TALCHUM
A contemporary reimagining of Korea’s traditional mask dance
Talchum is a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s traditional mask dance, rooted in satire, symbolism, and storytelling. Inspired by Bongsan Talchum, this project brings to life four archetypal characters that reflect core aspects of modern society—power, individuality, survival, and truth.
With four dancers moving through the streets of Brooklyn, this performance blends tradition and modernity into a poetic reflection of contemporary life. Each character symbolizes a social force we all encounter—inviting reflection, humor, and connection.
This project is both a tribute to Korea’s cultural heritage and a creative dialogue between past and present. Through Talchum, we explore how timeless stories can find new relevance, building bridges across cultures and generations.
Project Credits
CHOREOGRAPHER / PERFORMER_ JI HYUN KIM
PERFORMER_ HANNAH JEW
PERFORMER_ Haley Hadam Sung
PERFORMER_ Joshua lau
ART DIRECTOR_ YOON JUNG KIM
VIDEOGRAPHER_MINAM KIM
mask artist / MANAGER_ JIN LEE
PHOTOGRAPHER_ Mark kim
MUSIC_ ”Votiv” BY Dorisburg
Filmed in
Brooklyn, NY
2024
Yangban / 양반
Traditional History:
A satirical figure representing the ruling elite of the Joseon era. Though noble in appearance, Yangban is often portrayed as hypocritical and greedy.
Our version of Yang-Ban represents a powerful CEO or political figure, reflecting the elite in today's society. Dressed in a tailored business suit, they move with authority and control, embodying the dominance of corporate and political influence in shaping modern life.
A critique of how wealth and power control the social and political landscape, often creating a disconnect between the elite and the everyday citizen.
Yangban / 양반
Traditional History:
A satirical figure representing the ruling elite of the Joseon era. Though noble in appearance, Yangban is often portrayed as hypocritical and greedy.
Our version of Yang-Ban represents a powerful CEO or political figure, reflecting the elite in today's society. Dressed in a tailored business suit, they move with authority and control, embodying the dominance of corporate and political influence in shaping modern life.
A critique of how wealth and power control the social and political landscape, often creating a disconnect between the elite and the everyday citizen.
Yangban / 양반
Traditional History:
A satirical figure representing the ruling elite of the Joseon era. Though noble in appearance, Yangban is often portrayed as hypocritical and greedy.
Our version of Yang-Ban represents a powerful CEO or political figure, reflecting the elite in today's society. Dressed in a tailored business suit, they move with authority and control, embodying the dominance of corporate and political influence in shaping modern life.
A critique of how wealth and power control the social and political landscape, often creating a disconnect between the elite and the everyday citizen.
Somu / 소무
Traditional History:
A shamanic character who connects with the spirits. Her graceful movements symbolize purification and sacred ritual.
So-mu is reimagined as a modern-day artist or influencer, symbolizing the freedom of expression and creativity central to today’s culture. Dressed in casual yet stylish, eclectic clothing, their movements are expressive and fluid, reflecting individuality and the pursuit of personal freedom.
A celebration of creativity and self-expression in a society that values individualism, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often promotes conformity.
Somu / 소무
Traditional History:
A shamanic character who connects with the spirits. Her graceful movements symbolize purification and sacred ritual.
So-mu is reimagined as a modern-day artist or influencer, symbolizing the freedom of expression and creativity central to today’s culture. Dressed in casual yet stylish, eclectic clothing, their movements are expressive and fluid, reflecting individuality and the pursuit of personal freedom.
A celebration of creativity and self-expression in a society that values individualism, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often promotes conformity.
Somu / 소무
Traditional History:
A shamanic character who connects with the spirits. Her graceful movements symbolize purification and sacred ritual.
So-mu is reimagined as a modern-day artist or influencer, symbolizing the freedom of expression and creativity central to today’s culture. Dressed in casual yet stylish, eclectic clothing, their movements are expressive and fluid, reflecting individuality and the pursuit of personal freedom.
