The History of Music in Korea
If you watch k-dramas, listen to k-pop songs or you are familiar with Korean culture, you might notice that Korean people concern about art, especially they do care about their music industry.
However, it would be so fascinating if we find out more about history of music in Korea, and realizing there were some ceremonies including music and even dancing in ancient Korea.
The earliest references which are found about music in Korea are in a 3rd century Chinese text that are about (nong’ak), cultural festivals containing singing and dancing. Nowadays some of these festivals are still held by the people and it shows how Korean people care about their ancient music.
It is believed that in that time, Korean people practiced Shamanistic rituals which were involved music.
Music in Three kingdoms of Korea
‘’The Three kingdoms of Korea’’ refers to: Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla.
Each kingdom had its own favorite musical instruments and special ceremonies.
Goguryeo
In Goguryeo a piri, pipa and geomungo were so popular and the Chinese historical text Records of the three kingdoms mentioned “The people of the Goguryeo like to sing and dance. Men and women from all over the country ghather every night to sing and dance’’.
Baekje
It is believed that baekje also celebrated some festivals in May and October like Goguryeo.
Silla
Before Silla unified three kingdoms, the music of Silla was famous for traditional instruments, gayageum which is said that was brought in the region of King Jinheung.
After unification, the music of Silla was contained of diverse music from Baekje and Goguryeo with the wider development of hyangak, gayageum, geomungo and bipa.
Goryeo
The music in that time was under the influence of Silla’s too. Taejo of Goryeo the founder of Goryeo followed several customes of Silla like sword dance in large banquets.
Josean
Considerable development happened in Josean periods during the region of king Sejong. Park Yeon, a notable musician, established an independent organ of music and created Korean-style notation.
After Korean empire
When Josean dynasty transferred into korean empire, due to its relations between other countries, the music was influenced by western music.
Korean idols
Nowadays, we know Korean music through k-pop songs and Korean idol groups which are famous for their talents in both singing and dancing. You might even be curious about history of Korean idols and when it was all started.
1930-70 vocal groups
One of the first girl groups that debuted in 1939 was Jeogori sisters.
The Arrirang Boys is also known as one of the first boy groups in that time.
Furthermore, The kim sisters, a three membered girl group are famous for being the first South Korean music group who achieve success in the U.S and also performs there.
1980-90 dance singer groups
In the 80’s era some new genres such as disco, soul, and funk began to be popular and South Korean singers and performances were eager to held performances influenced by western music.
In the early 90’s, simple rap was also popular, especially among teenagers.
First generation idols
SM Entertainment Company, one of the largest entertainment companies which was stablished in 1995, created a new system for selecting talented people through auditions and becoming trainees before debuting.
H.O.T was the first k-pop group who debuted under this system.
The first-generation idols were usually included of five members with divided task such as: lead vocal, sub vocal, dancer, and rapper.
Second-generation idols
The second-generation groups are usually consisted of 6 members and more.
The second generation idol groups gained their popularity by the 2007 release of Wonder Girls ’tell me’’. Super Junior, BigBang and all of the other groups who debuted earlier became trend in that time.
Third generation idols
Exo, Black Pink, and BTS are known as famous third generation idol groups.
In this generation, idols marketing strategy has developed a lot and become more diverse.
By using social medias, idols have tried to get more friendly with their fans and be famous internationally.
Now, following idols on Social Medias such as Instagram or YouTube is more common than following them on TV.
The fourth generation idols
Nowadays, teenagers are also obsessed with the fourth generations and support them and love to see their performances.
‘’New jeans’’ is one of the successful fourth generation groups who is famous for being internationally trend and has had some collaborations with great brands such as Coca Cola.
Eventually, we can have a conclusion why k-pop industry is so famous and wide now.
Korea has always been eager for showing the true talent, true art and if we take a look at history, we will easily figure out how much Korean people care about music, dance and performances as well.
If they like something, they care about it and help it to be developed. I think that’s why South Korea’s entertainment industry is considered as one of the biggest entertainment industries all over the world.
References:
1.’’Music of Korea’’
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Korea
2.’’Korean Music’’
https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-music
3.’’The Origin of Korean Music’’
https://www.jstor.org/stable/43562695
4.’’History of Korean Idols’’
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