Kamal Ghorui
By Narayani Ganesh
Post their military service hiatus, the K-pop boy band, BTS, after ‘disappearing’ from public gaze for three years, are making a comeback with their new album, titled Arirang , to be released on March 20. Fans are waiting with bated breath for their world tour’s kick-off concert, to be held in South Korea’s Gwanghwamun Square, on March 21. So why did they and their agency choose this title, and what does ‘Arirang’ mean?
Arirang is basically a folk song, of which there are multiple variations, themed on romantic longing and reunion, linked to Korean nationalism as a cultural sentiment rather than as a territorial or geopolitical stand. According to Unesco, there are about 3,600 variations of 60 different versions of the song, and these are composed of collective contributions of ordinary Koreans over decades. More than ten years ago, South Korea applied to Unesco to register Arirang as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and a couple of years later, North Korea did the same. That BTS chose to open their year-long global concert tour with Arirang as their theme, indicates that cultural identity, more than political, religious, or any other identity, is precious and is sure to evoke positive emotional response. Invoking this cultural sentiment is the way to the heart of millions.
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, patriotic songs and national anthem were banned – it was Arirang that gave unofficial expression to their resistance. Curiously, Arirang songs became a craze in Japan as well, as a reflector of Korean culture, giving birth to even more variations and cultural fusion.
According to fiveable.me website, “Culturalpride refers to the appreciation, respect, and celebration of one’s cultural heritage and identity. This term embodies the positive feelings individuals or groups have towards their traditions, values, and history, fostering a sense of belonging and community. In many instances, cultural pride is expressed through art, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression that highlight unique cultural experiences.”
Language is an important part of culture, which is why Tamils get all riled up if anyone tries to trivialise or dismiss what is believed to be the world’s oldest living language. Tamil poet Vairamuthu, recent recipient of the Jnanpith Award, said: “To understand South India and its culture, you need Tamil and you need Sanskrit to understand North Indian culture.” The people of every region take immense pride in their respective language, as it is their mode of expressing literature, art, and a whole lot of other cultural aspects.
What then, is the difference between nationalism and culture? While cultural pride is about shared heritage, nationalism is aggressive allegiance to a nation with territorial boundaries designated by political authorities. And there is a term that combines culture and nationalism – ‘cultural nationalism’. “Cultural nationalism generally refers to ideas and practices that relate to the intended revival of a purported national community’s culture. If political nationalism is focused on the achievement of political autonomy, cultural nationalism is focused on the cultivation of a nation,” writes Eric Taylor Woods of University of Leeds.
The more evolved person would probably say we should transcend patriotism, nationalism, religion, and culturalism, even cultural nationalism, if we are to tread on an expansive path where no divisions matter. There is no need here for verbal language, or any other aspect of culture, for, the goal is to aspire for complete neutrality that is beyond all of these constructs.
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