Chapter 57
Chapter 57: Gayageum Genius Baek Seungchan
Translated by POWERPUFF
At first, when Baek Seunghee said she would introduce him to her classmate, Baek Seungchan wasn’t particularly interested.
Even if someone majored in gayageum, unless they were an exceptional genius, experience couldn’t be surpassed.
There was a reason why experience mattered.
But if it was a master recognized as a cultural asset, that was a different story.
“Can I meet that grandmother who’s a cultural asset?”
What interested Baek Seungchan was the grandmother, the master of gayageum.
Those who reached the pinnacle in a field always had something special, and he wanted to learn that and make it his own.
“I don’t know, but since they live together, maybe you’ll get to see her. Want to learn from my friend?”
“Sure.”
There was no reason to refuse.
Even if he couldn’t learn directly from the master, there would still be something to gain.
“But will she agree to teach me?”
“No need to worry.”
Baek Seunghee answered confidently.
“She’s your fan.”
“That explains it…”
“All you need is a signature and a photo.”
And so, Baek Seungchan arranged to receive lessons from the granddaughter of a cultural asset in exchange for a signature and a photo.
The next day, Baek Seungchan went with Baek Seunghee to her friend’s house.
“Nice place.”
It was a traditional hanok, elegant and spacious.
“Considering it’s in Pyeongchang-dong, it must be expensive.”
Ding—
Baek Seunghee rang the bell.
Soon, the wooden gate opened.
A girl in hanbok appeared.
It was Sung Jina.
“Hello, Seungchan oppa!”
She greeted him shyly.
“…What’s with you?”
Baek Seunghee looked at her in disbelief.
Sung Jina glared at her briefly before turning back to Baek Seungchan.
“Hello, I’m Baek Seungchan.”
“Please speak comfortably. If you’re oppa to Seunghee, you’re oppa to me too.”
“Alright.”
“Come in!”
She led them inside.
The house consisted of three hanok buildings.
“Oppa, I really enjoyed ‘The Shop for Killers’!”
“Thank you.”
“And I heard filming for ‘Afterlife Restaurant’ ended. I’ll definitely watch it!”
She knew a lot about him.
“…Do I not exist?”
“I see you.”
She briefly acknowledged Baek Seunghee before focusing again on him.
Soon, they arrived at the practice room filled with various gayageum instruments.
“Is it true you’re learning for OST composition?”
“Yes.”
“Then maybe I should just help you instead. Gayageum isn’t easy.”
She spoke seriously.
“It takes months just to play one piece properly.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’ll try first.”
“Alright… I get to spend time with you anyway… wait, what am I saying…”
“Seriously, what’s wrong with you?”
Baek Seungchan smiled at their interaction.
“Is your grandmother home?”
“She’s preparing for a memorial ceremony and will be back late.”
Unfortunately, he couldn’t meet her today.
“Then let’s begin.”
She became serious as the lesson started.
“There are three types of gayageum.”
She explained:
Court-style gayageum with soft tones,
Sanjo gayageum with lively sounds,
Modern gayageum with versatile tones.
Baek Seungchan chose the court-style one for its emotional depth.
“I’ll play first.”
She performed a sorrowful traditional piece.
He observed every detail—
her fingers, movements, even subtle tremors.
“It’s very similar.”
The technique resembled the instrument he had used in his past life.
“She’s good.”
Her performance was immersive, though slightly lacking in depth due to her age.
“That was amazing.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled proudly.
“Now, let’s begin.”
She explained the basics—
pluck with the right hand, adjust pitch with the left.
“Try it.”
“Okay.”
“Be careful, it might hurt.”
The strings were tight silk threads that could hurt fingers.
But—
Ting, ting.
He played easily.
“…Doesn’t it hurt?”
“Of course it does.”
Though in truth, his internal energy protected him.
“He learns so fast…”
He mastered everything instantly.
“You’re a genius!”
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“Anything else?”
“That’s all for basics.”
“Then I’ll try playing.”
“…Already?”
It sounded absurd.
But she allowed it.
Ting—
He checked the notes, then began.
A sorrowful melody filled the room.
“….”
Her eyes trembled.
The emotion was overwhelming.
This wasn’t beginner level.
“….”
Even Baek Seunghee was stunned.
When the performance ended, silence filled the room.
“Can I try that one?”
He pointed at a 25-string gayageum.
“…Yes.”
She nodded blankly.
Han Deokrye.
A master of gayageum and cultural asset.
She was on her way home after a sudden cancellation.
“…Are you alright?”
Her assistant asked.
“It can’t be helped.”
Her duet partner had been injured.
“What about Jina?”
“She’s not ready.”
Han Deokrye was strict.
This was a national ceremony.
Soon, she arrived home.
“Rest well.”
She entered.
Ting—
A gayageum melody stopped her.
It carried deep sorrow.
“…Has Jina improved this much?”
It was good enough for a stage performance.
She followed the sound toward the practice room.