Daniel Kim plays bagpipes at the fourth exhibition of The Hechyeomoyeo in central Seoul's East Atelier Gallery, Feb. 23. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano

It was about two years ago when I saw Daniel Kim demonstrating his talents on the bagpipes. He was one of the participants in public antiwar demonstrations during the first weeks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, performing in a street concert for peace in Ukraine held in front of the Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul.

Recently, I got a chance to learn more about Daniel , who can often be seen at foreign community events in Korea. His journey with the bagpipes transcends mere musical expression — it's a testament to heritage, history and the pursuit of solidarity. Hailing from a military family with roots ingrained in the 1950-53 Korean War, Daniel's fascination with the bagpipes stems from their solemn connection to military rituals.

"I have to indicate this factor because this is the primary reason that I'm from a military family," he told The Korea Times. "My two grandfathers served during the Korean War. My father's grandfather enlisted in 1948 even before the war and my mother's side grandfather was also enlisted. He was drafted in 1950 when the North Korean invasion was getting more expanded."

It was during an emotional moment at the U.N. Memorial Park in Busan that Daniel found inspiration to play the bagpipes. Witnessing a British Korean War veteran's final wish to be buried in Korea, accompanied by the mournful sounds of the bagpipes, stirred something within Daniel's soul. He felt compelled to honor not only his ancestors but also the countless soldiers from around the world who fought bravely in the Korean War.

"The bagpipes are very related to these solemn rituals especially related to military exercises, drills, military ceremonies and rituals. Therefore, I was very impressed by the bagpipes' historical connections to the Korean War," he said. "The bagpipes are not just an instrument; they're a symbol of resilience."

Daniel Kim plays bagpipes near central Seoul's East Atelier Gallery, Feb. 23. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano

Daniel's journey into bagpiping began in 2021, a pursuit marked by determination and dedication. He embarked on this path, driven by a profound sense of duty, despite financial constraints as a college student.

"I couldn't afford to purchase the full instrument at (first) because I was a student," he said. "After all, the instrument costs a lot of money. I bought mine at an affordable price and then started my musical journey to playing the pipes in 2021."

Now in his third year of playing, he has been learning by himself through YouTube videos. He also has one online instructor based on Canada.

"It took me a lot of time and effort because it's a very difficult instrument to learn, but I didn't give up," he said. "Time after time, I got used to it. It's very a unique instrument, of course. There are a few other Korean pipers in this country but the issue is like they don't speak English. But I have more connections with foreigners in Korea and overseas."

Daniel's dedication to his bagpipes extends beyond a musical pursuit; it intertwines with his keen activism against war and injustice. As a steadfast advocate for peace, Daniel sees the bagpipes as more than just a musical instrument — they symbolize a powerful expression of solidarity and resistance against conflict and invasion. Through his music, Daniel endeavors to amplify the voices of those affected by war, particularly in regions like Ukraine and Russia, where the echoes of conflict continue to vibrate in many places, including Korea.

While Daniel finds support in the familiarity of Korean culture, his curiosity and engagement with global politics, conflicts and history have shaped his identity as more of a historian than an activist. His academic background in international security and development helped his quest for knowledge and understanding, guiding him on a path of exploration.

The bagpipes serve as both a medium of expression and a symbol of defiance for Daniel. Unlike many instruments that require amplifiers to boost their sound, the bagpipes possess an innate power, capable of producing high volume and attracting attention. This inherent strength of bagpipes aligns with Daniel's desire to stand in solidarity with others or signal against conflict, echoing the sentiments of the battlefield where pipers directed the charge with their melodies during battles.

Daniel Kim plays bagpipes at the fourth exhibition of The Hechyeomoyeo in central Seoul's East Atelier Gallery, Feb. 23. Courtesy of Antonia Giordano

When it comes to playing the bagpipes, Daniel leans towards tradition, preferring to honor the fallen through designated tunes rather than improvisation. While he acknowledges the value of embracing innovation, his ultimate goal remains rooted in remembrance and reverence for those who have sacrificed in service of freedom and democracy.

Playing the bagpipes comes with challenges, from finding suitable practice locations to overcoming societal misconceptions about the instrument's loud and imposing presence. Yet, Daniel remains determined and driven by a sense of purpose that transcends personal situations.

"Usually, I practice around a train station near Yonsei University under the bridge, where noises of the trains are already quite loud. It covers my bagpipes' loudness," he said.

Looking toward a bright future, he envisions expanding his musical endeavors, with aspirations to perform at the United Nations headquarters and collaborate with like-minded individuals to form a dedicated pipe band. His message to aspiring pipers echoes his journey — practice and perseverance are key elements, and the path to mastery of the instrument may be difficult, but the rewards are worth it.

Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.