Music of South Korea

The first evidence of Korean music appeared in the extant text of Samguk sagi (History of the three kingdoms) in 1145, which described two string-like instruments; Gayageum and Geomungo.

During the Joseon period, a social hierarchy was observed with the King and the yangban (government officials, generals, and the elite) at the top and the sangmin (merchants, craftsman) and slaves at the bottom.

Jeongak was the music category that the yangban listened to for enjoyment and was played during state rituals like banquets, military processions, etc.

The popularity of this song sky-rocketed after it was sung solo at the screening of a silent nationalistic film produced by Na Woongyu in 1926.

However, the Joseon Dynasty came to an end after Japan's successful war against China (1894–1895) and Russia (1904–1905) which ultimately took over the Korean peninsula.

[3] Following the viral success of band LEENALCHI's "Tiger Is Coming" (범 내려온다) being featured in the Korean Tourism Organization's "Feel the Rhythm of Korea" video advertising series with Ambiguous Dance Company in 2020, interest in the genre increased.

Changga arose from Pansori but became increasingly popular in the early twentieth century for its fusion of European anthems, American hymns, Western folk tunes, and Japanese choral music.

Idol groups typically feature several entertainers of the same gender who perform a fusion of dance music, rhythm and blues, funk, hip-hop and electronic influenced songs.

Well-known interpreters of this genre are Lee Mi-ja, Bae Ho, Nam Jin, Na Hoon-a, Joo Hyun-mi.

Rock music is said to have spread to Korea from the Eighth United States Army (EUSA) bases after the Korean War.

Shin developed his style of psychedelic rock in the '60s and '70s and recorded albums with several bands, such as the Add 4, the Men, and the Yup Juns, and wrote songs and played on albums for well-known singers, such as Kim Chu Ja and Jang Hyun, and lesser known singers, like Kim Jung Mi.

As information flowed more freely into the country, Korean youths were exposed to decades of popular foreign music in a short period, and some began to form bands.

The late '90s saw increasing diversity in musical influences, as younger bands like Rux emerged and The Geeks introduced Korea to straight edge hardcore punk.

As South Korea was transitioning to democracy in 1987, the late folk musician Kim Kwang-Seok was noted for being politically active, and his songs were popular at democratic rallies.

The movement has been growing since the mid-90s, especially after the success of Seo Taiji and Boys' smash hit "Nan Arayo" (난 알아요, "I Know") and has been gaining attention internationally, as Koreans have won various championships around the world since the early 2000s.

[2][citation needed] Influenced by Western melodies and the sentimental ballad, ballad-style songs were initially introduced into the mainstream market in the 1960s.

Many official soundtracks (OSTs) for popular Korean dramas contain slow, dramatic ballad songs that are played whenever important plot points occur.

Balladeers are behind the main theme songs for many dramas such as Winter Sonata, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, and My Girlfriend Is a Nine-Tailed Fox.

The term hybridization refers to local cultures creating unique combinations incorporating foreign and globalized influences.

Korean entertainment companies have developed the mixing language of English into lyrics because it is easier for foreigners to remember the song.