Korean Trot (트로트)

Before there was K-Pop...

By now, everyone has become aware of the Korean Wave: 한류 Hallyu. The popularity of K-Pop and K-Dramas has taken the world by storm. I was personally interested in their popular music scene as far back as 2013, but it was not easy to get friends to listen as they were unfamiliar with the language. It seems the world has now decided to embrace them. Although, I do note that it has required Korean artists to sing in English and Spanish in order to gain a larger audience. To me, this is a testament to their determination to do what it takes to survive and succeed.

Today’s article will focus on the music that came before the K-Pop phenomenon we know right now. This was the music that eventually gave ground for the popular music of Korea today, but it has very complex roots in Japnese occupation, Korean popular and traditional songs, and foreign influence. Today’s focus is on Korean Trot music.