A curious digital phenomenon is breathing new life into South Korea’s traditional trot music, a genre that predates the global K-pop explosion. Through the innovative use of generative artificial intelligence, content creators are transforming contemporary K-pop hits into the distinctive two-beat rhythm of trot, pairing these AI-generated tunes with synthetic images of idols sporting the genre’s iconic glittering suits and dramatically teased hairstyles.
This technological revival has captivated social media audiences, with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Line hosting viral videos that have accumulated hundreds of thousands of views. The trend represents a remarkable turnaround for trot—whose name derives from the American “foxtrot”—which enjoyed decades of popularity as Korea’s dominant musical form before being overshadowed by newer sounds.
Music critic Jung Minjae traces trot’s origins to the 1930s during Japan’s colonization of Korea, noting its development from Korean folk traditions while incorporating influences from Japanese enka and Western jazz. The genre is distinguished by its exploration of “han”—a profound cultural concept encompassing sorrow, resentment, and longing shaped by Korea’s history of foreign subjugation. Lyrically, trot songs typically revolve around themes of love, separation, and nostalgia for home, delivered through a distinctive vocal style marked by heavy vibrato and kkeokgi (note-bending techniques that heighten emotional expression).
Despite its rich heritage, trot had been largely relegated to older demographics, with younger generations dismissing it as tacky and outdated until recent years. The current revival has been fueled by reality television trot competitions that attract tens of thousands of applicants, with winners like 34-year-old Lim Young-woong achieving household name status. His successful solo concerts at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium placed him among an elite group of Korean performers including Psy and major K-pop acts.
Yet the AI-driven trend has sparked copyright concerns and questions about its authenticity. Critics argue that these technological reinterpretations stray too far from trot’s essential character, while creators acknowledge legal uncertainties surrounding AI-generated content. Some participants report that the process has changed their perception of the genre, discovering depth in lyrics and melodies that reflect the Korean experience through decades of social upheaval.
While experts like Jung suggest the trend may be driven more by fascination with AI technology than genuine appreciation for trot itself, the phenomenon has undoubtedly introduced the traditional genre to new audiences and sparked conversations about its place in modern Korean culture.