Ask Onix
Trot music sees social media revival through AI
South Korea's traditional trot genre, once overshadowed by K-pop, is resurfacing online as creators use generative AI to blend it with modern hits. The trend has sparked debates over authenticity and copyright while introducing younger audiences to the nostalgic sound.
Origins and cultural roots
Trot emerged in the 1930s during Japan's colonial rule over Korea, evolving from folk traditions and incorporating influences from Japanese enka and Western jazz. Its name derives from the foxtrot's two-beat rhythm, and its music is defined by minor scales, heavy vibrato, and kkeokgi-a vocal technique that bends notes for emotional intensity.
The genre's lyrics often explore han, a Korean concept of sorrow rooted in historical hardship. Classics like Baek Nyeonseol's 1940 song The Sorrow of a Traveler reflect themes of exile and longing, with lines such as: "It has been half a lifetime, over 10 years, walking barefoot in a foreign land."
From superstars to decline
Trot dominated South Korea's music scene for decades, producing the country's first pop idols. Nam Jin and Na Hoon-A, who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, became household names through their rivalry, which extended into fan clashes. Their music, like Na Hoon-A's No, I'm Not Crying, remains iconic.
By the 2000s, trot's popularity waned as K-pop took center stage. Younger listeners dismissed it as outdated, and its audience shrank to older generations. Even hits like Oh My! and Battery of Love-fast-paced tracks with choreography-failed to reverse the trend.
Reality TV and a new generation
Trot's recent revival is tied to televised competitions, where thousands of singers vie for stardom. The biggest breakout star is Lim Young-woong, who won a 2020 trot contest and later performed at Seoul's World Cup Stadium, joining artists like Psy and Big Bang.
Yet critics argue that young performers struggle to capture trot's emotional depth. Music critic Jung Minjae notes a disconnect: "There aren't mega hits like in the 2000s." Lim's modernized sound-blending ballad and pop-rock-appeals to middle-aged audiences but hasn't broadened trot's reach.
AI remixes spark controversy
Content creators are now using AI to transform K-pop songs into trot-style tracks, pairing them with AI-generated visuals of idols in glittery suits. These videos have gone viral on Instagram, YouTube, and Line, with some amassing hundreds of thousands of views.
"Our mums would go crazy for this."
Instagram user on a trot remix of Jay Park's Mommae
Kim Ji-hoon, a 29-year-old office worker, runs a YouTube channel dedicated to AI trot remixes. "I wanted to shine a light on hidden K-pop gems," he says, though he acknowledges copyright risks and avoids monetization.
Criticism and future challenges
Experts question whether the AI trend reflects genuine appreciation for trot. Jung Minjae argues it's driven by curiosity about AI, not the genre itself: "People are experimenting with technology, not enjoying trot."
YouTuber "Ppong Me the Money," who initially dismissed trot as "tacky," later removed his AI videos due to copyright concerns. He now sees the genre differently: "Its lyrics and melodies are deeply tied to the Korean experience."
Despite the buzz, trot's long-term future remains uncertain. Jung predicts it will remain a niche genre, respected but limited in appeal as its aging fanbase declines.
