THE KUKMIN DAILY

The Reunification Culture and Arts Center (Inc.) (board chair: Lee Jeong-ja, senior deacon of Chuncheon Hanmaeum Church; photo) announced on January 11 that it has published a “Hymnal of North Korean Melodies for the Reunification Generation” with Biblical lyrics set to North Korean tunes.

The 51 hymns and 10 choral pieces included in the “Hymnal of North Korean Melodies” are popular tunes and folk melodies sung in North Korea, with newly created lyrics (contrafacta) expressing themes of faith. North Korean missionaries, North Korean defectors and others helped to gather hymns sung by Christians in the underground churches of the North, and songs enjoyed by our Northern sisters and brothers. These were written down in musical notation, given new lyrics and arranged to produce the hymn collection.

Board chair Lee Jeong-ja wrote in her greeting, “Since all these hymns are melodies that our North Korean compatriots enjoy singing, they embrace North Koreans’ feelings and will be easy for them to sing…From the standpoint that through these hymns our hearts can become one in praising the Lord, the publication of this 'Hymnal of North Korean Melodies' is a significant event.” She added, “In the hope that everyone will join our hearts’ desire for reunification through the singing of these hymns, we will continue our work on a sequel to the 'Hymnal of North Korean Melodies,' to get the reunification generation prepared.”

Former president of Seoul Jangsin University Moon Sung-mo said in his written recommendation of the book, “There is no hymnal of songs that can be sung together by South and North Korean believers after reunification…I anticipate that this publication of the “Hymnal of North Korean Melodies” will help restore our identity as one people, and strengthen our sincere desire for reunification.”

Article and photo by reporter Yeong Dae Yoo (ydyoo@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)


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