By Kim Rahn

The Samjiyon Orchestra, a 140-member North Korean musical performance troupe, is drawing keen attention as it will perform during the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games next month.

The composition of the troupe and what songs and performances it will present, however, remain unclear.

North Korean media does not mention the orchestra, but they have often reported on the Samjiyon Band that was established in January 2009. It has not been confirmed whether the two are the same.

The Samjiyon Band, comprised of about 50 musicians and singers, usually performs classical music numbers. But the band members often present unconventional performances; it plays not only North Korean music but also songs from other countries.

Considering the band has some 50 members, it is predicted the Samjiyon Orchestra, which the North plans to send, may be a kind of "project band" for the PyeongChang event with the Samjiyon Band members plus musicians, singers and dancers from other bands or groups.

The Samjiyon Band belongs to the Mansudae Art Troupe, which also has a ballet and Korean folk song units.

"The Samjiyon Orchestra is not an orchestra we usually think," said Chong Chi-yong, an artistic director at the Korean Symphony Orchestra who took part in Monday's inter-Korean meeting as a member of the South Korean delegation. "The North said the number of orchestra music players is around 80 and the rest will be singers and dancers."

It is not known whether the troupe will include the Moranbong Band, North Korea's all-girl propaganda band. But expectation is high for Moranbong's participation, considering the North sent Hyon Song-wol, the band leader, as a member of its delegation to Monday's meeting.

What songs the North Korean performers will present are also gaining attention. The troupe is likely to present songs which people in the North and the South both know, and which can encourage reconciliation, rather than North Korean propaganda.

"The North Korean delegation said the troupe would present Korean folk songs, songs about unification, and those famous worldwide," said Lee Woo-sung, a senior official from the culture ministry who took part in the meeting.

In previous North-South joint orchestral music concerts, they played some folk songs such as "Arirang."

The North Korean troupe will have two concerts, one each in Seoul and Gangneung, Gangwon Province where the Games will be held. The concert venues have not been decided. In Gangneung, it may perform at the Gangneung Arts Center which opened last month, while several centers are being reviewed in Seoul.