Global Soundscapes: Poetic-Musical Expressions in Korean Arts during the Hallyu Era

Kristine Dizon

Université du Québec à Montréal

Montreal, Canada

In-Person

 Presenter  

This paper aims to explore the nuanced representation of environmental, geocultural, and geopolitical issues in Korean poetic-musical compositions within the context of the Hallyu era. It focuses on both popular K-Arts, such as K-Drama, K-Pop, and K-Cinema, and traditional Korean Arts, delving into how these artistic expressions navigate the complexities of contemporary issues while contributing to the global perception of Asian arts and culture.

The analysis will describe how environmental, cultural, and social issues are often obscured or neglected in popular K-Arts, which primarily focus on aesthetics, beauty, and consumer-driven narratives. The paper explores instances where Korean musicians and artists use poetic-musical compositions to articulate dissenting voices, challenging the glossy veneer of the mainstream Korean Wave and providing a platform for critical reflections on social, cultural, and environmental challenges.

The study investigates the blurred lines between pop art and contemporary art in Korean music, where artists challenge or refuse mainstream representations and propose alternative visions that resonate with Guattari's concept of a constantly mutating socius. By understanding the potential for global impact, it examines how these alternative visions can shape global perceptions of Korean arts and culture, transcending the confines of the mainstream "K" and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive representation.

The discussed examples of poetic-musical compositions include:

 

l "Moonchild" by RM (BTS): Exploring the poetic and introspective lyrics of RM in "Moonchild," which addresses existential themes and reflects on societal issues, challenging the conventional narratives of K-Pop.

l "Ah! Love" by Lee Juck: Analyzing the poetic storytelling in Lee Juck's ballad, which subtly addresses social and political issues, showcasing the power of ballads as a medium for expressing dissent.

l "Dope" by BTS: Examining the energetic and rebellious tone of "Dope," which critiques societal expectations and emphasizes the pursuit of individual dreams, illustrating how popular K-Arts can convey sociopolitical messages.

 

By examining specific examples of poetic-musical compositions, this paper seeks to contribute to the conference's overarching theme, shedding light on the silenced aspects of Korean arts in the Hallyu era and emphasizing the potential for these artistic expressions to articulate meaningful reflections on contemporary issues. The study aims to initiate discussions on the role of music in shaping socio-cultural narratives and fostering critical engagement within the global community.

 

Bibliography

 

Kim, S.-Y. (2018). K-pop Live: Fans, Idols, and Multimedia Performance. Stanford University Press. http://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=29375

 

Lie, J. (2016). K-Pop: Popular Music, Cultural Amnesia, and Economic Innovation in South Korea. University of California Press. https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520283121/k-pop

 

Kim, Y. (2008). Media Consumption and Everyday Life in Asia. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Media-Consumption-and-Everyday-Life-in-Asia/Kim/p/book/9780415878388

Kristine Dizon

Université du Québec à Montréal

Montreal, Canada