Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Plastic is an intense musical performance centred around the Geomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument, blended with Jeongga, a traditional Korean vocal tradition, and electronic music. The performance unfolds like a ritual, symbolically letting go of the negative ways we see ourselves. Through that journey, it explores the hidden potential that exists within all of us.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
This piece was created in close collaboration with an incredible production team. It was shaped by an arranger with a background in classical music, a sound designer from Korea’s indie music scene, and a group of outstanding session musicians. Although I’ll be performing alone on stage at the Fringe, the music they created together has been woven into carefully crafted backing tracks, giving the performance the energy and depth of a much larger ensemble.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
Last year, I came to Edinburgh on a research trip with support from the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation. After a long journey to get here, I’m incredibly excited to be returning to the Fringe this year with their support once again. This will be my first time performing a 24-show run, so it’s both exciting and a little daunting. I’m looking forward to meeting audiences every night and giving each performance everything I’ve got.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
When I visited the Fringe last year, I was surprised by how few contemporary performances drew on Asian traditions. I’m proud to bring a work from South Korea that offers something different—not K-pop, but a contemporary reimagining of Korean traditional music. By combining the Geomungo, Jeongga, and electronic music, Plastic creates a sound world that many audiences may not have experienced before. I hope it offers them a fresh perspective on what Korean music can be today.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
Before developing this piece, I asked my producer, SeungMee Kim, for advice. She told me, “Make it as Korean as possible, and make the work you truly want to make.” I took her words to heart. They gave me the confidence to bring together traditional Korean music and my own contemporary musical language without compromise. Her encouragement had a huge influence on the performance audiences will see today.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Because Jeongga, a traditional Korean vocal tradition, is at the heart of this piece, the songs are performed in Korean. I don’t want the language itself to become a barrier for anyone. Korean has its own musical beauty, and even if the audience doesn’t understand every word, I hope they can still connect with its rhythm, emotion, and sound. More than anything, I hope to share my identity as a Korean artist, the music I love, and the emotions I’ve poured into this work through the universal language of music.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
I don’t think there’s anyone who shouldn’t come to this show. At some point in life, everyone has struggled with how they see themselves, and I hope the performance creates a space where we can connect through that shared experience. Even people who know very little about Korea—or who may have preconceived ideas about it—are welcome. I’d love the music to challenge those assumptions and leave them with a completely different impression.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
During my month in Edinburgh, I’d love to experience the city as a local rather than a tourist. I’m looking forward to spending time in parks, chatting over tea with local people, and discovering the small moments of everyday life that you can easily miss when you’re just passing through. I hope those experiences will inspire my next piece of music just as much as the performances I see at the Fringe.
PLASTIC will run at Venue 26, Anatomy Lecture Theatre at Summerhall
Runs: August 6th – August 31st at 20:45pm
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’