Is it all just K-Pop?

The answer is both Yes and No. If we go by what is widely perceived as K-Pop, that is idol singers, music bands, and the fandoms, then the answer will be: it is not just that. However, if we go by the ideal definition, that is: what is included in the popular culture, then there is a lot more to K-Pop than music bands and idols. (Disclaimer: I am a fan of a band of singers, and an ardent one at that. So, in no way I am trivializing any of that.)

For me, Korean popular culture encompasses a lot of other things as well. There is the food culture (a must mention for a foodie like me), the different dance forms, the music styles (more on this later), the folk games, and the literature and art. This is celebrated widely by Korean people as well. Knowingly or unknowingly, we might have witnessed the different aspects or the popular aspects of the Korean culture.

Let us take this picture for example. This is a snapshot of a dance performance by BTS at the MMA 2018.

Most of us might have seen this performance by BTS in the Melon Music Awards 2018, where  three different traditional dance forms were displayed.

Now what is the prop that Jimin is holding in his hands here? That is a 부채(‘Buchae’) or a hand fan and the dance form is called 부채춤 (‘Buchaechum’) or fan dance.

So, what is Buchaechum?

It is a well-known Korean dance form that is based and inspired from various traditional and religious Korean dances. In 1954, Buchaechum was created by dancer Kim Baek-bong. This dance is said to have taken inspirations from Korean shamanic ritual dances and includes nuances of various folk dances from the Joseon dynasty. It is the most thriving Korean dance, almost equivalent in status to modern dance. It is much more than a dance form as it portrays the Korean culture as well.

The Performance:

The performance comprises of the beautiful 꽃부채 (flower fans) held in both hands to create various patterns and formations as a group, which represents images such as waves, flowers, and such, and also depicts the strong love for the nation. Performers wear 한복 (‘Hanbok’) or the traditional attire. The 군무 (dance) showcases graceful movements amalgamated with techniques suitable for interpretation by modern audience. The rhythm of 음악 (music) accompanies the dance performance, especially 민요 (‘Minyo’) i.e. Korean folk songs or 산조 (‘Sanjo’) i.e. instrumental music.

This dance requires a high degree of perfection, and it summarizes the traditional dance of Korean people. It is performed at cultural events, in schools, universities, and in almost every Korean community around the world. And when top and famous artists like BTS perform this, it speaks loads about how every Korean is proud about their culture and are trying their best to preserve and promote it.

Would you like to try this dance form? It is beautiful, elegant, and charming. It is definitely worthwhile to witness Buchaechum in all its glory.

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What's cooking? K-food.

“What’s cooking? Um.. K-food?” they asked.

“More like yum food!” I replied.

Well, that is a lame beginning. It sounded okay in my head though. Now let’s begin again.

I do not know where exactly I should start because Korean cuisine and I go way back. I do not even remember what my first dish was. But I will tell you of the food story mostly through pictures. I have a very few pictures because I forget about clicking (majority of the time) when food is there. That’s every foodie’s struggle!! 

(Since all the pictures can not be put in between the text, I will add a video of few selected pictures at the end.)

To give a little background, the place I am from is very similar in food prep and culture to Korea. The culture of multitude of side dishes (반찬 or banchan), taste of certain food, and even some etiquettes match too.

Korean food that I love cooking:

The first meal (Korean) that I cooked all by myself was Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개). I do not know why I decided that. It just felt so natural that time.

Later that day, I ended up making Jajangmyeon (자장면) too (which is considered as Chinese food in Korea). 

Both tasted better than I had ever expected and that boosted my confidence a little bit.

I continued cooking more Korean food every now and then. In fact, last year (in December), I prepared a few Korean dishes for my parents. I made Bibimbap (비빔밥), Yachae-hotteok (야채-호떡), and Kimbap (김밥).

They loved it and hence I ended up making different varieties of Kimbap every other day for an entire week. Needless to say, Bibimbap feels like a soul food now.

Korean restaurants I loved eating at:

There are a couple of places (in the city I live in) that serve Korean food, but authenticity is a big question mark. My go to place these days is a small Korean home kitchen.

It is owned by a Korean person and the taste is as authentic as it can get with ingredients that are only partly Korean. I love their Fried Chicken (치킨) and Kimchi Bokkeumbap (김치 볶음밥).

Apart from my regular place, I like the Korean food served in Taiki (Bengaluru) as well.

The most happening one was my first visit to Arirang (A Korean restaurant in Bengaluru). It’s not your fancy restaurant. It has a traditional (식당) sikdang/restaurant vibe… the ones that one would often encounter in Kdramas. As you enter Arirang, you will be welcomed by an array of BTS posters. 

A good start, no one would complain on that. There are few private/family rooms and few of them are in the common dine-in area. Each table has an assortment of the usual suspects: chopsticks, spoons, tissues, a grill (for the bbq), and a call-in bell. They have a decently extensive menu as well.

The first time I went there: 

The serving staff were prompt and responded almost immediately to the call-in button. They told me that the food that I was ordering would be too much, quantity-wise. But what a foodie can do? I ended up ordering more, nevertheless. Why can’t we make place for food that we want to eat!? The side dishes (반찬 or banchan) were served first. The food arrived soon after.

The dak bokkeumtang (닭볶음탕) was served on a mini stove top. It had a very familiar taste… it tasted very similar to my home chicken curry (it’s a family recipe). Nostalgia and amazement hit me together. 

The mandu was good too but I have had better. But the overall experience was awesome. And the day that followed this experience was no exception- it was as memorable as it can get. That’s a story for some other day. Let’s put that on pause for now. I am off to grab a dessert! Enjoy the video.

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