Jin Chae-seon

Jin was born in Mujang-myeon, Gochang County in North Jeolla province, as the daughter of a female shaman. She had a talent for singing since her childhood, becoming good at Jeongak. She was discovered by pansori patron Shin Jae-hyo at the age of 17 and learnt pansori singing and performance at his school. He took her in as his student despite the social stigma that did not allow women to perform pansori at the time. At age 22, she was sent by Shin to perform at Nakseongyeon in Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Gyeongbok Palace, where a celebratory dinner took place, disguised as a man. There she caught the attention of Heungseon Daewongun (the father of Gojong of Korea).

The Daewongun appreciated Jin's singing talent and kept her at the palace as a court singer. According to the Doosan Encyclopedia, Jin became the Daewongun's concubine, as well.[1][5][6] She became best known for singing Chunhyangga and Shimcheongga.

Shin became devastated at the loss of his student, for whom he had romantic feelings. He dedicated a pansori to her, titled The song of the Peach Blossom (도리화가). When the Daewongun fell out of power, Jin returned to her already ill mentor and stayed by his side until his death. After Shin's passing in 1884, she disappeared without a trace. But it is also said that Empress Myeongseong might have killed her or that Jin might have fled to China and lived a quiet life then on. Neither the date nor the place of her death is known.[1][5]

• Portrayed by Bae Suzy in the 2015 film The Sound of a Flower.[7]