Sympathy between generations through variations of ‘Arirang’, national narrative created by KBS ‘Gayo Stage’ > News

The biggest feature of this special feature is that we were able to enjoy the various variations of Arirang, a folk song representing Korea, all in one place. Starting with Song Ga-in’s ‘Mother Arirang’ and ‘Arirang’, Kim Da-hyun’s ‘Jindo Arirang’, and Cindella’s ‘Milyang Arirang’, melodies symbolizing each region were combined with a modern sensibility to capture the ears of viewers. The cast, including Seongmin, Yoon Seo-ryeong, and Han Gyu-cheol, each showed off their singing skills and performed a wide range of song selections, from Miryang Servant Arirang to Arirang Song. This was a stage that clearly proved that Arirang is not simply an old heritage stuffed in a museum, but a vital cultural heritage that is constantly being reborn in the lives of the public even at this very moment.

In particular, what impressed viewers the most on this stage was the passionate performance of veteran singers Seo Yu-seok and Kim Sang-hee, who are in their 80s. Seo Yu-seok, born in 1945, conveyed a heavy resonance that penetrates the times through ‘Arirang Alone,’ while Kim Sang-hee, born in 1943, radiated ageless energy by singing ‘Happy Arirang.’ Their performance went beyond the simple act of singing and confirmed to the audience the artistic maturity shown by living witnesses of Korean popular music. It is continuously evaluated that it conveys nostalgia for the past times to the middle-aged and older generation, and conveys the deep emotions of Korean music to the younger generation, creating a place for empathy across all generations.

From the perspective of current affairs criticism, the actions of Seo Yu-seok provide a very interesting contrast. As a singer, he sings the national sentiment through Arirang on stage, while as a former president of the Korea Financial Investment Association, he is also active as an economic expert advocating structural reform of the Korean capital market. The measures to resolve the ‘Korea Discount’ and the suggestions for advancement of the pension system revealed in his recent book are in line with his intense awareness of reality as he worries about the future of the national economy, which is different from the loneliness of ‘Arirang Alone’ that he showed on stage. The sincerity he shows in completely different areas of art and economics can be said to be a good example of how one person's life can simultaneously embrace social values ​​and cultural sensitivity.

In addition, this broadcast played a significant cultural role in promoting harmony between the local community and the religious community. The fact that singers did not simply stay in the space of a broadcasting studio but interacted directly with the public by participating in commemorative events at local churches and various cultural scenes served as a factor in maximizing cultural impact. In particular, Seo Yoo-seok's activities, such as being invited to a commemorative service at a local church celebrating its 55th anniversary and providing comfort through testimony and praise, show how popular culture can coexist with the social community. These actions prove that the platform of the music stage is more than just a channel for transmitting songs, but serves as a focal point that unites the diverse values ​​and community spirit of our society.