Korean Pop
Korean Pop in Society
Abstract: This research paper explores the beginning of South Korean Pop music first emerging in the early 1900’s and becoming a global phenomenon. It examines the correlation between lyrical, acoustical values connected to facets of Korean values and cultural influences. The background of instruments, choreography and tempos are uniquely organized giving harmony to Korean music evolution. Lastly, Korean pop has different reactions globally, as its influences in media have both benefits and criticisms.
Mirages of smoke appear from the ceiling as glittering confetti showers fall from the sky; audiences sing and dance along as the ground trembles like two tectonic plates colliding. For the first time, after decades from its origin in South Korea, K-pop has emerged as a global phenomenon. The beginnings of Korean pop can be traced back to as early as the late 1800’s. These first songs were based on popular western music; this type of music was called “changga.” “The popularity and phenomenon of K-pop doesn’t start until the late 1990s, when Lee Soo Man formed SM Entertainment, South Korea’s largest entertainment agency” (Dara Ho June 1).
During the 1800’s, these songs emphasized the Korean peoples feelings at the time, especially when there was Japanese rule and oppression, such as the song “Huimangga”, which translates to hope (Dora Ho June 1). Korean music, like American music is a sole reflection of the times, hardships, and feelings that Korean bands and artists express; in other words, these songs are an embodiment of how musicians feel. For example, in the popular song “Gangnam Style” by PSY, talks about Gangnam, one of the most affluent upper-class areas in all of South Korea. Gangnam is similar to Wall Street of New York, where the neighborhoods are full of wealthy, privileged people, who are seen monopolizing the country’s business and economical systems. Furthermore, Shinee a South Korean artist, writes songs about
Abstract: This research paper explores the beginning of South Korean Pop music first emerging in the early 1900’s and becoming a global phenomenon. It examines the correlation between lyrical, acoustical values connected to facets of Korean values and cultural influences. The background of instruments, choreography and tempos are uniquely organized giving harmony to Korean music evolution. Lastly, Korean pop has different reactions globally, as its influences in media have both benefits and criticisms.
Mirages of smoke appear from the ceiling as glittering confetti showers fall from the sky; audiences sing and dance along as the ground trembles like two tectonic plates colliding. For the first time, after decades from its origin in South Korea, K-pop has emerged as a global phenomenon. The beginnings of Korean pop can be traced back to as early as the late 1800’s. These first songs were based on popular western music; this type of music was called “changga.” “The popularity and phenomenon of K-pop doesn’t start until the late 1990s, when Lee Soo Man formed SM Entertainment, South Korea’s largest entertainment agency” (Dara Ho June 1).
During the 1800’s, these songs emphasized the Korean peoples feelings at the time, especially when there was Japanese rule and oppression, such as the song “Huimangga”, which translates to hope (Dora Ho June 1). Korean music, like American music is a sole reflection of the times, hardships, and feelings that Korean bands and artists express; in other words, these songs are an embodiment of how musicians feel. For example, in the popular song “Gangnam Style” by PSY, talks about Gangnam, one of the most affluent upper-class areas in all of South Korea. Gangnam is similar to Wall Street of New York, where the neighborhoods are full of wealthy, privileged people, who are seen monopolizing the country’s business and economical systems. Furthermore, Shinee a South Korean artist, writes songs about
Cited: http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ivc.edu:2048/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=62e5db67-71f4-42a6-a1b2-b0cd63186cb7%40sessionmgr112&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=83933701 Sinnott, Megan. 2012. "Korean-Pop, Tom Gay Kings, Les Queens and the Capitalist Transformation of Sex/Gender Categories in Thailand." Asian Studies Review 36, no. 4: 453-474. http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ivc.edu:2048/ehost/detail?vid=3&sid=62e5db67-71f4-42a6-a1b2-b0cd63186cb7%40sessionmgr112&hid=127&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=60959844 JOO, JEONGSUK. 2011. "Transnationalization of Korean Popular Culture and the Rise of 'Pop Nationalism ' in Korea." Journal Of Popular Culture 44, no. 3: 489-504. http://asiansecurityblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/kangnam-styles-irony-is-missed-by-the-publicity-wave/ Kelly, Robert “Kangnam Style 's Irony is missed because of the publicity wave.” Asian Security Blog, September 25: A1, A6 http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ivc.edu:2048/ehost/detail?vid=4&sid=8b457535-a21f-44a7-b0b3-e56fa8b13e3b%40sessionmgr110&hid=112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=aph&AN=78175874 Ho, Dora. "The K-Pop Wave Hits Libraries!." Young Adult Library Services 10, no. 4 (Summer2012 2012): 11-16. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost(accessed April 18, 2013). http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1748046/The-K-Pop-effect-South-Koreas-obsession-with-beaut Francis, Jeannette. “The K-Pop effect: South Korea’s obsession with beauty.” SBS Dateline, March 19: A1, A2