标签： Asia

On the Chinese short-video platform Douyin, a group of South Korean artists have garnered significant attention, amassing 500,000 followers and over 6 million likes by creating Korean cover versions of popular Chinese songs. Their account, Ouba Music and Ouba Studio, prominently features the slogan, ‘Music does not have boundaries,’ reflecting their mission to foster cross-cultural connections through music. Back Nam-jun, the manager of the accounts, emphasized that music transcends language barriers and serves as a universal medium for emotional expression, independent of political or diplomatic constraints. Back, a fluent Mandarin speaker and Shandong University graduate, shared a touching anecdote about a Chinese follower who uses their music to soothe her child to sleep. This interaction, among others, has motivated the team to continue their creative endeavors. Their work has also introduced many South Koreans to Chinese pop music for the first time. This initiative is part of broader people-to-people exchanges between China and South Korea, two neighboring nations with a history of cultural and economic collaboration. Woo Su-keun, president of the Korea-China Global Association, highlighted the mutual influence of Chinese and South Korean cultures, particularly among younger generations. Woo’s association is actively promoting youth, cultural, and sports exchanges, as well as fostering industrial cooperation in areas like sustainability and artificial intelligence. Shin Kyung-sook, president of the Korea-China Economy and Culture Education Association, emphasized the importance of educational and digital cultural collaborations, including AI art, metaverse tourism, and gaming. Back has also organized language exchange activities in Seoul and opened a Chinese classroom to further cultural understanding. Looking ahead, Back aspires to perform in China, aiming to connect directly with Chinese audiences and strengthen cultural bonds through music.

The enduring allure of the Chinese classic novel, *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* (RTK), continues to captivate South Korean audiences, transcending centuries and cultural boundaries. Written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, the novel delves into the power struggles of the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, weaving together themes of loyalty, strategy, and political intrigue. Its timeless relevance has made it a cultural cornerstone in South Korea, where the saying goes, ‘Don’t associate with someone who hasn’t read RTK three times.’

Professor Her Woo-bum, a South Korean scholar, has dedicated decades to studying and popularizing RTK. His work, *The Three Kingdoms Made Easy*, published in 2021, condenses the original 10-volume novel into two accessible volumes, enriched with commentary from Qing Dynasty critic Mao Zonggang and comparative analyses of South Korean translations. Her attributes RTK’s enduring popularity in South Korea to its alignment with traditional values like ‘righteousness’ and ‘loyalty,’ its compelling characters, and its adaptability to modern media such as games, films, and webtoons.

RTK’s influence extends beyond literature, permeating South Korean culture through over 2,000 related publications spanning history, economics, psychology, and leadership. The novel has also inspired a thriving market of derivative content, including webcomics, animations, and video games. Notably, the *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* game series by Japanese company Koei and mobile games like *The Blade of the Three Kingdoms* have garnered millions of downloads in South Korea.

Her’s journey with RTK began in childhood, evolving from comic books to in-depth academic exploration. Over two decades of research and field investigations have deepened his understanding of the novel, shifting his focus from heroic figures like Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang to the broader themes of ‘era’ and ‘human nature.’ His recent publication, *An Abridged Translation of the Records of the Three Kingdoms*, aims to guide middle-aged readers in navigating life’s challenges through the wisdom of RTK.

RTK’s introduction to South Korea dates back to the late Goryeo period, with its popularity peaking during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it remains a cultural symbol, inspiring new translations and interpretations. As Her aptly puts it, ‘RTK is not just a historical novel; it is a literary work that embodies human nature, wisdom, and strategy.’