Every autumn during Chuseok, Koreans celebrate the harvest and family under the light of the full moon. In this same spirit of honoring heritage, the world of K-pop has increasingly embraced gugak, Korea’s traditional music, weaving its ancient sounds and rhythms into the fabric of modern pop. This fusion creates a powerful link between the past and the present, proving that K-pop’s global reach only amplifies its distinct Korean roots.
From royal military marches reimagined as hip-hop anthems to pop ballads enriched by the tones of traditional instruments, these six songs are prime examples of how gugak is not just surviving but thriving within K-pop.
BTS — “IDOL” (2018)
When global superstars BTS released their explosive single “IDOL“ from the album “Love Yourself: Answer,” it was more than just a song; it was a fierce and proud declaration of their Korean identity. While the track is driven by a global blend of South African dance music, trap, and EDM, its soul is distinctly Korean. The song incorporates jangdan, the traditional rhythmic patterns of Korean music, and features exclamations from pansori, the nation’s traditional form of musical storytelling. This bold fusion of African polyrhythms and Korean folk idioms perfectly encapsulates the group’s message: that local heritage and global trends can powerfully coexist.
BTS incorporated traditional Korean sounds into their global hit “IDOL.”
Agust D — “Daechwita” (2020)
Few K-pop tracks embody the raw power of Korean musical tradition as intensely as “Daechwita” by Suga of BTS, under his solo moniker Agust D. The song samples the actual royal military music also known as daechwita, which was historically performed during the processions of kings. Suga masterfully threads this majestic and imposing sound through a modern hip-hop tapestry of heavy trap beats. The piercing, high-pitched sound of the taepyeongso (a traditional Korean oboe) cuts through the mix, creating a brilliant clash with the modern 808 drum sounds. The result is a track that is both reverent to history and defiantly futuristic.
Stray Kids — “Thunderous” (2021)
Produced by the group’s own talented trio, 3RACHA, “Thunderous“ by Stray Kids is a sonic explosion of blaring horns and trap percussion. But the element that gives the song its uniquely Korean edge is the sharp, metallic strike of the kkwaenggwari, a small gong used in Korean folk music. This instrument’s aggressive sound becomes the track’s driving pulse, lending it a spirit that is both confrontational and celebratory. For those unfamiliar with gugak, “Thunderous” is an electrifying entry point, reframing ancient sounds with the swagger of modern K-pop.
Stray Kids used the sharp sound of a traditional gong in their song “Thunderous.”
Oh My Girl — “Destiny” (2019, Mnet’s “Queendom” stage)
Gugak can also express soft and poignant beauty, as demonstrated by Oh My Girl‘s stunning reinterpretation of the song “Destiny” on the competition show “Queendom.” The group transformed the original pop track into a gugak-inspired masterpiece. Lush orchestral strings were complemented by the earthy, resonant tones of the gayageum (a traditional plucked zither), while the choreography incorporated the flowing elegance of traditional Korean dance. This cinematic performance fused pop balladry with a dreamy, traditional atmosphere, creating a perfect, moonlit soundtrack for the reflective spirit of Chuseok.
VIXX — “Shangri-La” (2017)
Known for their dramatic, high-concept aesthetics, the boy band VIXX shifted from vampires and cyborgs to traditional fantasy with their iconic track “Shangri-La.” The song subtly layers shimmering synthesizers with gugak-inspired melodies, but the visuals made the concept unmistakable. The members performed in flowing robes reminiscent of hanbok and utilized ornate folding fans in their choreography. “Shangri-La” was a landmark release that sparked a new wave of interest in traditional aesthetics among idol groups, proving that historical imagery could be transformed into futuristic spectacle.
VIXX’s “Shangri-La” was a trailblazer for incorporating traditional aesthetics in K-pop.
ONEUS — “LUNA” (2021)
The boy band ONEUS distilled gugak fusion into its most elegant form with their track “LUNA.” The song opens with the soulful melody of a piri (a traditional double-reed instrument) and weaves poetic lyrics with beautiful fan dance motifs. The track masterfully balances Eastern and Western musical elements, creating a single that feels both mystical and modern. The song’s sophisticated concept was a critical success, with Billboard ranking it as one of the Best K-pop Songs of 2021.
