Insights revealed: South Korean Music

June 2, 2011 in Culture, Music by Ko Duhyun

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South Korean Music

I don’t know any other people who love listening to music and singing a song like South Korean. South Korean is usually spending their leisure time in Noraebang, which literally means “Singing Room”. They sets great store by their singing skills. Having good singing skill gives them great opportunities and advantages in their social lives. Men and women of all ages in South Korea enjoy music every day.
Nevertheless, unfortunately, South Koreans are listening to music originated from the western culture. As you might know, South Korea has experienced harsh time in 20th century. They underwent the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War. These tragic experiences had destroyed everything in this small country including many traditional musical customs. And also, as similar as music scene in other country, South Korean culture also have affected from the American culture. To understand the Korean music scene in 2011, all you have to know is 3I; Idol music, Indie music, and “I’m a singer.”

SNSD - Gee


Did you hear about the Korean Wave, also known as the “Hallyu”? It means the spread of South Korean culture around the world, especially in Asia. Korean pop music, referred to as K-pop has become a large part of the Korean Wave. In many Asian countries, young Asian generations are enthusiastic about Korean teen idol musicians.
From 1990s, Idol groups who are produced by huge entertainment company have dominated Korean popular music market. Many young aspiring singers enter to the agency company prepare for long years and finally make their own debut. During latest 20 years, this system have been became common things in South Korea. Based on success in a domestic market, some of them entered the Asian market and reach a previously inaccessible international audience via the Internet nowadays. Girl’s Generations is most distinguished idol girl group who succeeded in world market. This group consists of 9 women and it is also produced by SM entertainment, which is the biggest entertainment company in South Korea.

10cm – Americano


On the other hand, young adult populations also are drawn by various genres of music. Usually they are able to contact with diverse music they want to listen in live bars and clubs at the city center. In Seoul, there is the Hongdae area, which is well known as the capital of the Korean underground music community. There are many big live clubs which people encounter lots of kinds of music, such as Jazz, Hip hop, Rock, Electronic music, and so on. 10cm also made its debut in Hongdae area and it is the hottest indie band in 2011. One of them plays guitar and the other plays jembe, which is the traditional drum in the western Africa. Compared to the Idol music, their music has unusual and retro-style rhythm.

Yim Jae Bum – All of you


“I am a singer” is a reality show, which is sweeping South Korea now. This show is similar with other many singing competition programs like the “American Idol”. The difference is that all members of the cast are made up with the veteran singers, not amateur singers. TV audiences are staying tuned this program every Sunday. They talk and discuss with their friends about the import of this episode and prediction of next episode every day.

Public TV network did not bring various underground music communities which are above-mentioned to their attention yet. Most of music programs are seized by of teen idol musicians produced by such big management companies. TV viewers are sick of music from a million of boy bands and girl groups.
Old singers who are forgotten by people show their passionate performances again on the screen.
Who is winner is not important in this program. People are touched by a festival of musical experimentation and exceptional performances by top singers who have great vocal skills and prowess.
Therefore, “I am a singer” drew keen attention from the media and viewers and made tremendous shock in the K-pop scene. The songs which singer had sung swept various musical charts immediately and the singers soon became the most searched people on the Internet. Yim Jae Bum is also one of top singers in this program. He had long career break due to the personal reasons but he got a first prize through charged performance in latest episode.

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