This study examines the aesthetics of Korean traditional song, "MINYO," as well as its origins and how it has contributed to Korean people's lives. "MINYO" is a type of song that is written and sung by the lower class, and usually expresses sadness a...
This study examines the aesthetics of Korean traditional song, "MINYO," as well as its origins and how it has contributed to Korean people's lives. "MINYO" is a type of song that is written and sung by the lower class, and usually expresses sadness and yearning for a better life. It is a common song type found in many cultures.
The production and spread of Korean "MINYO" was caused by "Jung". Within a very close-knit family setting in Korea, it is believed that "Jung" starts at the familial level, then expands to society, and then becomes the basis of Korean culture. All of these ideas have a basis in Confucianism. In folk psychology, it is said that the essence of Korean culture comes from "Jung".
According to the study of heart in Confucianism, "Jung" is a pre-rational, direct and pure expression of feeling. As a result of "Jung" being the basis of "MINYO", "MINYO" easily spreads and facilitates empathy between people; this is the reason why the value and meaning of "MINYO" in any country has to be found in that country's deeply rooted culture. This study will discuss three facets of "MINYO" in Korea: the making and spreading of Korean "MINYO", its contents and formats, and communication between song writers and listeners.
The aesthetic elements and categories in this study are discussed based on studies done by N. Hartmann, Max Dessoire, Dongil Jo, and Haksung Kim. However, the aesthetic of Korean "MINYO" is classified separately because of its distinct character. For instance, "JUNGHANMI", "BALSANMI", and "GOLGYEMI" are categorized into "HAEHAKMI", and "PUNGJAMI".
Despite Korean "MINYO"'s theoretical basis, it is unreasonable to classify its aesthetic categories comprehensibly in terms of the current category system. The aesthetic limitations of Korean "MINYO" are related to its characteristics and functions. "MINYO" realistically depicts the difficulties of life, and serves a therapeutic and cathartic purpose for its singers and listeners. Korean "MINYO" also allows lower class people to express themselves elegantly and beautifully.
BIJANGMI, HAEHAKMI, PUNGJAMI, JUNGHANMI, and BALSANMI are rooted in "MINYO". These beauties and the awareness of them can only be experienced by frankly expressing one's feelings and by exposing the truth of one's situation. When there is too much of a gap between a person's actual life and their ideal life, they will avoid facing this truth and the suffering that it causes. However, when a person is able to face this truth and see their problems objectively, they will be able to see themselves positively and recover.
The beauty of the content of Korean "MINYO" can be heightened when it undergoes regional interpretation, and the meaning of its lyrics can transcend words. The framework of Korean "MINYO" can easily be adopted by different individuals to express their feelings, and the unique beauty of Korean "MINYO" results from a co-participatory relationship between the listener and the songwriter.
Korean "MINYO" possesses very unique rhythms that cause Korean people to break into dance, and can bring down walls between feuding individuals. In this way, Korean "MINYO" serves Korean people by facilitating and maintaining empathetic relationships, and by allowing Korean people to live healthier lives.