The Korean Groove Cultural Roots Behind K-Pop

Prologue
10 Old Emotions, a New Stage

12 Glossary of Korean Sentiments

12 Definitions

13 The Repressed Sorrow of Han, the Fiery Anger of No

14 The Unwavering Loyalty of Uiri, the Deep Affinity of Jeong

16 The Lively Cheer of Heung, the Joyous Exhilaration of Sinmyeong

Secret Code 1 | Songs
20 Washing Away Sorrow with Exhilaration

20 Songs that Heal Me and Comfort You: The Traditional Korean Epic Chant of Pansori

26 The Song of a Nation, Blooming Across the Land of Korea: Arirang

33 As Slowly as Possible, as Quickly as Possible: Gayageum Sanjo and Byeongchang

38 A Magic Spell to Make Even Farming Feel Joyful: Nongyo

Secret Code 2 | Dance
42 Reconciling Han Through Sinmyeong

42 A Dance of Liberation Underneath the Full Moon: Ganggangsullae

48 Delicate Hand Gestures that Comfort Our Hearts: Salpurichum

53 The Solemn Dance of Cheoyong, the Son of the Dragon King: Cheoyongmu

59 Beauty Blooming in Self-Restraint: Seungmu

65 A Royal Dance to Pray for Peace: Taepyyeongmu

Secret Code 3 | Theater
70 Wiping Off Tears with Laughter

70 Satire and Humor in the Thousand Faces of Korean Traditional Masks: Andong Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori

79 The Wish of a Lion, the King of Animals: Bukcheong Saja Noreum

83 Laughter and Satire Unfolding from the Tip of the Foot: Baltal

Secret Code 4 | Folk Games and Performances
90 To Overcome Hardship with Joyous Energy

90 A Performance to Forget the Rigors of Hard Labor and Stir Sinmyeong Within the Spirit: Nongak

98 A Performance of the Common People, by the Common People, and for the Common People: Namsadang Nori

106 Tug of War, a Game of Togetherness: Gijisi Juldarigi

111 A Game of Dynamic Harmony: Andong Chajeon Nori

Secret Code 5 | Festivals
118 Festivals Inspiring Joyous Exhilaration

118 A Millennium-Old Agricultural Festival: Gangneung Danoje

124 A Festival of Healing that Embraces Life and Death: Jindo Ssitgimgut

129 A Festival that Lights Up Hearts and the World: Yeondeunghoe

Secret Code 6 | Performance
134 To Find a Release Against Repression Through Mingling

134 The Reason Why World-Renowned Musicians Come to Korea: The Culture of Ttechang

141 The Fervor Inside and Outside of a Sports Complex: K-Supporters and Street Cheering

145 The Razor-Sharp Choreography and Rhythm of K-Pop

Epilogue
152 The Korean Emotions of Han and Heung Pierce Through the World

152 The Driving Force of Cultural Evolution

154 The Most Dynamic Emotion: Han

156 The Most Creative Emotion: Heung

김광희 He received his Ph.D. in Literature from Korea University. He currently serves as the Head of the Korea Heritage Agency, Royal Palaces and Tombs Project Department and, as a Cultural Heritage Specialist at the Korea Heritage Service, participates in human heritage research. He also teaches intangible cultural heritage and traditional performing arts at the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, Sungkyunkwan University, and Dongguk University, and works as a Baltal (Foot Mask Theater) educator, continuing the tradition of traditional arts.
He seamlessly navigates the traditional and contemporary world, conveying the essence of Korean culture and its divine energy. Through his writings and lectures, he explores the diverse and accessible aspects of the Korean Wave, from the exploration of traditional folk songs in K-pop to the exploration of traditional Korean music, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience.

고려대학교에서 문학 박사학위를 받았다. 현재 국가유산진흥원 문화유산활용본부 궁능사업실장으로 재직 중이며 국가유산청 국가유산 전문위원으로서 인류무형유산 연구에 참여하고 있다. 한국전통문화대학교, 성균관대학교, 동국대학교에서 무형유산과 전통공연 예술을 강의하며 발탈 전승교육사로서 전통 예술의 맥을 이어가고 있다.