How do spoken narration and songs work together in pansori?

In pansori, a traditional genre of Korean narrative song, spoken narration and singing work together to unfold epic dramas. The performance relies on a balance between ch’ang (song) and aniri (spoken narration and dialogue), which are integrated with ballim (dramatic gestures) and the use of a fan to convey the story.12

The vocalist, or kwangdae, alternates between these sung and spoken sections to maintain the narrative flow. Throughout this process, the drummer, or kosu, provides the essential rhythmic foundation using a puk (double-headed barrel drum). The drummer also contributes vocal interjections known as ch’uimsae, creating a dynamic, improvised interaction with the singer that supports the emotional and dramatic progression of the performance. This collaborative structure allows the artist to sustain long, complex narratives that have been a vital part of Korean performing arts for centuries.12