What are ch’uimsae in a pansori performance?

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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 a pansori performance, ch’uimsae refers to the vocal interjections provided by the drummer (kosu) to accompany the singer-narrator (kwangdae).1

These interjections are an essential part of the improvised interaction that occurs between the drummer and the vocalist throughout the performance. While the drummer primarily marks phrases with rhythmic patterns on the buk (a double-headed barrel drum), the ch’uimsae serve as vocal cues or expressions of encouragement that help maintain the energy and flow of the epic drama as it unfolds.21