On August 15, 1945, Korea gained independence after 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, with many individuals sacrificing their lives in the fight for liberation. This August, it is fitting to reflect on the enduring legacies of those who endured immense hardships, as evidenced in the music of Korea today. For instance, Ahn Ye-eun's rendition of "Women's March" pays homage to seven female independence activists who were imprisoned after the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919. The song, composed by Ahn Ye-eun, aims to revive the spirit of these activists and their unwavering resolve. Similarly, the song "Nostalgia," performed by Lee Dong-won and Park In-soo, is set to a poem by Jeong Ji-yong, written during the Japanese colonial period. Despite facing resistance from the classical music community, the song was well-received and led to more cross-genre collaborations. Additionally, Lee Hyori's "Diamond" from her sixth studio album serves as a tribute to the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, with the singer expressing her desire to offer solace to the deceased through her music. These musical tributes serve as poignant reminders of the historical struggles and sacrifices of the Korean people, preserving the stories of resilience and resistance for future generations.
On August 15, 1945, Korea gained independence after 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, with many individuals sacrificing their lives in the fight for liberation. This August, it is fitting to reflect on the enduring legacies of those who endured immense hardships, as evidenced in the music of Korea today. For instance, Ahn Ye-eun's rendition of "Women's March" pays homage to seven female independence activists who were imprisoned after the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919. The song, composed by Ahn Ye-eun, aims to revive the spirit of these activists and their unwavering resolve. Similarly, the song "Nostalgia," performed by Lee Dong-won and Park In-soo, is set to a poem by Jeong Ji-yong, written during the Japanese colonial period. Despite facing resistance from the classical music community, the song was well-received and led to more cross-genre collaborations. Additionally, Lee Hyori's "Diamond" from her sixth studio album serves as a tribute to the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, with the singer expressing her desire to offer solace to the deceased through her music. These musical tributes serve as poignant reminders of the historical struggles and sacrifices of the Korean people, preserving the stories of resilience and resistance for future generations.