The Revival of Folksongs in South Korea: The Case of "Tondollari"

Since the 1960s, activities on the South Korean traditional music scene have been increasingly geared to reaching the same objectives. While singing folksongs has generally become an unpopular form of entertainment, those now actively performing them take their art very seriously. They all hope to increase the status and recognition of their art, and many, particularly the male performers, wish to ensure a proper income. The success of some individuals and groups has given them a status that personified their tradition and enables them to reinterpret their art more freely. This article examines the activities of the Pukch'ǒng Society that has successfully revived the tradition of the folksong Tondollari by choosing the right stages, propagating anti-Japanese sentiments, and learning from the success of two Kanggangsullae groups that were both appointed Important Intangible Cultural Properties (no. 8) in 1966.