In South Korea's vibrant political landscape, election campaigning is more than just speeches and promises; Thanks to the unique provisions of electoral laws and a rich history of activism, candidates have taken to the streets with catchy melodies and well-choreographed rhythms, transforming even the most unlikely songs into political anthems.
According to British media on April 6, taking Democratic Congressman Nam In-soon as an example, when she ran for her fourth term, she made full use of music to connect with voters. Minami's campaign rally was alive with her chosen theme song, "Jilpoonggado" (translated as "Road to the Storm") that reverberated through the crowd. By revising the lyrics to echo her promises and ambitions, the song became a rallying cry for supporters: "Vote No. 1 Nam In-soon! ”
But Minami's musical choices don't stop there. In an effort to appeal to voters of all ages, her campaign strategically incorporated hits like "Baby Shark" and the traditional "trott" hits, which are universally favorites. The goal is clear: to engage people through the universal language of music.
Behind the scenes, campaign choreographer Kim Mi-ran choreographed the wonderful dance moves that accompanied Nam's campaign journey. Drawing inspiration from the candidates' personalities and messages, Kim made sure that every step resonated with the audience. Whether it's high-energy K-pop or soulful love songs, choreography adds another layer of appeal to political discourse.
The choice of songs is not arbitrary; For Minami, in a male-dominated political arena, songs like Davichi's "Women's Times" underscore her trailblazer status and emphasize the importance of gender diversity in politics. In a country where women make up a small percentage of both candidates and parliamentary seats, such a message has far-reaching implications.
South Korea's commitment to lively, street-level campaigning stems from its arduous journey toward democracy. The voices of the '80s for democracy echoed at today's rally, with former student activists-turned-politicians infusing their campaigns with the spirit of grassroots activism. What began as a protest against military rule has evolved into a colourful mix of music, dance, and political expression.
Unlike many countries, which confine their election campaigns to designated spaces, South Korea's candidates enjoy the freedom to take their message to the streets. This tradition, which stems from the struggle for democracy, allows for direct interaction with voters and promotes a sense of participation among voters in the electoral process.
As loudspeaker-equipped vehicles weave through the neighborhoods of Seoul, playing campaign tracks and filling them with ardent supporters, it's clear that South Korean politics is more than just a policy and a platform — it's a celebration of democracy itself. From the rhythmic beats of K-pop to the fiery pace of choreography, every element of the campaign is dedicated to igniting passion and mobilizing voters to work towards a shared vision for the future.