Healing effects of K-Pop and K-Gugak(Korean traditional music)

A BTS fan said that after listening to his song ‘Magic Shop’, he was able to escape from the moment of suicidal thoughts and find the meaning of life. This song delivers a message to fans to love themselves and stay positive during difficult moments. Many fans say they overcame depression and anxiety through this song.

[Korean Today] BTS’ ‘Magic Shop’ promotional poster (Photo provided by: Ticket.interpark.com) © Reporter Park Chan-doo

The days when I hate being myself, the days when I want to disappear forever
Let’s make a door into your heart
If you open that door and go in, this place will be waiting for you
It’s okay to trust, Magic Shop that will comfort you
Drinking a cup of warm tea
Looking up at the Milky Way
You’ll be okay oh this is a magic shop

We can guess the influence of this song by looking at the lyrics, which say that when you open the door to the room you created in your heart on a day when you want to disappear forever, there is a ‘Magic Shop’ that will look up at the Milky Way and comfort you and tell you that you will be okay.

A 2019 study also examined the impact of BTS’ music on fans’ mental health and found that listening to BTS’ music helped increase self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. How could it be only BTS’ songs? Many fans are known to be a positive influence on idol group songs and girl group songs.

Additionally, K-pop fandoms communicate with each other and share support and encouragement through online communities. On Twitter or fan cafes, fans share their concerns and receive support and advice from other fans. These exchange activities provide fans with a sense of social solidarity and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It is said that K-pop fandom activities help fans gain confidence in their mental health and feel emotionally stable.

Korean traditional music, Gugak, is also recognized overseas for its healing effects. A hospital in the United States introduced a music therapy program using Korean traditional music to reduce stress and anxiety in patients. Patients who participated in this program said that the unique rhythm and melody of Korean traditional music was a great help in calming their minds.

A 2018 study published results showing that Korean traditional music has a positive effect on stress reduction and psychological stability. The traditional melodies and rhythms of Korean traditional music are effective in promoting psychological stability and emotional healing.

In this way, the healing effects of K-pop and K-gugak, or Korean music, provide emotional and psychological healing effects to many people around the world. Through this, Korean music contributes to healing people’s hearts and bringing about positive changes.