A celebration of creativity and self-expression in a society that values individualism, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often promotes conformity.
Chwibari/ 취발이
Traditional History:
A comical drunkard with wild hair. Though low in status, he boldly mocks authority and provokes laughter with his absurdity.
Our Chwi-Bari is portrayed as a street-smart hustler - someone who thrives in the fast-paced, competitive urban environment of modern cities. Dressed in casual, mismatched streetwear, their quick, agile movements represent the fight for survival and success in a world full of economic challenges and social inequality.
A reflection on the resilience and resourcefulness of those navigating the challenges of economic disparity, showing how individuals on the margins of society work hard to make a living.
Chwibari/ 취발이
Traditional History:
A comical drunkard with wild hair. Though low in status, he boldly mocks authority and provokes laughter with his absurdity.
Our Chwi-Bari is portrayed as a street-smart hustler - someone who thrives in the fast-paced, competitive urban environment of modern cities. Dressed in casual, mismatched streetwear, their quick, agile movements represent the fight for survival and success in a world full of economic challenges and social inequality.
A reflection on the resilience and resourcefulness of those navigating the challenges of economic disparity, showing how individuals on the margins of society work hard to make a living.
Chwibari/ 취발이
Traditional History:
A comical drunkard with wild hair. Though low in status, he boldly mocks authority and provokes laughter with his absurdity.
Our Chwi-Bari is portrayed as a street-smart hustler - someone who thrives in the fast-paced, competitive urban environment of modern cities. Dressed in casual, mismatched streetwear, their quick, agile movements represent the fight for survival and success in a world full of economic challenges and social inequality.
A reflection on the resilience and resourcefulness of those navigating the challenges of economic disparity, showing how individuals on the margins of society work hard to make a living.
Malttugi/ 말뚝이
Traditional History:
A witty servant who communicates directly with the audience. He exposes the hypocrisy of the upper class with clever humor.
Our Malt-Tugi is transformed into a stand-up comedian or satirist, using humor to expose the contradictions and hypocrisies of modern culture. Dressed in trendy street fashion, their lively, exaggerated movements mock societal norms and political issues, offering biting social commentary.
Through humor and satire, this character encourages the audience to think critically about societal structures, challenging the accepted norms and pushing for deeper understanding.
Malttugi/ 말뚝이
Traditional History:
A witty servant who communicates directly with the audience. He exposes the hypocrisy of the upper class with clever humor.
Our Malt-Tugi is transformed into a stand-up comedian or satirist, using humor to expose the contradictions and hypocrisies of modern culture. Dressed in trendy street fashion, their lively, exaggerated movements mock societal norms and political issues, offering biting social commentary.
Through humor and satire, this character encourages the audience to think critically about societal structures, challenging the accepted norms and pushing for deeper understanding.
Malttugi/ 말뚝이
Traditional History:
A witty servant who communicates directly with the audience. He exposes the hypocrisy of the upper class with clever humor.
Our Malt-Tugi is transformed into a stand-up comedian or satirist, using humor to expose the contradictions and hypocrisies of modern culture. Dressed in trendy street fashion, their lively, exaggerated movements mock societal norms and political issues, offering biting social commentary.
Through humor and satire, this character encourages the audience to think critically about societal structures, challenging the accepted norms and pushing for deeper understanding.
Historical Background of Talchum
Talchum, or traditional Korean mask dance, developed during the late Joseon Dynasty (17th to 19th century) as a popular form of folk performance.
It originated in various regions across Korea—including Bongsan (Hwanghae Province), where one of the most iconic versions, Bongsan Talchum, was born.
Performed by and for common people, Talchum served as a tool for social satire and emotional release, often mocking the aristocracy, critiquing injustice, and exposing hypocrisy through exaggerated gestures, dance, and humorous storytelling.
It was often held during village festivals, rituals, and public gatherings, promoting community spirit and entertainment.
Over time, it evolved into a rich, multidisciplinary performance that combined dance, drama, masks, and music—capturing both the struggles and joys of everyday life.
