Korean Traditional Music and Dance Performance by BUMSUP Goes Viral on YouTube

The performance video of the Korean team 'BUMSUP' from Mnet's 'World of Street Woman Fighter' (SWF3) has taken the internet by storm. Uploaded on YouTube on the 18th, the video surpassed 10 million views within just three days and continues to hold a top spot among trending videos.

The performance has been praised as an 'unprecedented performance that skillfully utilizes Korean traditional music and props.' Since the 20th, comments from domestic public institutions, local governments, and companies have flooded in, applauding the performance for its authentic representation of Korean culture.

In the video, BUMSUP performs under the title 'Monggyeong - At the Boundary of Dreams.' The dancers portray Korean mythical figures, acting as gatekeepers of a young girl's life and death. The choreography includes traditional Korean dance moves such as spinning sangmo (a traditional hat with a long ribbon) and talchum (mask dance), accompanied by props like the traditional Korean hat, gat, and red and blue fans.

BUMSUP's leader, Honey J, initially hesitated to adopt a 'Korean-themed concept' due to the success of the crew '1MILLION' in SWF2, who received acclaim for their performance using traditional music. The pressure of being compared to that performance was daunting.

1MILLION's performance featured traditional instruments like drums and ajaeng, with a large-scale choreography that depicted a blooming flower. This video also surpassed 10 million views, with netizens praising it as a legendary performance that perfectly combined traditional music and choreography.

BTS is another group that cannot be overlooked when discussing performances using traditional music. In 2018, BTS performed 'IDOL' at the Melon Music Awards (MMA), incorporating hanbok-inspired costumes and traditional instruments. This performance captivated both domestic and international music fans, surpassing 10 million views and elevating the status of Korean traditional culture.

Other male idol groups present at the event watched BTS's performance in awe. Netizens commented on the performance, saying, 'Isn't this an Olympic opening ceremony?' and praised the synergy of traditional music, calling it unique.

Stray Kids, another group gaining international popularity, surpassed 400 million views with their 2021 music video 'Thunderous.' This video, the second most viewed among their music videos, incorporates various Korean elements. The song features a grand melody with vibrant traditional sounds, enhancing the listening experience. Lyrics like 'Boom boom boom thunder' and 'Riding on clouds' add to the excitement of traditional art.

The music video showcases traditional Korean music and elements like pungmulnori (a traditional Korean percussion ensemble) and Bukcheong sajanoreum (a traditional lion dance), capturing the beauty of Korean traditional music. Stray Kids performed 'Thunderous' at the Dubai Expo in 2022, representing Korea in front of former President Moon Jae-in. Some netizens expressed pride, saying, 'The most Korean is the most global,' and 'Our music is so grand. I'm so proud.'

As traditional Korean music and performance continue to captivate fans worldwide, anticipation grows for which artist will next utilize traditional music to create new works.

By Dayeon Jeong, TenAsia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr