‘K-pop’s next evolution lies in gugak,’ says traditional musician Won Il

As K-pop continues its global expansion, questions about its long-term identity have grown louder. For Won Il, a composer and traditional musician, the answer may lie in Korea’s own musical heritage. “I studied traditional Korean music and I am both a performer and a composer,” Won said during an interview with The Korea Herald on Monday. His musical journey began in elementary school with the snare drum, continued through middle school clarinet in a school band and eventually led him to major i