In 2022, Talchum was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, reaffirming its importance as a cultural treasure.
We extend our sincere thanks to Captured by Mk for joining this project as our guest photographer. With a cinematic eye and sensitivity to movement and natural atmosphere, they beautifully captured the emotion and rhythm of our performance.
Based in New York, Captured by Mk specializes in lifestyle, portrait, and performance photography—creating visual stories that feel honest, expressive, and timeless.
📸 capturedbymk.com
Hannah Jew (周健倫) is an NYC-based multi-hyphenate artist, dance educator and fitness instructor originally from Oklahoma City, OK. Her favorite credits include: Yuletide Celebration (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), Eliza/Dance Captain (Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre: The King and I), The King and I (National Tour), choreographer: re-creation of the Chinese Divertissement (now called Ribbon Dance) for Oklahoma Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker (The University of Oklahoma), choreographer/dancer in collaboration w/Chengjin Koh & Verona Quartet (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art - Washington, D.C.), The Pajama Game (NAAP). Hannah has danced with Oklahoma City Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Hispánico’s BHdos & Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. She is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Ballet Performance.
Haley Sung is a South Korea–born dance artist who began training in Korean folk dance and ballet at the age of eight. She earned her BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts with a Promising Artist Scholarship in 2017 and continued her studies at The Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. Her work has taken her across Korea, France, Italy, and Luxembourg, and she has taught at institutions including The Juilliard School, San Jose State University, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and the Martha Graham Company.
Haley was a Creative Associate for New York City Ballet’s Fall 2020 Digital Season and performed at Lincoln Center with Gallim in 2021. In 2023, she joined the cast of PUNCHDRUNK’s Sleep No More in New York. She is currently based in Seoul, where she serves as Rehearsal Director for the Seoul production of Sleep No More.
Joshua Lau is a Chinese American dancer, born in Hong Kong and raised in San Francisco, California. He embarked on his dance journey at the age of 15 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from San Jose State University. Throughout his career, Joshua has had the opportunity to perform with several dance companies, including sjDANCEco, ReachBC, SpectorDance Co, Condanza, and Perspectives Dance Company, as well as his work with many regional musical theater companies.
Historical Background of Talchum
Talchum, or traditional Korean mask dance, developed during the late Joseon Dynasty (17th to 19th century) as a popular form of folk performance.
It originated in various regions across Korea—including Bongsan (Hwanghae Province), where one of the most iconic versions, Bongsan Talchum, was born.
Performed by and for common people, Talchum served as a tool for social satire and emotional release, often mocking the aristocracy, critiquing injustice, and exposing hypocrisy through exaggerated gestures, dance, and humorous storytelling.
It was often held during village festivals, rituals, and public gatherings, promoting community spirit and entertainment.
Over time, it evolved into a rich, multidisciplinary performance that combined dance, drama, masks, and music—capturing both the struggles and joys of everyday life.
In 2022, Talchum was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, reaffirming its importance as a cultural treasure.
We extend our sincere thanks to Captured by Mk for joining this project as our guest photographer. With a cinematic eye and sensitivity to movement and natural atmosphere, they beautifully captured the emotion and rhythm of our performance.
Based in New York, Captured by Mk specializes in lifestyle, portrait, and performance photography—creating visual stories that feel honest, expressive, and timeless.
📸 capturedbymk.com
Hannah Jew (周健倫) is an NYC-based multi-hyphenate artist, dance educator and fitness instructor originally from Oklahoma City, OK. Her favorite credits include: Yuletide Celebration (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), Eliza/Dance Captain (Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre: The King and I), The King and I (National Tour), choreographer: re-creation of the Chinese Divertissement (now called Ribbon Dance) for Oklahoma Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker (The University of Oklahoma), choreographer/dancer in collaboration w/Chengjin Koh & Verona Quartet (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art - Washington, D.C.), The Pajama Game (NAAP). Hannah has danced with Oklahoma City Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Hispánico’s BHdos & Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. She is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Ballet Performance.
