Recent Books

Arirang: Song of Korea

Lee Chung-myun; Easy Publishing; 328 pp., $30

"Arirang" is arguably the most popular Korean folksong both inside and outside the country and a national symbol. The English version of the book examines the role of the song in Korean culture as well as its impact on Koreans living in foreign countries as immigrants.

The author, who has lived in the United States for more than half a century, believes that the power of the Korean spirit comes from Arirang and that the song is a great national traditional treasure.

The author says that Arirang is not only a folksong but also a combination of the emotions of Korean people.

It has provided Koreans with courage, hope and consolation to overcome hardships, especially during the time Koreans were under Japanese occupation, the book says.

The author, professor emeritus at the University of Utah, sheds light on the origin of Arirang as well as the characteristics of its regional differences.

Also, the book deals with the meaning of "han," the feeling of everlasting, painful sorrow caused by betrayed love or social injustice. The author associates the feeling with Arirang, which Koreans have used as a source of spiritual strength to overcome life's hardships. The book is packaged with the movie "Arirang" directed by Na Un-gyu.

-Chung Ah-young