Park Jiha

The Profile

South Korean composer and multi-instrumentalist Park Jiha bridges traditional Korean instruments (piri, saenghwang, yanggeum) with minimalism, contemporary classical and ambient. After co-founding the duo [su:m] in 2008 and performing until 2016, she released her solo debut Communion in Korea (2016), reissued worldwide by Glitterbeat in 2018. Her work has appeared at Classical:NEXT and WOMEX, and she has collaborated with Kim Oki, John Bell, and Kang Tekhyun while touring Europe.

Plays piri, saenghwang, and yanggeum; from South Korea; active since 2008 with [su:m], solo from 2016; Communion reissued by Glitterbeat (March 2018); showcase artist at Classical:NEXT and WOMEX; collaborators include Kim Oki, John Bell, and Kang Tekhyun; music blends minimalism, contemporary classical, ambient, and traditional timbres; All Living Things features gentle electronics and nature-centric themes.

Three DeBaser pieces chart Park Jiha’s path from [su:m] to a distinctive solo voice. Reviews highlight Communion’s minimalist, contemporary-classical slant and All Living Things’ meditative, nature-shaped arc with gentle electronics. Interviews confirm her use of piri, saenghwang, and yanggeum, her Korean roots, and a 2018 Glitterbeat reissue.