PORTRAYAL OF KOREAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS IN KOREAN MUSIC VIDEOS

PORTRAYAL OF KOREAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS IN KOREAN MUSIC VIDEOS

“Music is the universal language of mankind” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

No matter in which part of the world, in which century we look, music is the common link that unites humans. It encompasses the imagination of an individual and, as a mirror to the culture of a nation greatly influences the lives in a community by serving as an archive of Cultural evolution. Through music, we cross the cultural barrier and also understand the values, rationales, and customs of other cultures.

Each culture has a distinct musical identity. Traditional Korean music can notably be traced back to the 5th century having various elements, the most prominent being storytelling through a surreal combination of instruments and performing arts. With time it also saw a great evolution. However thanks to some of the current-day music artists and K-Pop groups we can still witness the traditional beauty of Korean culture in their music videos

“Luna”, “Lit” and “Same Scent (Traditional version) – Oneus

When it comes to the portrayal of traditional roots K-Pop group Oneus takes the top spot. In their video “Luna”, the group narrates a mythical tale of the legend of Jeokwoldo wrapped around the aesthetics of the moon. Pagodas in the background along with the sounds of Traditional instruments Gayageum, and Haegeum weave a blend of traditional and contemporary music. The members also don red and white Hanboks and showcase the traditional Korean hand fans most smoothly, along with the bold melody of the song. Not to forget it is one of the only few songs having each and every word in the Korean language

Their song “Lit” is a walkthrough of Korean culture. Set in a traditional palace, it is a full cultural celebration with strings of Gayageum in the background and members performing in hanbok-inspired outfits in front, with Korean drums, hand fans, and folk dancers.

The traditional version of their song “Same Scent” also features beautiful formations of props inspired by folk dances with a nostalgic ancient tone being played at the start of the video.

“Arario” — ToppDogg

Starting with the cultural reference of the song’s title to the folk song “Arirang”, the music videos portray traditional Korean dances like Korean mask dances and Pungmul. The cultural theme is accentuated by the fusion of instruments, such as Piri, (or bamboo flute) and the Gayageum to create a beautiful melody.

“Idol” – BTS

The world-famous song Idol by BTS showcases a plethora of traditional elements. The highlight of the music video is the use of Pansori rhythms and use of Panspori phrases like “EolSu (얼쑤)” which is an exclamation of encouragement. Traditional instruments like Kkwaenggwari, Gakgung, and Janggu can be seen in a setting inspired by traditional architecture. The Pungmul dance also makes a cameo in the choreography with the circular leaping dance step.

“Shangri-La” – VIXX

The masterpiece “Shangri-La” by VIXX is an epitome of a true blend of traditional elements with modern choreography in an aesthetic ambiance. The theme draws inspiration from “The Peach Blossom Land”, which, an old Chinese fable and also the Korean title of the song. The inclusion of Gayageum in the intro makes it distinctively ethereal.

“Goblin (Favorite boys)” – A.C.E.

As the title indicates, through their work the group brings back the stories of the past to the present primarily stories telling about the Dokkaebi, the common mythical goblins in Korean folklore.

“Turtle Ship” - WINNER’s Mino, Ja Mezz, and Andup feat. Paloalto

This song is named after a type of warship “The Turtle Ship” which was designed in the 16th century by the Korean Admiral Yi Sun Shin and was used in the battle against Japanese naval attacks.

There are abundant other instances of Korean music videos incorporating Korean traditions. Songs like “Daechwita” by AgustD, “Thunderous” by Stray Kids, and “Fiancé” by Winner’s Mino feature the beautiful and well-designed attire of Hanbok. Similarly, various musical instruments are also included in songs such as taepyeongso in “Follow” by MostaX and Samulnori instruments in “No Mercy” by B.A.P

With the increasing popularity of Korean music among the audience globally, it is a great experience to witness the artists celebrating and honoring their heritage and historical customs and putting forward such educational content for a wider audience to get accustomed to Korean culture and traditions.