Are you interested in Korean culture? Then there's a performance group for you. It's the martial arts performance group, known as ‘Jimudan’. Jimudan, consisting of a total of ten members, was founded in 2008 to express the strength of Korean martial arts and the splendor of the traditional martial art called Geommu. Geommu is a traditional sword dance practiced in Korea. Aren't you familiar with it yet? Don't worry! In this article, The JBNU Globe will introduce the unique Geommu that Jimudan represents!
● Jimudan, Where Flowers Bloom with Sword
Jimudan was founded through exploring the true meaning of dance and martial arts. "The goal is to make Korean martial arts and Geommu easy to promote, and approachable to the public," they said. What is special about Jimudan is that it is the only purely creative martial arts performance group in Korea. The team, consisting of kendo blackbelt-holders, combines various martial arts, Korean dance, and Nanta to create their own special performance
Among the various types of dances, why did they especially choose Geommu? Eun-bi replied, "I wanted to let the people know about Geommu, an uncommon performance." Adding to the charm of Geommu, So-hyun said, "it is a more attractive genre that combines the strength and sharpness of the real sword, and the beauty of the sword dance."
Jimudan is active across the country and overseas. They also said that anyone who is interested in and passionate about Korean culture can join as a member of Jimudan. Leaving behind the brief introduction, aren't you curious about how they plan and stage the performance? Let's hear untold backstage stories from Jimudan members!
● Behind the Scene: Efforts to Popularize Geommu
Jimudan plans their performances by themselves focusing on popularizing Geommu. So-hyun said “we are trying to show why we use swords. Traditionally, swords have the properties of killing and injuring others. However, the moment you hold it and dance, it can be a means of protection, comfort, and expressing anger. Therefore, we focus on explaining why the performer uses a sword.” Jimudan plans performances with concepts that the people can easily access since Geommu is not yet popular. They are still performing in various areas across the country to promote Geommu.
The JBNU Globe asked them what was the most memorable performance. Eun-bi said, “regular performances which are held once a year are the most memorable. This is because we can show our growth annually.” So-hyun said, “as the performances were rare due to COVID-19, every performance was precious and I did my best at every given moment.” They are currently preparing for a new performance. If you are interested, stay tuned!
● Their New Challenge: Jeonju Joseon POP Festival
Have you ever heard of the Jeonju Joseon POP Festival? The festival, which is held in Jeonju in August(Summer Week) and October(Autumn Week), combines traditional music with popular music so that the public can easily enjoy it. The final twenty-two teams will be selected to perform in this festival through applications and non-face-to-face performance demonstrations. The martial arts group Jimudan, returning from last year, also hope to participate in the festival performing Geommu and are waiting for the final selections to be announced. They participated in this festival because they thought it would be a great opportunity to promote Geommu more. They said, “you can see new combinations and works that you haven't seen in Jimudan so far, and not only group performances, but also performances that utilize individual characteristics, so please look forward to it.”
The performances are to be held only on Friday and Saturday, with August on 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th, and October on 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. The location has yet to be decided. So, if Jimudan is selected as the final performer, you can meet them on one of these dates.
The sharp sword met dance and became art, and at the center there was Jimudan. They want to impress and entertain many people through their light and beautiful dances. Why don't you pay attention to their future moves and have a thing for Geommu?
| Park Ji-woo, Lee Da-yeon Reporters