This study examines the significance of Korean performing arts history by focusing on the Little Angels’ organizations and management, the composition of the repertoires, and the meaning of international performing arts history. As a semi-professional organization, the Little Angels developed and operated the member selection musician system, and toured through overseas professional management in the early days. The repertoires of the Little Angels, including Korean traditional dance, music, and choral music were staged, established and systematized as the standard repertoires during the early activities of the cultural mission. Little Angels' dance was developed to be suitable for the children's group dances and the overseas staging of the new dance, and the choral repertoire, which included Korean folk songs and world folk songs played a major role in public diplomacy. As the only 'folk art troupe' among children's art troupes active in the international performing arts world, the Little Angels helped introduce Korean performing arts to the international audiences. Through the study of the Little Angels, a children's art troupe as well as a private art troupe with a 60-year history of international activities, this paper encompassed the history of Korean contemporary performing arts in a rich and stereoscopic way.

This study examines periods, characteristics, activities, and the significance of the 60 years The Little Angels, a Korean children’s performing arts troupe. The research was conducted through a literature survey, the review of primary data including concert programs, newspapers, films, and interviews with key informants. The troupe formulated members, management, and repertoires during its ‘Formulated Period,’ In its ‘Cultural Ambassador Period’ in the context of the International Cold War and nation-building, the troupe played its role as a cultural ambassador with the mission to dispatch Korean culture to the “free world,” beginning with the US, then Europe, Asia, and South America. In the ’Private Troupe Transition Period’ of the 1980s, the troupe focused on domestic rather than overseas activities, yet performed at major events like the Seoul Olympic Games. After 1991, during its ‘Peace Delegation Period,’ the troupe again concentrated on overseas performances in the post-Cold War context and toured the USSR, North Korea, China, and UN nations that participated in the Korean War. This study examines The Little Angels unique position and provides a rich and multi-dimensional views of contemporary Korean performing arts history as created by the intersection of global and Korean concerns.