my timesThe Korea Times
  1. Entertainment
  2. K-pop

'K-pop is Korea's cultural heritage'

Listen
By Kwon Mee-yoo
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST

Song Seung-hwan

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Song Seung-hwan, producer of hit non-verbal performance “Cookin' Nanta” and artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, has been named as a consultant for the 2018 Korea Popular Music Awards (KPMA).

The KPMA is co-organized by the Korea Singers Association, the Korea Entertainment Producer's Association, the Federation of Korean Music Performers, the Korea Music Copyright Association and the Associated Clubs for Korea Popular Culture and Arts Industry. The associations cover all those related to the music industry and the award recognizes those behind the stage as well.

“Audiences only listen to a finished piece of music and watch a polished performance, but there are many people who work behind the scenes to make those contents. The KPMA pays attention to all those engaged in the industry, so it is going to be a festival for everyone,” Song said.

Song said the advisory committee will do its best to ensure a fair process of evaluation on which everyone can agree.

"It is important to look back on a fruitful year of popular music and reward the salient artists of the year as a year draws to a close," Song said.

Since he is the creator of the major Korean hit production "Cookin' Nanta," Song recognizes the significance of those who spread Korean culture across the globe. Over 13 million people have watched the culinary-themed non-verbal show in some 300 cities in 50 countries. It will be performed in Los Angeles in December.

"K-pop and other contents of hallyu is not a passing fad, but they should be considered as Korea's cultural heritage now. The 2018 KPMA is to commemorate and celebrate the great achievements of K-pop in 2018 and claims to stand for fairness. The KPMA will become an event the whole world will watch."

The 2018 KPMA will be held on Dec. 20 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The award will be given in five major categories including Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Rookie of the Year.