What is the Hanguk in Hanguk Hip Hop? Locating Hip Hop in South Korea

• In Event: Listening to Korea: On Authenticity, Identity and the Nation in Music

Abstract

The literal translation of Hanguk hip hop is "Korean hip hop." Hanguk can describe both Korea (noun) and Korean (adjective). In Korea, Hanguk hip hop is largely used to describe hip hop that is made in Korea. In so, Korean hip hop is distinguished or separated from (American) hip hop. This difference is marked in not only sound and language, but also in the culture from which music is made from. While most artists label their music as "Hanguk hip hop" as exemplified in their active use of the term in their lyrics or interviews; others consciously move away from it by calling their music as just "hip hop." This move is both symbolic and strategic as it demonstrates how Korean artists imagine their work in the global exchange and flow of music. This paper looks at the meeting of the words Hanguk and hip hop. What happens when Hanguk (Korea) meets hip hop? In doing so, this paper looks at (1) Hanguk hip hop as hip hop made by Koreans living in Korea using the Korean language; (2) the meaning of hip hop in Korea; and (3) Koreanness in Hanguk hip hop. I identify key differences between American hip hop and Korean hip hop, including sound, language, lyrical content, music scene and culture. In doing so, I propose to look at the concept of Hanguk hip hop not just as a proper noun that is distinct from American hip hop but also as an adjective that extends hip hop outside of America. This paper is based on qualitative interview data with thirty three hip hop artists who are currently actively making music in the scene.

Author

• Myoung-Sun Song, University of Southern California