K-MUSIC NEWS - VOL 3
K-MUSIC NEWS
By Hannah Elliott
Pansori Pop and Traditional Korean Music
Pansori (판소리), a staple of Korean musical storytelling, is where a singer transforms a tale into an evocative performance. Rich in emotional depth, it marries narrative with powerful vocal prowess and rhythmic drumming. First written about in the Joseon Dynasty, Pansori has carried tales of history, folklore, and moral lessons for centuries, becoming a cultural cornerstone in Korea.
During the Japanese colonial period Pansori faced suppression, as Japan sought to impose its own cultural norms. Yet, this only strengthened Pansori’s role as a beacon of resistance and national identity. Korean musicians and artists covertly nurtured this tradition, defying suppression to keep the spirit of their culture alive.
With liberation, Pansori not only survived but thrived, evolving into something unexpected and fresh—Pansori Pop. This modern hybrid infuses the ancient with the new, blending traditional vocals and rhythms with contemporary pop elements. Highlights include tracks like "Tiger is Coming" by LEENALCHI, known for their dynamic fusion of Pansori and modern beats, and "Blooming love" by ADG7 [Ak Dan Gwang Chil], which merges folk rhythms with a pop-y twist.
