Arirang : The Soul of Korea, and Its Reinterpretation in K-pop
Arirang : The Soul of Korea, and Its Reinterpretation in K-pop The Melody Flowing in the Korean DNA 'Arirang' is much more than a simple folk song; it is the soulful anthem that encapsulates the joys, sorrows, and profound emotions of the Korean people. Inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this melody has been passed down orally for centuries, evolving into countless regional variations (such as Miryang Arirang, Jindo Arirang, and Jeongseon Arirang). At the heart of Arirang lies 'Han' —a uniquely Korean sentiment of sorrow and longing. Yet, it simultaneously harbors the powerful energy of 'Heung' (joy and dynamic spirit), a driving force that brings people together to overcome adversity. Therefore, Arirang is not merely a historical relic, but a living, breathing entity that continuously evolves across generations. The Collision of Tradition and Modernity: K-pop Embraces Arirang K-pop, which currently dominates the global music market...