How did pansori develop during the Joseon period?

During the Joseon period, pansori evolved from a narrative performance incorporating shamanistic chants into a sophisticated professional genre. Its development can be summarized through these key stages:1

• Origins and Early Transformation: Emerging in southern Korea during the 17th century, the genre transitioned in the late 17th and early 18th centuries from ritualistic shamanic roots into a medium for exploring popular customs and everyday life. Professional entertainers known as kwangdae adopted the form as their livelihood.213
• The Golden Age: By the 19th century, pansori gained immense popularity across all social classes, including the upper class. During this period, myeongchang ("great singers") expanded the genre's melodic vocabulary by incorporating regional folk tunes and developing new vocal techniques.2
• Literary Refinement: The middle-class enthusiast Shin Jae-Hyo played a pivotal role by compiling and recasting narrative songs into six cycles to suit upper-class tastes. His work helped elevate pansori into a respected theatrical form, eventually drawing the attention of the Joseon dynasty royal court.21
• Social Function: While the performances often promoted traditional virtues like loyalty and filial piety, they also utilized satire to implicitly criticize contemporary society.1