Arirang
Arirang is a traditional Korean folksong, and it would be difficult, indeed, to posit another song more beloved and important in Korean culture. Dating back probably six hundred years, its melody and the story in the lyrics are ubiquitous in a variety of Korean social contexts. Five films—the first from 1926--festivals, pop music groups, the official broadcasting service, aerospace institutes, and more, all are named after the song. In many respects the unofficial national anthem of South Korea, its parallel in this country might be “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” and “Shenandoah,” all rolled together. To many contemporary Koreans it may symbolize the tragic division of the country, for the essence of the song’s lyrics tell o >>>