Jo Du-nam, composer (1912-1984)

Jo Du-nam was born in Pyeongyang, North Korea where his father was a very rich person. He moved to Harbin, in Manchuria, China when Korea was invaded by the Japanese, and then after the Korean War, he moved to Masan and settled there. He lived there for thirty years before he passed away. Masan was his second hometown.
At the age of 21 while living in Manchuria, Jo composed Seon Gu Ja (A Pioneer), one of the most popular songs in Korea.
He composed the music of the song when Yun Hae-yeong asked him to turn the poem, A Song of Yongjeong, into a song that could easily be sung.
At this time Yun was also a fighter for national independence.
Jo composed many other musical works, and cultivated the skills of many of his piano students.
By holding a piano concert at Gangnam Theatre every year, he was able to produce many talented pianists, and provide citizens and his students with an opportunity to enjoy high quality music.
He was an ambitious composer, and Jo published collections of songs such as "Bunsu (Water Spring)," "Sandohwa" and "Jo Du-nam's Collection of Songs." He was the regional director of the Masan office for the Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organization of Korea for seven years.
He contributed much to the development of the arts in Masan, and he shall remain in our hearts as a "pioneer on a galloping horse" (from Seon Gu Ja).