*Editor’s note: K-VIBE invites experts from various K-culture sectors to share their extraordinary discovery about the Korean culture. 

Larger Than Architecture: My Contribution

By Kim Won (Master K-architect)

A few months ago, Mr. Kang Seok-hee called and visited me. We enjoyed reminiscing about old times over lunch. The main reason for his visit was to ask me for a favor. 

He had written a play about 20 years ago and couldn't find the script. He wanted me to help locate it. I found it amusing that the playwright couldn't find his own script and had come to me for help. Nevertheless, I searched through the old issues of "Gonggan Magazine" from 20 years ago and quickly found the script.

Three days later, I informed Mr. Kang that I had found it. He was delighted and said that thanks to me, the script could now be performed for the first time in Korea. This is the play being performed now. Subsequently, I received sincere thanks from Mr. Kim Yong-won and Ms. Shin Gap-soon, making me feel proud to have played a role in the Korean premiere, which is also the world premiere, of this complex modern music piece.

This incident brought back memories from 40 years ago. In 1965, when I first joined Kim Swoo Geun's architectural firm, I met Mr. Park Yong-gu. Every Thursday evening, we held "Modern Music Appreciation Sessions" at the office. We seriously listened to records collected by senior Gong Il-gon on the latest audio equipment bought by Mr. Kim Swoo Geun, with Mr. Park providing commentary. As a newcomer, I was responsible for preparing the sessions, typing out the music pieces and explanations, and arranging the chairs.

Despite the challenging pieces by composers like Schoenberg and Stravinsky, we listened intently. Later, when Mr. Kang Seok-hee returned from Germany and started visiting our office frequently, we were exposed to even more modernized music and theories, which felt even more daunting.

Due to this connection, Mr. Kang came to me to find the "lost script," and today, I proudly contributed to this performance. It's always a mix of pleasure and anxiety to receive more praise than expected without much effort. I am grateful for the chance to reconnect, even through this intricate music, with Kim Swoo Geun, whom I parted ways with 20 years ago. It is heartening to think that he met Daedalus, who had arrived at Geumsungcheon earlier, and was asked to create a space similar to the labyrinth he built at Minos Palace, and then completed the structure. I too look forward to seeing that building soon.

2007. 6. 10.

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