Kim Won-gyun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kim Won-gyun
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| Born | 2 January 1917 Wonsan, Kōgen-dō (Gangwon Province), Korea, Empire of Japan
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| Died | 5 April 2002 (aged 85) |
| Occupation | Composer, politician |
| Era | 20th century |
| Kim Won-gyun | |
| Chosŏn'gŭl |
김원균
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| Hancha | |
| Revised Romanization | Kim Won-gyun |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kim Wŏn'gyun |
Kim Won-gyun (Chosŏn'gŭl: 김원균; 2 January 1917 – 5 April 2002) was a famous composer and politician from North Korea. Many people think he was one of the most important composers in North Korea's history.
He wrote "Aegukka", which is North Korea's national anthem. He also composed "Song of General Kim Il-sung" and other special musical plays called revolutionary operas.
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Kim Won-gyun's Musical Journey
Kim Won-gyun went to high school when he was young. But he left after three years. After Korea became free, he wrote his first song. It was called "March of Korea".
Before becoming a famous musician, Kim was a farmer. In 1946, he wrote the "Song of General Kim Il-sung". This song was one of the first artworks to mention Kim Il Sung. Kim Il Sung was the leader of the Workers' Party of North Korea at that time.
After his song became popular, Kim was asked to write "Aegukka". This song later became the national anthem of North Korea. Kim taught himself music at first. Later, he went to Moscow to study music. He also attended a music school in Japan.
By 1947, Kim Won-gyun had become very well-known. He wrote many other important songs. These include "Democratic Youth March" and "Our Supreme Commander". He also composed "Glory to the Workers' Party of Korea" and "Sunrise on Mt. Paektu". Other songs are "Steel-strong Ranks Advance" and "Song of Great National Unity". He also wrote "We Rush Forward in Spirit of Chollima" and "Song of Anti-Imperialist Struggle".
Kim Won-gyun and Revolutionary Operas
Kim Won-gyun helped create a special type of musical play. These are called "Sea of Blood"-type revolutionary operas. It is believed he worked on the opera Sea of Blood. He might also have created a symphony based on music from this opera. He is also known for the opera Chirisan.
Leadership Roles and Recognition
Kim Won-gyun worked as a composer for the National Art Theatre. In 1954, he became the head of the Korean Musicians Union. He later became its vice-president and president. From 1960, he was the president of the Pyongyang University of Music and Dance. In 1985, he became the general director of the Sea of Blood Opera Troupe.
Kim was also the North Korean chairman of the Reunification Music Festival in 1990. He led the National Music Committee of Korea. He was also an honorary member of the International Music Council.
Besides music, Kim was also a politician. He was a deputy in the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA). This is North Korea's parliament. He served in the ninth and tenth assemblies. When he passed away in 2002, he was still a deputy. He was also an adviser to the Korean Musicians Union.
Awards and Honors
Kim Won-gyun received many awards for his work. These include Labor Hero and Merited Artist. He was also named a People's Artist. He received the Order of Kim Il Sung and a Kim Il Sung Prize.
To honor him, the Pyongyang Conservatory was renamed the Kim Won-gyun Conservatory in 2006.
Later Life and Legacy
Kim Won-gyun passed away on April 5, 2002, from heart failure. Kim Jong Il sent flowers to his funeral. Later, Kim Jong Un honored Kim Won-gyun. He organized a concert in 2017 to celebrate 100 years since Kim Won-gyun's birth.
See also
- Music of North Korea
- List of North Korean musicians
