...339 What Is the K in K-pop? South Korean Popular Music, the Culture Industry, and National Identity John Lie* In the early 2010’s, the expansion of South Korean popular culture around the world is led by popular music, usually known as Kpop. In this paper I seek to answer two questions. First, what are the sources of its success beyond the South Korean national border? Secondly, what does it say about contemporary South Korean society and culture? Key Words: K-pop, Korean Wave, Hallyu, South Korean Popular Culture, Popular Music I. Introduction T he phenomenal success of the Korean Wave has generated collective celebration in South Korea.1 In the early 2010s, the national self* John Lie is C.K. Cho Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Harvard University. His forthcoming books include The Global University and The Consolation of Social Theory. E-mail: johnlie@berkeley.edu. 1. The Korean Wave is the literal translation of the term which originated in China ( ; Hánliú). The first character refers to “Korea” and the second usually evokes “flow” or “current,” signifying “style.” The same Chinese characters KOREA OBSERVER, Vol. 43, No. 3, Autumn 2012, pp. 339-363. © 2012 by THE INSTITUTE OF KOREAN STUDIES. 340 John Lie congratulation is especially manifest for the popularity of South Korean popular music (K-pop), which has spread from neighboring Asian countries, such as Japan and...
Words: 8875 - Pages: 36
...Abstract This paper looks at traditional Japanese culture in its entirety, and how exactly certain traditional aspects have influenced societies. Japan is an island nation in East Asia. It is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. The Japanese culture has expanded its horizons in many countries and regions. In special, Brazil, where the Japanese immigrants represents the second biggest Japanese descendent group out of Japan. Its values and habits has an important presence in Brazilian territory. One of the important aspects of this culture is the Japanese food. Japan has a rich culture of arts, architecture, literature, music, etc. Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture, ink painting and calligraphy on silk and paper. Japanese ceramics are among the finest in the world and include the earliest known artifacts of their culture. In architecture, Japanese preferences for natural materials and an interaction of interior and exterior space are clearly expressed. Since Japan is very far away from Maldives, collecting information was mainly from the internet and library. Introduction Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it borders China, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the East China Sea. It is an archipelago of 6,852 islands, most of which are mountainous and many are volcanic. Figure 1: Japan The government system is a parliamentary...
Words: 769 - Pages: 4
...Popular Music —Lots of definitions —Mainstream music: “the majority of music that appears in national charts and appeals to a broad cross-section of the public” (Fonarow 2006:63) —“Commercial music”: “Any music that is created or produced with commercial purposes (i.e. financial gain) in mind” (Pruett 2011:1) —These definitions exclude many forms of music that might be considered ‘popular’ to the people that listen to them or refuse to listen to them —Tied to mediated listening and technology —Music could be popular for the masses when recorded music allowed masses of people to access the same music —Tied to commercialism – embedded within the commercial music industry —Certain styles of music appeal widely —These styles are industrialized, part of the music industry, large scale —Popular music is constantly changing – reflection of cultural attitudes about popular culture, culture as a national/international project —In ethnomusicology fieldwork focuses include: —Fan-based communities —Technoculture —Local or indie music scenes (Ex: Berger 1999; Fox 2004; Samuels 2004; Fonarow 2006) —Actual artists in popular music often remain elusive —Inaccessible to an ethnomusicologist —Little motivation to participate —Something to consider before picking a topic of study —As a result, very few studies of popular music focus on popular artists today —Different genres (country, rock, heavy metal, pop, rap) have different modes of access between fans and artists —Can...
Words: 2515 - Pages: 11
...“Naomi” and “The neighbor’s wife and mine” are representative stories of westernization of Japanese culture. Naomi was written by Junichiro Tanizaki and published in newspaper in 1924. It demonstrates aestheticism and created the word naomism that represents the modern girl. The neighbor’s wife and mine is also a story that shows how Japanese people were longing to be like westerners. Both are stories of transition from classic Japanese culture to modern western style culture. I would like to describe how each story represents modernity and the difference of each women modernization. The neighbor’s wife and mine is the first sound effect movie in Japan. As we can see, the title is written in horizontal line instead of traditional vertical direction. The whole movie shows the influence of the western culture. First, in the beginning of the movie, the painter was drawing a western style house that was rare to see it at that time. He was inspired to the western style architecture and boast to Shibano, the main character, about how beautiful he drew it. Second, when Shibano goes to his neighbor house to claim the loud music, he realized that the house was totally western style, and he even did not know how to use the slippers. The interesting thing is that the music, Jazz, he supposed to feel disgust, was really amazing that he ended up dancing and singing with the people around. The music, Age of Speed, is also interesting because it implies the quick development of society and...
