Korean National Anthem Performed on Bouzouki by Greek Composer

Award-winning Greek musician and composer Tsalikian Miran honored 60 years of friendship between Korea and Greece by playing the Korean national anthem on the bouzouki, an iconic Greek instrument.

This was the first time that the bouzouki was used to play the national anthem of a nation, apart from Greece, at an official event.

The bouzouki version of the Korean national anthem was released as part of an online event held by the Korean Embassy in Greece honoring Korea’s National Foundation Day on October 3, as well as the long history of friendship and goodwill between the countries.

Korean musician and actress Kim Jakyoung honored Greece by singing the country’s national anthem in Santorini.

Nikos Dendias, Greek Foreign Minister, was present at the virtual event, along Jun Il Lee, Korean ambassador to Greece.

Korean national anthem played on bouzouki to honor bond between the countries

Lee stressed that Greece and Korea have shared a strong bond since the two countries opened a diplomatic relationship in 1961, but even before then, when Greece sent 10,000 troops to fight in Korea in 1950.

The Korean ambassador to Greece stated that Koreans “will always remember the noble sacrifice of Greek war veterans and their families.”

In order to honor the history of the two countries, Greek musician Tsalikian Miran performed the Korean national anthem using Greece’s national anthem on the slopes of Lycabettus, an iconic landmark of Athens.

He was invited to play the Korean national anthem for the event by the Korean Embassy in Athens. The Greek musician reflected on his experience, stating “I enjoyed the musical experience, as well as the musical and cultural trip, and I thank all of those at the Embassy for giving me this opportunity.”

Miran stressed the importance of cross-cultural cooperation, especially artistically, saying that it “the results that people can achieve when they work together and create are very impressive.”

Greek musician Tsalikian Miran inspired by Korea

This is not the first time that the musician has been musically inspired by Korea.

Miran won an international musical competition in 2019 for his orchestral composition of a song honored the victims of Gwnagju Uprising of 1980 held by Gwnagju Cultural Foundation of Korea.

Students and citizens stood up against Korea’s martial law government in the city of Gwangju in 1980, and although they faced incredible violence, their actions sparked a movement that led to the fall of the Korean dictatorship in 1987.

His piece, titled “Heroes’ Oath: Symphony for Heroes” honored the sacrifice of those who lost their lives securing democracy for Korea against military rule.

The judges of the competition were clearly moved by the stunning composition, that Miran stated was inspired by those who were willing to risk their lives to restore democracy in their country.