When most people think of K-Pop today, they imagine neon lights, high-tech stages, and futuristic fashion. But to understand the DNA of a BTS ballad or the emotional depth of a NewJeans track, we have to travel back over a century. We have to go back to a time when Korea was known as the “Hermit Kingdom,” struggling under the weight of colonial rule.
This is the story of Trot, the “Soul of the Nation,” and the very first seeds of what we now call K-Culture.
1. The Birth of a Genre: What exactly is ‘Trot’?
Before the word “Pop” existed in the Korean vocabulary, there was Trot (트로트). The name is derived from the Western “fox-trot” ballroom dance rhythm, but the sound is uniquely Korean.
- The Musical Structure: Trot is defined by a distinctive duple meter (2/4 time) and a unique vocal technique called Kkeok-gi (vocal twists or “breaking” the voice).
- The Emotional Core: It is the sonic personification of Han (한)—a complex Korean emotion representing a mixture of sorrow, resentment, longing, and hope. During the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), Trot became the vessel through which Koreans poured their tears.
2. Sin-minyo: Blending the Traditional with the Modern
In the 1920s and 30s, the music scene was divided into traditional folk songs and the new “modern” songs. This gave birth to Sin-minyo (New Folk Songs).
As a local researcher, I find this era fascinating because it was the first time Western instruments like the violin and piano began to accompany Korean pentatonic scales. This was the earliest form of “K-Fusion.” It wasn’t just music; it was a cultural survival tactic—modernizing to stay relevant while keeping the Korean spirit alive.
3. The Icons of Resilience: Lee Nan-young and “Tears of Mokpo”
If you want to understand the “Grandmother” of K-Pop idols, you must know Lee Nan-young. In 1935, she released “Tears of Mokpo” (목포의 눈물).
- Social Impact: At a time when the Korean language and identity were being suppressed, this song spoke of a “deep sorrow” that every Korean understood as the sorrow of losing their country.
- The First “Fandom”: Even without the internet, this song became a national sensation. People bought phonographs just to hear her voice. It proved that music could be a powerful tool for national unity.
- Other Pioneers: Artists like Nam In-su (The King of Elegance) and Go Bok-su brought a suave, sophisticated image to the stage, mirroring the “dandy” style of the era.
- YouTube links: Go Bok-su’s Life in a Foreign Land, Lee Nan-young’s Tears of Mokpo, etc.
4. Technology & Industry: The Era of the Phonograph
In the early 20th century, the “record” was a revolutionary piece of technology.
- The Medium: Music was consumed via 78 RPM SP (Standard Play) records played on hand-cranked gramophones.
- The Industry: International labels like Columbia, Victor, and Polydor entered the Korean market. This was the birth of the commercial music industry in Korea. Music was no longer just something you sang at a festival; it was a product you could buy, collect, and treasure.
5. Why This Matters for Today’s K-Pop
You might ask, “How does a 100-year-old trot song relate to BLACKPINK?” The answer lies in “Shin-myeong” (Excitement/Joy) and “Han” (Sorrow). K-Pop is world-famous for its ability to make you dance one minute and cry the next. This “Emotional Extremism” started right here. The synchronized energy of modern idols is a direct descendant of the traveling troupes (Yurangdan) that traveled from village to village to bring light to a dark era.
Summary of the Colonial Era (1910-1945)
| Category | Description |
| Dominant Genre | Trot / Sin-minyo (New Folk) |
| Key Theme | Han (Sorrow), Resilience, Longing for Home |
| Primary Medium | Phonograph Records (SP) / Traveling Shows |
| Global Influence | Japanese Enka, Western Fox-trot, Christian Hymns |
Kyoung’s Local Insight: > Even in 2026, Trot is experiencing a massive “New-tro” revival in Korea. Shows like Mr. Trot have turned young singers into superstars, proving that the 2-beat rhythm is literally coded into the Korean heartbeat. It’s not “old people music” anymore—it’s a bridge between generations.
In our next chapter, we move to the 1950s and 60s—an era of war, American GI bases, and the birth of the very first Korean girl group to conquer the US.
A lifestyle writer covering K-beauty, fashion, and art. Kyoung shares honest insights on K-pop and smart shopping, capturing the vibrant trends of modern Korea.