Words: 1179 - Pages: 5
...Sachiyo Ito and Dance Japan’s discussion and performance was especially enlightening. Sachiyo Ito and Company was founded in 1981, and is a non-profit organization devoted to establish a link between East and West though expressive and aesthetic performances. Sadly, I have never experienced a Japanese dance performance before, or any dance performance as authentic as Sachiyo Ito and Company presented. Kabuki developed its unique characteristics in 1603, and was founded by a female, Izumo Okuni. It has been a pleasure enjoyed by the people of Japan for just about 400 years. Kabuki is a category of Japanese musical that incorporates dancing, music, and acting. As explained by Sachiyo Ito, the word Kabuki can be broken down in the Japanese language, “ka” meaning to “music” or “song”, “bu” meaning “dance”, and “ki” meaning “acting skill”. Therefore, Kabuki denotes the skill of song dance and acting. All three of these elements were combined to produce Kabuki theatrical performance. Although, it became applied in a more limited way—to represent a distinct type of Japanese performance. Originally an art performed by women, and passed down from generation to generation. Then, in 1629 the Tokugawa shogunate banned women from Kabuki performance, in an attempt to preserve social integrity. The shogunate military government perceived the female performances as being too sensual and risqué, causing chaos amongst the audience. After that, young men in their teens were to perform the...
Words: 1051 - Pages: 5
...The articles are related to music generation features referred papers based on high standard with detailed and informative purpose and claims in order to be reviewed by other peers. Music generation research has approach human and science to make our life become more and more completed in many ways to enhance human cognition, emotion, physiology and endocrine throughout the experiments and study . In this paper we will be analyzing the benefits and effectiveness of music interventions helps people in many other fields like computation, data machine, entertainment and especially human cognition. There are eight sources below to illustrate the range of task and main purposes of music applying the electrophysiological, biochemical measurement...
Words: 956 - Pages: 4
...COmPARISON Japanese people received their ancient knowledge of music from China through Korea. They have very similar styles, but Japan uses more flutes, light strings, and is more calm, while Chinese uses more heavy strings and big drums that create war-like or celebration sounds. However, both countries have the same set of instruments. They only differ in musical style. There are differences. I notice that Japanese music tends to use negative pentatonic more than chinese music (and viceversa) unique (i.e. obviously different) jap instruments include shamisen unique chinese instruments include pipa, erhu. common instruments include, bamboo flute, zither, drums. they all have a common root but have branched off for hundreds or years. * 2 months ago The Japanese had their ancestral knowledge of music from China via Korea. Very similar styles, but Japan uses more flutes, strings of lights, and is quieter, while China uses heavier strings and drums that create great sounds like war or celebration. But both countries have the same set of instruments. They differ only in musical style. KOREA Traditional Korean music includes both the folk, vocal, religious and ritual music styles of the Korean people. Korean music, along with arts, painting, and sculpture has been practiced since prehistoric times.[1] Two distinct musical cultures exist in Korea today: traditional music (Gugak) and Western music (yangak). See Music of South Korea and Music of North Korea for...
Words: 580 - Pages: 3
...University of Phoenix Material Multicultural Matrix and Analysis Worksheet Instructions: Part I: Select and identify six groups in the left-hand column. Complete the matrix. Part II: Write a summary. Part III: Format references consistent with APA guidelines. |Part I: Matrix |What is the group’s history in the United |What is the group’s population in the |What are some attitudes and customs |What is something you admire about | | |States? |United States? |people of this group may practice? |this group’s people, lifestyle, or | | | | | |society? | |Native American |There are many different Native American |There are over 30,000 Native Americans|Native Americans are typically patient.|I admire their fight to keep their | | |tribes and each one is unique. Some Native|living in 16 urban areas of the United|They live a very spiritual lifestyle. |history and legacy alive. So many | | |American history is taught in school. We |States, according to the Bureau of the|They are also group oriented |of their people have moved on with | | ...
