Pansori Era

1600s - 1900s

Traditional Korean opera performed by one female vocalist, an accompanying drummer, and little to no set.

Trot Era

1910s - 1980s

Two-beat pop music influenced by ballroom dancing. Listeners can't help but clap along!

Post War Era

1950s - 1970s

The pre-cursor to K-pop, this music was influenced by Western styles imported by U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea. Some popular groups, like the Kim Sisters, went on world tours.

Group Sound Era

1960s - 1980s

Beginning on U.S. military bases, Korean musicians performed soldiers' favorite rock 'n' roll tunes from home. Once it caught on, the government heavily censored the sex and drugs right out of the rock 'n' roll.

Folk Era

1970s - 1980s

Just as like the hippies in the U.S., Korean University students grew out their hair, put on blue jeans, and strummed guitars to the tune of simple, anti-government melodies.

K-Rock Era

1980s - 2000s

Just like U.S. classic rock, K-rock brought the electric guitars, synthesizers, bright lights, and sunglasses, to the stage.

Punk Era

1990s - 2010s

Just like in Britain, the Korean Punk scene was small, vibrant, and underground.

K-hip hop Era

1990s - today

Inspired by U.S. hip hop music, K-hip hop often comes from the studio, not the streets, although there is an increasingly popular underground scene.

K-pop Era

1990s - today

It's all about the good looks, synchronized dance moves, and personality. K-pop groups and soloists experiment with a range of styles and media.

Flash Mob at gwanghwamun square

Students from all over the world, including myself, performed in a flashmob dancing to Twice's TT in one of Seoul's main city centers, Gwanghwamun Square. Find me in the second row wearing a bright pink skirt and white shirt!

(The video on the right was inspiration.)

[quiz-cat id="335"]