`Godfather of samulnori` Kim Duk-Soo goes solo

``I love to be called `Kim Duk-Soo of samulnori` but I hope you will call me `changgu holder Kim Duk-Soo` from now on,`` said the nation`s top performer of samulnori or Korean-style percussion music. Kim, dubbed the ``godfather of samulnori,`` a type of music played with the changgu (hourglass-shaped drum), barrel drum and large and small gongs, declared that he was going solo.

``I am not retiring from samulnori. I will continue to play samulnori which made me what I am today. But my stage performances in the days to come will concentrate on showing the rich possibilities of changgu,`` he said.

Led by his father, who was the head of ``namsadang`` (a troupe of roving entertainers), Kim took the role of dancer in a performance troupe in Chochiwon, North Chungchong Province, at the age of five, 45 years ago. As the main figure responsible for creating a boom in samulnori, Kim is the best known of Korea`s traditional musicians. For the first time ever, he will hold a solo concert featuring only the changgu. The concert will take place at the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation Hall in Taehangno, Seoul, on April 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are 20,000 to 30,000 won. For further information, call 822-598-8277.

Yoo Yoon-Jong gustav@donga.com