“A-REUM” is a piece based on Gutgeori-jangdan (굿거리장단), a traditional Korean rhythmic cycle. As a Korean-American composer, I have always thought about what my true musical color is. I am someone who is more familiar with the tradition and culture of Korea but who has also grown up in American society for more than half of my life. Because of that, I have often questioned what my musical voice should sound like. With this piece, I wanted to explore the mix of Korean traditional rhythm styles and the pentatonic scale, combined with elements of American contemporary music. The rhythmic cycle of Gutgeori-jangdan repeats over and over again to symbolize my Korean identity, expressed through Western instruments. That is why I titled the piece “A-Reum.” In Korean, Areumdapda (아름답다) means “to be beautiful.” In native Korean (순우리말), A-Reum also means “me.” So, Areumpdapa can also be understood as “to be myself.” This piece is my first step toward writing music that explores my personal background as a Korean.