Words: 2021 - Pages: 9
... Alvarado Colleen Scarborough Culture is the influence on the individual’s personality that happens from the surroundings like nature, religion, region, etc. Culture influence’s individuals so they behave in certain ways that fits their life, therefore people interact with each other; they have phases that coordinate their way of networking. In order to connect, communicate and get along with other cultures there must be an understanding between the two. However, when Assan Motors Company expanded and opened a new plant in the USA they did not have cultural understanding of the USA. For that in Gung Ho, there were several consequences that happened like, the different communication styles, low context vs. high context, dedication to the factory, different working habits/quality of work and collective vs. individualistic. Americans use a low context form of communication style in comparison to the high context style of the Japanese. Low context involves a more direct communication approach, while high context involves a more indirect style. An example of the Americans using a low context approach is when Hunt goes to the Japan to sell the Assan managers on the idea of coming to Hadleyville. He starts with a presentation and then cuts to the deal and says, “Here’s the deal” and begins explaining himself bluntly. The Japanese are silent, not speaking at all. Silence is generally considered offensive to low-context cultures. The Japanese show a high context style at the softball...
Words: 1064 - Pages: 5
...Cultural Imperialism and the Attenuation of Ethnic Barriers Six soldiers, as immortalized in Rosenthal’s famous photo of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima in 1945, are seen working together to lift, not a flag, but a ‘G Clef’. The Good Rats’ 1981 album, Great American Music, featured this painting by Pasqual D'Angelo as its album cover. The band’s name, prominently displayed across the top in bulky, stenciled letters, gives this image a militaristic appearance, a characteristic that can have different meanings to different audiences. To many Americans, the military represents the unification of American strength and spirit to better defend its freedom. To others, the military is viewed as the oppressive arm of the Americans’ will to dominate and conquer. Could this be a depiction of American military dominance and cultural imperialism? Or is it a testament to the unifying power of music – crossing racial and ethnic barriers to bind people of all cultures under one flag? Throughout this paper we will examine the painting, the band and the history behind it all to discover the message intended for us. The parallels between this image and the photo it emulates are made evident, not just by its stenciled letters, or even the soldiers themselves – but the painting’s background and overlay. Consisting of a faded, yellowish tint, the painting closely resembles the original photo of Iwo Jima. Yet, while the fading is nearly identical to that of the original photo, the yellow tinting is...
Words: 2421 - Pages: 10
...first Korean music video that got 100 million views on YouTube. This makes it the most viewed song in the history of k-pop. Since the release of his single on 15 July this year the song has become a global success. With Psy reaching the number 2 spot on the American Billboard charts and number 1 on the Chinese music charts. This success did not go unnoticed in America and Psy has signed a record deal with Universal Republic Records for the release of his album in America. For some this success looks like it came out of nowhere, but those who have been following the k-pop scene know that this is something that would have happened sooner or later. K-pop has been on the rise for many years. Not only in South Korea or in Asia, but in parts of South America, Africa, the Middle East, the United States and Europe. When zooming in on this international success of k-pop, we can see that there is a Korean wave (or hallyu in Korean language) going on. This Korean wave does not only include music, but also movies and TV dramas. Especially in Asia the demand for Korean cultural products has grown so big that it can rival with Japanese and Western culture. Those had been the main source for music, movies and television in Asia until hallyu. The success of Psy in America shows that the Korean wave is still expanding and getting more recognition worldwide. This paper will look into the Korean wave. What is the Korean wave? And how do policymakers, the media and the culture industry...
