Kwanghee Kim: The Korean Groove, Kartoniert / Broschiert

Klappentext

"The cultural code behind the global phenomenon of K-pop."

The Secret Behind a Global Phenomenon

K-pop has captivated the world with its infectious energy, powerful performances, and devoted global fandom. But what lies beneath its success? The Korean Groove traces the roots of K-pop beyond modern pop culture, revealing the deep cultural foundations that have shaped its distinctive sound, rhythm, and spirit. By looking beyond the surface, the book invites readers to see K-pop not as a sudden trend, but as the result of a long cultural evolution.

Emotions That Shape a Nation

At the heart of Korean culture are powerful emotional currents-han (deep sorrow), heung (joyous excitement), jeong (affection), and uiri (loyalty). These emotions, formed through Korea's complex history, are not abstract ideas but lived experiences that continue to shape artistic expression. The book explores how these sentiments are embedded in music, performance, and communal life, revealing how emotional depth and contrast create Korea's unique cultural energy.

From Tradition to Global Stage

From pansori and arirang to mask dance dramas, folk games, and festivals, Korea's traditional arts have long combined music, movement, and storytelling into immersive communal experiences. These traditions, rich with rhythm and participation, form the cultural DNA that continues to resonate in today's K-pop performances, concerts, and fan culture. By drawing these connections, the book shows how tradition is not separate from modern culture, but actively lives within it.

The Power of Participation and Connection

One of the defining features of Korean culture is participation-the blurring of boundaries between performer and audience. Whether through collective singing, street cheering, or traditional performances, people come together to share emotion and energy. This spirit of unity is a key force behind the global appeal of K-pop, transforming audiences into active participants rather than passive spectators.

A New Way to Understand K-Pop

More than a music genre, K-pop is the culmination of centuries of cultural expression and emotional heritage. By uncovering the connections between tradition and modernity, The Korean Groove offers readers a deeper understanding of why Korean culture resonates so powerfully around the world-and why its influence continues to grow. It ultimately reframes K-pop as a cultural language that speaks across borders.

About the Author

Kim Kwanghee received his Ph. D. in Literature from Korea University. He currently serves as the Head of the Korea Heritage Agency, Royal Palaces and Tombs Project Department and, as a Cultural Heritage Specialist at the Korea Heritage Service, participates in human heritage research. He also teaches intangible cultural heritage and traditional performing arts at the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, Sungkyunkwan University, and Dongguk University, and works as a Baltal (Foot Mask Theater) educator, continuing the tradition of traditional arts. He seamlessly navigates the traditional and contemporary world, conveying the essence of Korean culture and its divine energy. Through his writings and lectures, he explores the diverse and accessible aspects of the Korean Wave, from the exploration of traditional folk songs in K-pop to the exploration of traditional Korean music, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience.