Exploration on the Change of Jongmyo Akjang in Early Joseon Seen through Music Literatures

Early Joseon-era Jongmyo Shrine rituals underwent significant transformations in their ceremonial music, the akjang, marking a pivotal shift in Korean musical tradition. Initially, each ancestral tablet (sil) had its own unique akjang reflecting individual merits, maintaining musical independence and adherence to ancient forms. However, under King Sejo's reign, this was replaced by standardized compositions (Botaepyeong-Jeongdaeop), erasing the distinctiveness of each piece and expanding instrumentation, which intensified performance dynamics. This change disrupted the musical community, leading to fragmentation between court musicians specializing in different styles—a situation that persisted until King Seongjong's reign. Historical records, including Sejong Sillok Akbo and Akhak Kyeibom, reveal this evolution from formation to upheaval and eventual stabilization, though the original intent of 1:1 akjang-sil correspondence was lost, leaving lingering controversies.

Lee, J. H. (2023). Exploration on the Change of Jongmyo Akjang in Early Joseon Seen through Music Literatures. Cheonggyeo History, 27, 115–154. https://doi.org/10.33835/cghs.27.4