Korean Music Genre Trot Makes a Resurgence Thanks to Social Media and AI

Trot, a traditional South Korean music genre, is experiencing a revival, partly driven by social media and the use of generative AI tools. The genre, which dates back to the 1930s, has long been overshadowed by the global rise of K-pop. Initially viewed as old-fashioned, trot music was once synonymous with sorrow, longing, and nostalgia, often reflecting Korea’s historical struggles. While younger audiences have typically steered away from the genre, trot has found new life through AI, which transforms popular K-pop tracks into trot-style renditions, generating significant engagement on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Critics, however, argue that this AI-driven trend may undermine the genre’s authenticity and raise concerns about copyright. Despite the growing popularity of trot audition programs, where new singers are competing for fame, the genre’s future remains uncertain. Although some artists, like Lim Young-woong, have modernized trot, the core audience still largely consists of older fans. The influence of AI and social media has brought a fresh perspective to trot, but it’s unclear if this will be enough to secure its long-term appeal.