche 113 (2024) significantly. Visitors
Pyongyang, January 2 (KCNA) -- The grand art performance in celebration of the New Year 2024 is going on with splendor amid the
January 03, 2024
Pyongyang, January 2 (KCNA) -- The grand art performance in celebration of the New Year 2024 is going on with splendor amid the
A gala evening of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital city of Pyongyang on December 31, 2023 on New
January 02, 2024
A gala evening of youth and students took place at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital city of Pyongyang on December 31, 2023 on New
A national flag-hoisting ceremony was solemnly held on January 1, Juche 113 (2024), at Kim Il Sung Square. At 00:00 sharp, a bell
January 02, 2024
A national flag-hoisting ceremony was solemnly held on January 1, Juche 113 (2024), at Kim Il Sung Square. At 00:00 sharp, a bell
The Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Mangyongdae District in the capital city of Pyongyang is a base for extracurricular
January 01, 2024
The Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace in Mangyongdae District in the capital city of Pyongyang is a base for extracurricular
More Articles