미완의 완성작 - 노래극 <구로동 연가>(1988) 연구

Abstract

This paper explores musical drama Guro-dong Yeon Ga (Guro-dong Love song, 1988) in three aspects. First, this paper examines South Korean musical discourses in the 1980's and the activities of “Korean Institute of Music Theatre.” Second, this paper examines how classical musicians dealt with workers' lives in the unique material and narrative elements of Guro-dong Yeon Ga. Third, this paper explores how music was incorporated into the narrative. This study shows that Guro-dong Yeon Ga is an example that embodies various discourses present in the 1980's Korean classical music scene. Through this work it is possible to recognize that classical musicians were able to encounter the contemporary culture and art scenes at the time. It also shows that Guro-dong Yeon Ga consists of five layers of music, that musical direction plays a crucial role in the creation of the climax scene, and that the songs used in the work are still being sung by people today. In these contexts, the study shows that, despite the fact that Guro-dong Yeon Ga failed to have sequels and complete the ideal of “new musical drama,” it still is an important work in terms of its creation, musical achievements, and controversies.