Lee Hwa-jung-seon Troupe and Daedong Gageukdan

Lee Hwa-jung-seon was a prominent female master singer (myeongchang) active in the 1920s and 1930s. However, research on her activities beyond her records and radio broadcasts are scarce. This paper sheds light on her affiliations with gisaeng associations and her performances in regional areas, emphasizing her characteristics as a southern musician and performing artist. She was a successful Namsun Myeonggi (renowned gisaeng of the southern region) in Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul). Lee Hwa-- jung-seon honed her skills while being affiliated with the gisaeng associations of Gunsan and Namwon. After advancing to Gyeongseong as Namsun Myeonggi, she became a leading master singer representing both the Joseon Gwonbeon and Hannam Gwonbeon. She participated widely in concerts organized by newspapers and phonograph companies and led touring performances under the name Lee Hwa-jung-seon Troupe or as part of the Daedong Gageukdan (Daedong Opera Troupe). Her activities with this troupe have two significant implications. First, it was one of the very few performance troupes that prominently featured a female master singer’s name, distinguishing it from previous troupes that were typically led by male singers. Second, it was one of the only troupes that operated continuously throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Even in the 1930s, when southern musicians were primarily engaged with organizations such as the Joseon Music Association and Joseon Vocal Music Research Society in Gyeongseong, Lee Hwa-jung-seon continued to lead her troupe on nationwide tours. Through the Lee Hwa-jung-seon Troupe, the tradition of the hyeopryulsa (traveling performance troupe) was sustained.