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Trot, pronounced as "teuroteu" in Korean (sometimes called ppongjjak, due to its distinctive background rhythm), is a genre of Korean pop music, and is recognized as the oldest form of Korean pop music. Formulated during Japan’s colonization of Korea in the early 1900s, the genre has been influenced by Japanese, Western and Korean musical elements. Also, the genre has adopted different names, such as yuhaengga, ppongtchak, and most recently t’urotu (the Korean pronunciation of the word trot). While the genre’s popularity declined during the 1990s, most recently, it has been subject to revivals by contemporary South Korean pop artists such as Jang Yoon Jeong.

The name derives from a shortening of "foxtrot", a ballroom dance which influenced the simple two-beat of elements of the genre. Trot music is described as two-beat rhythm or duple rhythm, traditional seven-five syllabic stanzas, and unique vocal style called Gagok.

Background

Trot music was formulated during Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. The initial form of trot music were translations of Western or Japanese popular songs, called yuhaeng ch’angga (lit., popular version of song) . Yun Sim-deok’s 1926 recording “In Praise of Death” is often regarded as the first yuhaeng ch’angga. Later, in the 1930s, yuhaeng ch’angga began to be produced by Korean songwriters and composers. These newly composed Korean popular songs were known yuhaengga (lit. music in fashion). However, they soon acquired a new name, taejung kayo (mass popular song), referring to popular music in general. Kim Yong-hwan’s “Nakhwa Yusu” (Falling Flowers and Flowing River) would become emblematic of this rise in Korean songwriters and composers producing popular songs. Additionally, both songs represent the subject matter that arose in yuhaengga, in that they generally dealt with the expression of personal emotions of love and life.

After the end of World War II and Japan’s colonial rule over Korea, trot music began to become more westernized. The Westernization of trot music was done in part by two reasons: one, the South Korean government’s goal in eradicating the ideological values of communism, and two, Korean musicians drew on American popular musical trends to appeal to American soldiers stationed in Korea, as well as to introduce exotic musical effects to South Korea audiences. Female trio singers The Kim Sisters became popular during this time, as their performances drew appeal from American soldiers and audiences, catapulting them to fame when they performed on the Ed Sullivan Show during the 1960s. This period also introduced a number of South Korean musicians to the centerfold such as Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim, Tae Jin Ah, Na-Hoon-A, all of who contributed to the standardization of trot music in Korea.

Decline in popularity (1980s-1990s)

Trot music gradually lost its dominance in the 1980s, as dance music soon overtook the airwaves. However, the invention of cassettes produced a huge impact on the production of trot, and helped bring about the localization of trot music. It also helped in the invention of the sound of trot medley, which is now the emblematic of contemporary Korean trot music. Performers such as Chu Hyun-Mi and Epaksa grew in fame. In recent years, trot music has become symbolic of traditional popular music in South Korea.

1984 Ppongtchak Debate

The origin behind trot music has traditionally been disputed. However, in 1984 this dispute entered the national discourse in South Korea. The debate, initiated in an article published in the East Asian Music (Umak Tonga) in November 1984, centered on whether or not trot music originated from either Japanese music genre or Korean. Because the genre originated during the colonial period of Korea, as well as incorporated Japanese song influences in ch’angga, the genre has been subject to questioning its Korean identity. Since no concrete evidence has arisen to validate either side, this debate still continues to exist when discussing the origins of trot music.

Contemporary Political use of Trot Music

An article published in the Chosunilbo in 2010 reported the government’s use of trot music as a propaganda tool against North Korea. Over 184 songs from artists such as Na Hoon-A, Jang Yoon Jeong and Park Hyun-bin, were broadcasted through FM radio programs targeting North Korean soldiers. Although it is historically known that the North and South Koreas have been engaged a propaganda war through radio since the 1960s, the 2010 article demonstrates that the trot music is still being used as propaganda.