The development of musical and singing culture and sociopolitical situation on the Korean Peninsula from the liberation to the Korean War

Abstract

The subject of this research is the impact of sociopolitical situation on the Korean Peninsula upon the establishment and development of musical culture of the Koreans since 1945 to the beginning of the Korean War. The goal is to demonstrate the effect of political and social situation upon music and songs of the Koreans, as well as outline the vectors of their development during the period under review. In the course of research, the author analyzes the historical, political and social background, within the framework of which was formed the musical and song tradition of the Koreans of that time. The article also traces the evolution of Korean music and song genre and the factors that exerted influence on it. The Russian Korean studies do not feature comprehensive research dedicated to musical and song culture of the Koreans of the period after liberation from the Japanese Rule, which defines novelty of this work. The conclusion is made that the political and social situation on the Korean Peninsula significantly influences the development of music and song genre. The two categories of music performers were determined: politicized and non-politicized. Politicized performers were represented by the supporters of left-wing views or right-wing views. The adherers of left-wing views sought for a new path of development of the Korean music, while the right-wing supporters used the motifs already familiar to the Korean public. Non-politicizes music performers and singers followed the popular trends among the audience, which was influenced by the presence of US military on the Korean Peninsula.