From Mocked to Mainstream: The Revival of Korean Trot Music

Before the global dominance of K-pop, South Korea had another defining sound — trot.

Trot is a traditional Korean music style named after the American “foxtrot,” reflecting its signature two-beat rhythm. For decades, trot shaped the country’s music industry and produced some of South Korea’s earliest stars. However, as modern pop sounds evolved and K-pop captured global attention, trot gradually lost its mainstream appeal and was often dismissed as old-fashioned.

Today, the genre is finding renewed attention — largely fueled by social media and artificial intelligence.

AI Sparks a New Wave of Interest

Content creators in South Korea have begun using generative AI to reimagine popular K-pop tracks in a classic trot style. These recreated versions feature smooth melodies, exaggerated vibrato, and the emotional flair typical of traditional trot performances.

Accompanying visuals often include AI-generated images of K-pop idols styled in sparkling suits, dramatic hairstyles, and retro stage outfits — hallmarks of iconic trot performers from decades past.

These creative reinterpretations have gained significant traction across platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and LINE, attracting hundreds of thousands of views.

However, the trend has also sparked debate. Critics question whether AI-generated versions truly capture the soul of trot and raise concerns about copyright issues when modern songs are reworked without clear authorization.

A Genre Rooted in History

Trot first appeared in the 1930s during Japan’s colonial rule of Korea. According to music critic Jung Minjae, the genre blended Korean folk traditions with influences from Japanese enka and Western music styles such as jazz.

A defining emotional theme in trot is “han” — a uniquely Korean expression of sorrow, longing, and unresolved resentment shaped by the nation’s turbulent history. Many trot songs revolve around heartbreak, separation, and nostalgia for home.

For example, in Baek Nyeonseol’s 1940 song The Sorrow of a Traveler, the lyrics describe a man wandering far from home, burdened by loneliness and yearning for his homeland. Such storytelling remains central to trot’s identity.

Distinctive Sound and Vocal Style

Musically, trot often features minor scales and a dramatic singing technique. Performers rely heavily on vibrato and a method called “kkeokgi,” where notes are bent or twisted to intensify emotional expression.

This powerful vocal style helped create some of South Korea’s earliest pop icons.

The Rise of Trot Superstars

During the late 1960s and 1970s, singers like Nam Jin and Na Hoon-A became national sensations. Their rivalry captivated audiences, with devoted fans passionately supporting their favorite performer.

The competition between the two singers extended beyond the stage, as fan groups mirrored their idols’ rivalry in real life, often engaging in heated debates and exchanges.

Their influence established trot as a dominant force in Korean entertainment long before the rise of idol groups.

A Genre Reborn for a New Generation

Although trot once struggled to compete with contemporary music trends, its revival shows how tradition can be reimagined in the digital age. By blending nostalgic melodies with modern technology, creators are introducing trot to younger audiences who may have never explored the genre before.

Whether this resurgence represents a lasting revival or a passing trend remains to be seen. Yet one thing is clear: Korean trot music is no longer confined to the past — it is evolving, adapting, and once again capturing attention in unexpected ways.