Woohee Lee is an accomplished Daegeum performer and the Director of PURĚ Korean Traditional Art Music Performance and Academy Australia. A former member of the Korean Military Traditional Music Group, he has extensive experience performing Korean traditional music on an international stage. As a founding member of PURĚ, Woohee is dedicated to preserving and promoting Korean traditional music in Australia, engaging audiences through his captivating performances that blend Korean instruments with global musical influences.

Key Experience

Director: PURĚ Korean Traditional Art Music Performance and Academy Australia

• Director and founding member of PURĚ, an organisation focused on preserving and promoting Korean traditional music through performances and collaborations.

• Active performer, engaging in concerts and cultural events to share Korean musical traditions with local and international audiences.

Former Member: Korean Military Traditional Music Group (군악대)

• Performed as part of the prestigious Korean Military Traditional Music Group, contributing to the preservation and performance of Korean military music traditions.

Performances at Major Festivals and Events

• Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland – Performance at Australia’s renowned folk festival.

• Sydney Opera House NYE 2002 Fireworks Main Stage – Featured performer at the iconic New Year’s Eve event.

• Canberra Folk Festival, ACT – Performance showcasing Korean traditional music.

• National Day Reception of the Republic of Korea, 2024 – Special performance at a cultural event celebrating Korea’s National Day.

• Moon Festival Brisbane, 2024 – Performance at this cultural celebration of Korean traditions.

• Discover Korea at Sydney Opera House, 2024 – Performed as part of a major event promoting Korean cultural heritage.

Guest Performer

• Korean Traditional Percussion Groups, Sydney & Brisbane (2024) – Collaborated with Korean percussion groups, bringing Daegeum expertise to the performances.

Jin Ju Yang is a renowned Gayageum performer and academic with expertise in Korean traditional music. Researching on a PhD on Korean Women’s Folksong from Chungcheong Province from Western Sydney University, she has dedicated to the preservation, performance, and academic study of Korean music. As a founding member of PURĚ Korean Traditional Music Ensemble Australia. Jin Ju combines her artistic and academic expertise to promote the understanding of Korean musical heritage in Australia and beyond.

Education & Training

• Current PhD in Western Sydney University

• Master of Korean Music, Chung Ang University

• Master of Teaching, Western Sydney University

• Bachelor of Music, Western Sydney University

Key Experience

Artistic Director: PURĚ Korean Traditional Art Music Performance and Academy Australia

• Founding member of PURĚ, an ensemble focused on the performance and promotion of Korean traditional music in Australia.

• Active performer of Gayageum and other Korean traditional instruments, engaging Australian and international audiences.

Performances at Major Festivals and Events

• Discover Korea 2024, Sydney Opera House – Performance at a significant cultural event promoting Korean culture.

• Moon Festival Brisbane 2024 – Performance showcasing Korean music at a prominent cultural festival.

• Art of Sound and Intercultural Improvisation Workshop with Smyly-Encarnacao and Three Western Sydney Bands, 2024 – Intercultural Zither Improvisation Workshop

• Beyond Area 21: International Korea-Australia Online Festival, 2021 – Participated in the international festival celebrating Korean and Australian music.

• 2021 SNU Online Winter Music Festival, Korean Music Camp – Featured performer at the Korean music camp and festival.

Research and Music Arrangement

• Research Music Arrangement: Korean Women’s Folksong Arrangements, 2024 – Research and arrangements of Korean women’s folksongs for performance. youtube.com/@oijkr86 

• Korea-Australia Intercultural Exchange: Heaven-to-Earth Inspiration: Gugak Performers & Australian Composers UN Sustainability Mandate on Diversity, 2020 – Collaborative project between Seoul National University and Western Sydney University, focusing on intercultural exchange.

Skills

• Mastery of the Gayageum (Korean traditional zither).

• Expertise in Korean traditional music, folksong arrangements, and performance.

• Strong academic background in Korean music, particularly women’s folk songs from Chungcheong Province.

• Experience in intercultural collaborations and global music festivals.