The Mysterious Debut of Miss Korea: Kim Chuwol's Journey in Korean Music

In 1934, a masked female singer debuted under the name 'Miss Korea' with Columbia Records, shrouded in mystery as she concealed her identity and even her eyes. This enigmatic marketing strategy was a first of its kind, and 'Miss Korea' was actually the stage name of renowned traditional singer Kim Chuwol (김추월). The promotional materials for her debut single, '마의태자' (The Prince of Ma), featured dramatic phrases like 'Applause! Cheers! Miss Korea!' to capture public interest.

The song, written by prominent lyricist Yoo Do-soon (유도순) and composed by Kim Jun-young (김준영), tells the poignant story of the last prince of Silla, who, after the fall of his kingdom, sought refuge in Mount Geumgang to plot a revival of his homeland. The lyrics evoke deep emotions, painting a vivid picture of the prince's sorrow.

Despite a lukewarm reception for her debut, Miss Korea continued her career and found success with the song '백두산 바라보고' (Looking at Mount Baekdu) released in January 1939 under Taepyeong Records. The lyrics, penned by Park Young-ho (박영호) and composed by Jeon Gi-hyeon (전기현), became a beloved folk song, still known today as '백두산타령' (Baekdu Mountain Song).

In 1941, she changed her stage name to 'Moranbong' (모란봉) and released '대동강 물결우에' (On the Waves of the Daedong River), revealing that both names referred to the same person. The mystery surrounding Miss Korea was reignited in the 1990s when a photo of Kim Chuwol appeared in an advertisement for a record, confirming her identity as Miss Korea.

Interestingly, Kim Chuwol had also performed under her real name during a radio broadcast in November 1934, where she sang '마의태자' and was introduced as Kim Chuwol. This suggests that her dual identity as a folk singer and a masked performer was somewhat known, although the general public may have viewed them as separate entities.

Kim Chuwol was a prominent figure in the Korean music scene, participating in various competitions and radio shows throughout the late 1930s and 1940s. She was recognized for her contributions to traditional music and was a radio star, frequently appearing on broadcasts.

Despite the confusion surrounding her identity with another singer of the same name who passed away in 1933, Kim Chuwol's legacy as Miss Korea remains significant in the history of Korean music. She continued to share her story in the 1970s, revealing her experiences and the journey that led her to become a celebrated artist before her passing around the time of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.