This blog post examines the rationale behind the integrated artistic skills demanded in a folk song major’s academic plan, explaining how melody, dance, and acting enhance expressiveness and stage presence to strengthen suitability for the major.
Reason for Pursuing the Major (Why I Chose This Major)
My first encounter with folk songs was in third grade. One day, my mother, drawn to the sound of a janggu drum echoing from the street, led me into a space where folk songs were being taught. That sound, resonating mysteriously like music from a distant island, felt profoundly exotic to me. I was instantly captivated by the unfamiliar melodies and rhythms. Watching the people practicing there, I thought, ‘I could do this better,’ and from that moment, I resolved to learn folk songs.
After starting folk songs in elementary school, I naturally set my sights on attending a traditional Korean music middle school. In middle school, wanting to delve deeper into the diverse melodies of traditional Korean music, I majored in gayageum. Later, upon entering a traditional Korean music high school, I returned to majoring in folk songs. Although I briefly changed my major, I continued practicing folk songs consistently during that time. The experience gained from learning the gayageum enabled me to achieve a deeper level of expression in traditional Korean music.
Today, folk songs are expanding beyond traditional music into a comprehensive art form that combines dance, acting, and instruments. While it remains an area lacking widespread public interest, I am confident that the status of folk songs as a comprehensive art form will continue to grow. I wish to enroll in your university’s Korean Music Department to present new folk songs that can communicate more broadly with the public. I aspire to realize my dream of becoming a Korean musician who breathes with the audience and receives their empathy at your institution.
Academic Plan and Goals
If admitted to your university, I will diligently study the theory and techniques necessary to systematically understand and analyze various forms of Korean traditional music. I plan to join a music club to actively interact with seniors and juniors during my university life. I also wish to actively participate in volunteer activities that convey love to neighbors in need through music.
Since folk songs are both an art to listen to and an art to perform, facial expressions and body movements must blend naturally. Therefore, to create more polished performances, I intend to study Korean dance and acting alongside music. I aim to create performances that offer audiences a more beautiful visual experience. I also plan to participate in various cultural events that directly engage audiences, aiming to complete a college life without regrets.
While I still have many shortcomings rather than perfection, I will remember that the beginning of all completion is incompleteness. I will strive diligently with an even more proactive and active attitude. Through this, I will constantly work to produce deeper and more beautiful sounds.
Post-Graduation Plans
As I prepare to enroll at your university, I realistically hold two aspirations. The first is to continue growing as a traditional Korean musician, becoming an artist with profound artistic capabilities like the masters active as Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea. The second is to dedicate myself to education as a professor nurturing future generations.
As a genre rooted in traditional old songs, folk songs may feel somewhat unfamiliar to the general public. Unlike pansori, which is frequently highlighted through films and media, folk songs indeed receive relatively less attention compared to modern pop songs. While this path, less commonly chosen by others, will undoubtedly present many challenges, I refuse to let go of the passion for folk songs I’ve cherished since childhood. I aspire to create new folk songs that can captivate the world. After graduation, I aspire to nurture the budding talents who will shape the future of folk songs and grow as a traditional musician who can breathe and empathize with audiences.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
As I prepare to enroll at your institution, the two aspirations I hold—steady growth as a traditional musician and academic contribution as a professor—form the crucial pillars of my life philosophy and values. I aspire to become a traditional musician like the holders of Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, while simultaneously pursuing a path as an educator.
It is a clear reality that folk songs, being a genre that transmits ancient melodies, remain unfamiliar to the general public. Compared to pansori, which frequently appears in media and popular culture, folk songs have limited public exposure. Yet, precisely because it is a path others hesitate to take, it is all the more valuable. I wish to continue the passion for folk songs I’ve held since childhood and create folk songs that can move audiences not only in Korea but around the world. Furthermore, I aspire to nurture the talents who will carry the future of folk songs and become a traditional musician who breathes and resonates with the audience. To achieve these goals, I pledge to myself to dedicate unceasing effort and passion going forward.
