Pansori Yupa(流派) Research-A Reflective Review

Pansori yupa(流派) is a combination of various elements, including region and time, performers, music, and literature. Thus, there has been a large amount of research on the subject. This paper questions the facts and highlights the direction that the discussion of yupa should take in future. The paper considers the conception of yupa, and its connection with the region, reviewing arguments over the regions where yupa was first created, as well as the arguments over old-fashioned (古制) pansori. In this process, the paper highlights the lack of consideration of the cultural foundation of pansori, claims about which could spur regional hegemony. Further, the emergence of a new yupa and its future course is summarized. Above all, it is necessary to recognize the individuality and presentness of current singers rather than the yupa. We should reject the argument that emphasizes the maintenance of past forms and neglects the future of pansori. As it did in the past, to ensure its survival in the music market, pansori, a performing art, should not let theory suppress an artist’s freedom.