Words: 527 - Pages: 3
...like China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia which are to the east of Japan, while on the south it borders Taiwan. Japan stretches from Sea of Okhotsk in the north towards south up to the East China Sea forming a chain cluster of islands those total up to 6,852 islands that together are known as the Japanese Archipelago. Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are the four largest islands in the mountainous nation of Japan accounting for around twenty seven percent of the whole land area. In total, Japan sits on 377,915 square kilometers with land forming 364,485 sq km and water occupying the rest 13,430 sq km. Comparing the area occupied by the whole of Japan to an equivalent in the U.S, it is said to be slightly smaller in size than the state of California. This island nation has a relatively long coast line that stretches for 29,751 km. Legendary stories trace the creation of the nation of Japan to a traditional god they referred to as then sun goddess. The rulers of the nation were said to be descendants of the sun goddess. The first recorded history of Japan indicates that habitation of the islands occurred around 30,000 BC. The other part of the known origin of the Japanese people indicates that around the years of 14,000 BC the inhabitants adopted a semi-sedentary...
Words: 2384 - Pages: 10
...From this passage, I get three main reasons which can explain what makes SM so powerful. Firstly, SM coined its own music and performance style called SMP genre. The author also explains this term via some artists of SM like H.O.T, Super Junior. SMP genre is the unique element that sets SM apart from the others in the industry. SM created the term in the mid-90’s with H.O.T, SMP combines rock and R&B with hip-hop beats allowing for very strong dance performances. The music videos are more important than the music. They are attractive enough to make a person’s head spin with insane dance routines, and more sparkly bells-and-whistles fanfare than you even imagine. SMP genre not only works for the domestic audiences but also letting worldwide fans indulging themselves in the business. The author also explains how Chinese, Japanese and French fans are crazy for those young boys and girls. Music and performances aside, fan culture helps SM to establish the empire by leaning on the power of Chinese and Japanese fans. H.O.T is a great example to show this effect. As the label’s very early idol, the dedicated fans, who sometimes go to very extreme lengths. Even after 10 years, the BBS of H.O.T in China is still active. It can be credited with the success of the artists. Because of the strong fan base, the singers have SM Entertainment caters to their needs, producing music, shows, and products the fans push for. The company even helps the artist to build the fan club name, official...
Words: 1004 - Pages: 5
...Japanese Fashion and Social Customs COMP 2000 ABSTRACT Every country in the world has it’s own culture, traditional way of dress and customs. Japanese culture is quite intriguing and there is much that is not known of the Japanese people and their culture overall which is the reason for this research. In doing research, the fashion choices of the Japanese culture was really intriguing; from the unique shape and intricate designs of their kimonos, to the more modern and outrageous fashion style of the Japanese youth. The Japanese street fashion is growing and changing even more everyday. Will it continue to evolve in the future? Japanese Fashion and Social Customs Japanese culture is rich and diverse and dates back to 10,000 B.C (Hickey, 1998). When thinking about Japanese culture people would first think about sumo wrestling or sushi, but there is more to the people and the culture than is known. Japanese culture revolves around more than sumo wrestling for sure, their cuisine, music, language, traditions, and unique history has left them with a multi-layered culture. Japan revolved plenty around social classes around their feudal era now they no longer have a feudal class system but still revolve around social status as it still plays a very important role amongst much of what is done in public and at home. Fashion plays a huge part in the Japanese everyday life (Slade, 2009). Their fashion trends are of both traditional and modern influences. Japanese traditional...
Words: 1789 - Pages: 8
...ABSTRACT Cultural identity is one's perception of one's self and the group one belongs to. Culture is the way of life of a people consisting of aspects such as language, religion, music, clothing, food, traditions, customs and values. Typically, in any given culture, these aspects of culture are centered on a handful of basic foundational beliefs or values. In colonial America, for example, culture was centered on the concepts of religious freedom, individualism, a strong work ethic, and family. All aspects of culture were shaped by these core values. They provided the "center" upon which the society and its worldview were established. “World wide, non western cultures faced fundamental challenges to their cultural identities- not so much a recentering of culture but a decentering of culture” (Sayre,2010, p.419). The recentering of culture could be described as adding more or intensifying the original values, norms, family configurations and other aspects of culture. On the other hand, the decentering of culture implies removing old values and adding new thoughts, philosophies ie changing old patterns for newer methods. Almost all non-Western cultures have been influenced by the mores of the West, including countries in Asia. In general, this means that many of these cultures are becoming influenced by Western cultures, namely that of America. For example, in many Asian nations McDonalds and other American influences...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
