The World On arirang

Twelve musicians have gathered at the National Theater of Korea located in Namsan Mountain of Seoul. They are people of different nationalities and backgrounds, but they sing "Arirang" together in one harmony. How do the 12 musicians of different cultures interpret and understand "Arirang"?

"Arirang" is a song that moved the hearts of people all around the world. We listen to this song of harmony at the 2014 Seoul Arirang Festival.

The first recorded version of "Arirang" was made possible with the help of an American professor who fell in love with the song. The very first score of "Arirang" was also transcribed by an American, Dr. Hulbert, who was invited to Korea by King Gojong in 1886. His impression was that "Arirang" equaled rice to Koreans.

From the video "This is Arirang" that received the highest hits for "Arirang" in 2013 to Arirang Yurangdan troupe that introduces "Arirang" through calligraphy and dance to the international audiences, "Arirang" became globalized over time.

"Arirang" is no longer confined to Korea. It has captured the heart of the world. In Japan, Kashiwa Municipal High School Brass Band gained popularity by incorporating "Arirang" into dance, and in New York, Professor Phillip Mossman and students in Queens College gave performances in order to have "Arirang" recorded in textbooks.

From the obscure history of "Arirang" to its musical features explained by music director Ji Pyeong-gwon, we listen to the many stories of "Arirang."

"Arirang," a song of Korea and the world, spreads its message of harmony on Wednesday November 26, on Arirang Prime.