How do pansori singers and drummers improvise together?

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See and hear a man play a Korean buk — pansori Learn about the Korean *buk* (double-headed barrel drum) by watching and listening to a man play the type of *buk* that accompanies *pansori* narrative singing.

In pansori, the performance relies on a dynamic, improvised interaction between the singer-narrator (kwangdae) and the drummer (kosu).12

The drummer facilitates this collaboration through two primary methods:

Rhythmic Support: The drummer provides the appropriate rhythmic setting for the performance by marking phrases with specific patterns on a double-headed barrel drum (puk).12
Vocal Interjections: The drummer also contributes through ch’uimsae, which are vocal interjections that encourage the singer and help shape the flow of the epic drama.2

This ongoing exchange allows the two performers to balance spoken narration and dialogue (aniri) with songs (ch’ang) and dramatic gestures, ensuring the performance remains a fluid and responsive theatrical experience.12