Haley Sung is a South Korea–born dance artist who began training in Korean folk dance and ballet at the age of eight. She earned her BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts with a Promising Artist Scholarship in 2017 and continued her studies at The Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. Her work has taken her across Korea, France, Italy, and Luxembourg, and she has taught at institutions including The Juilliard School, San Jose State University, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and the Martha Graham Company.
Haley was a Creative Associate for New York City Ballet’s Fall 2020 Digital Season and performed at Lincoln Center with Gallim in 2021. In 2023, she joined the cast of PUNCHDRUNK’s Sleep No More in New York. She is currently based in Seoul, where she serves as Rehearsal Director for the Seoul production of Sleep No More.
Joshua Lau is a Chinese American dancer, born in Hong Kong and raised in San Francisco, California. He embarked on his dance journey at the age of 15 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from San Jose State University. Throughout his career, Joshua has had the opportunity to perform with several dance companies, including sjDANCEco, ReachBC, SpectorDance Co, Condanza, and Perspectives Dance Company, as well as his work with many regional musical theater companies.
Historical Background of Talchum
Talchum, or traditional Korean mask dance, developed during the late Joseon Dynasty (17th to 19th century) as a popular form of folk performance.
It originated in various regions across Korea—including Bongsan (Hwanghae Province), where one of the most iconic versions, Bongsan Talchum, was born.
Performed by and for common people, Talchum served as a tool for social satire and emotional release, often mocking the aristocracy, critiquing injustice, and exposing hypocrisy through exaggerated gestures, dance, and humorous storytelling.
It was often held during village festivals, rituals, and public gatherings, promoting community spirit and entertainment.
Over time, it evolved into a rich, multidisciplinary performance that combined dance, drama, masks, and music—capturing both the struggles and joys of everyday life.
In 2022, Talchum was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, reaffirming its importance as a cultural treasure.
We extend our sincere thanks to Captured by Mk for joining this project as our guest photographer. With a cinematic eye and sensitivity to movement and natural atmosphere, they beautifully captured the emotion and rhythm of our performance.
Based in New York, Captured by Mk specializes in lifestyle, portrait, and performance photography—creating visual stories that feel honest, expressive, and timeless.
📸 capturedbymk.com
Hannah Jew (周健倫) is an NYC-based multi-hyphenate artist, dance educator and fitness instructor originally from Oklahoma City, OK. Her favorite credits include: Yuletide Celebration (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), Eliza/Dance Captain (Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre: The King and I), The King and I (National Tour), choreographer: re-creation of the Chinese Divertissement (now called Ribbon Dance) for Oklahoma Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker (The University of Oklahoma), choreographer/dancer in collaboration w/Chengjin Koh & Verona Quartet (Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art - Washington, D.C.), The Pajama Game (NAAP). Hannah has danced with Oklahoma City Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Hispánico’s BHdos & Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. She is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Ballet Performance.
Haley Sung is a South Korea–born dance artist who began training in Korean folk dance and ballet at the age of eight. She earned her BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts with a Promising Artist Scholarship in 2017 and continued her studies at The Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. Her work has taken her across Korea, France, Italy, and Luxembourg, and she has taught at institutions including The Juilliard School, San Jose State University, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and the Martha Graham Company.
Haley was a Creative Associate for New York City Ballet’s Fall 2020 Digital Season and performed at Lincoln Center with Gallim in 2021. In 2023, she joined the cast of PUNCHDRUNK’s Sleep No More in New York. She is currently based in Seoul, where she serves as Rehearsal Director for the Seoul production of Sleep No More.
Joshua Lau is a Chinese American dancer, born in Hong Kong and raised in San Francisco, California. He embarked on his dance journey at the age of 15 and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from San Jose State University. Throughout his career, Joshua has had the opportunity to perform with several dance companies, including sjDANCEco, ReachBC, SpectorDance Co, Condanza, and Perspectives Dance Company, as well as his work with many regional musical theater companies.