From Yi Jeong-suk to BTS: exhibition revisits 90 years of Korean pop lyrics

Korean pop lyrics in the 1990s are seen at the "Korean Pop Lyrics ― Melodies of Life" exhibition held at the National Hangeul Museum in this photo. Courtesy of National Hangeul Museum

By Park Ji-won

The speed of change in Korea over the past century is something remarkable. A century ago, Korea was a small, weak country which was under the control of Japan. Five years after it was liberated from Japan's colonial rule with the end of World War II in 1945, the Korean War broke out. The nation was torn apart but rose from the ashes of the war and became one of Asia's most resilient economies within decades.

Just like the country's dynamic modern history, the lyrics of Korean pop music has changed a lot during that period. Despite its enormous transformation, lyrics have always reflected the voice of the masses.

The "Korean Pop Lyrics ― Melodies of Life" exhibition at the National Hangeul Museum showcases how Korean pop music lyrics have changed since the 1920s to the present. It will be held through Oct. 18.

The exhibition covers hit songs in Korea's modern history from "Fallen Blossoms on a Stream" (1929), the first Korean popular music sung by Yi Jeong-suk, through to BTS' "IDOL" (2018). The lyrics of 190 songs are presented in various forms of art from signs to typographic posters and related items, such as albums, lyric books and gramophones are showcased on the sidelines.

Han Sung-woo, a literature professor of Inha University, said the word "love" was the most used in those songs.

"It's the first exhibition dedicated to presenting lyrics of popular songs ... We tried to show them in various art forms," curator Kim Mi-mi said.

"I found K-pop songs include some encouraging messages. I think lyrics are one reason behind the global popularity of BTS music. They talk about self-love and expression of love. We chose three BTS songs to show this feature to the visitors."

A typographic poster for "Korean Pop Lyrics ― Melodies of Life" Courtesy of National Hangeul Museum

In the 1920s, when Korea was under the control of Japan, Korean people were not allowed to fully express their emotions about patriotism and their country's independence, so they sought new ways of expressing their feelings. Western jazz music was popular and people fantasized about an idealized Western lifestyle. Their desire is well reflected in lyrics of popular songs from the time. For example, "Tears of Mokpo" (1935), sung by Yi Nan-yeong with lyrics by Mun Il-seok, sings for the sentiment of missing a loved one, which symbolically means Korea under the suppression of Japan. "The Youth" (1938), sung by Kim Hae-song with lyrics by Bak Yeong-ho describes modern culture enjoyed by boys and girls of that time. English words like "tap dance," "champagne," and "palace," were used which was very new to Korean people back then.

In the wake of the Korean War, mambo-based rhythmic music with bright lyrics such as "Nuilliri Mambo" (1957) was popular maybe because people wanted to forget about the dark past and enjoy themselves with fun music. Many songs adopted familiar phrases and rhythms, moving on from traditional folk music styles, like "Minyo."

In the 1960s and the 1970s, when the authoritarian governments oppressed the citizens and prioritized economic growth at the expense of democracy, songs about people's hometowns and freedom were popular. "With You" (1972), sung by Nam Jin with lyrics by Gohyang and "Hometown Depot" (1972), sung by Na Hoon-a with lyrics by Lim Jong-soo are some of the examples that were in vogue at that time. Censorship was introduced and some songs were banned for their "rebellious" and "defiant" nature.

In the 1980s, when the country saw the outpouring of protestors calling for democracy, ballads and folk songs with poetic lyrics and soft melodies captivated music lovers. Yoo Jae-ha was one of the most loved singers of the decade.

In the 1990s, when American and Japanese pop, hip-hop and rock music were introduced to Korea, boy group Sobangcha, known as the first of such K-pop boy groups, and Seo Taiji and Boys conquered the music scene with their catchy and repetitive lyrics, dances and various themes.

Their music focused more on rhythm and melody rather than lyrical narrative.

In the 2000s, the so-called K-pop genre came into shape. More songs used foreign languages, mainly English, in their lyrics. Many songs didn't include a particular storyline, but had catchy and addictive hooks in their lyrics.

Seen is "Korean Pop Lyrics ― Melodies of Life," a special exhibition at the National Hangeul Museum in this undated photo. Courtesy of National Hangeul Museum

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