Arirang

The extended long shot of the trio walking down the winded path along empty crop fields was the single most striking shot from the movie for me. It gave me shivers as I saw them walk down the path singing arirang.

 

Arirang is the representative of traditional Korean folk song. There is a many different versions depending on the region, but in general it depicts the han of the people. The particular arirang that the trio sings is a type of Jindo arirang, mainly sung in the Jeolla provinces. The specific meaning and the use of arirang is much debated even among Korean scholars, but I think this scene gives us a grasp of what arirang is to these people.

Yubong and Songhwa alternate their verses in a structure of 4-2-2-1-1-1-1 with the chorus of arirang in between. It starts off with slow, bitter, lamenting verses filled with their own experiences that they had as they walked down their various paths (and, therefore, the han that they accumulated). Then through each chorus, the song gets lighter and faster, especially when Dongho joins in with the drum at the second chorus.

They first sing about how miserable their lives are, drifting around in the world with so many worries in their hearts. Songhwa sings how weary it is to climb the Moongyeongsaejae (a path through the mountain range). Then they sing about their hopes in their lives, their reconciliation with their past (Yubong accepting his love’s death), and the boundless possibilities of their future.

This made me realize that perhaps this complex mixture of resentment(han), hope, desperation and aspiration in arirang and pansori is what threads through this movie and why domestic audience was so engrossed with the film. Perhaps this is why arirang is such a powerful representation of Korean psyche/culture.

(following is a version of translation of the arirang  from the movie)

Man does not live hundreds of years so let’s live this world with ease (Yubong)

Moonkyeongsaejae is such a climb. Its ups and downs make me cry (Songhwa)

What a life of a drifting singer. Allow me to resolve my sorrows. (Y)

Like the many stars in the fine sky, there are so many worries in my heart (S)

*Arirang

She’s gone. My dear love is gone with a flock of wild geese. (Y)

Oh wild goose, let me ask you please tell me where I should go. (S)

*repeat

My precious lovely daughter, learn to sing and become a master. (Y)

My brother, I will follow your drum beats on my life’s path of singing. (S)

*repeat

Let’s enjoy the night. Enjoy until the moon rises and falls. (Y)

*repeat

Are you hot or cold? Come into my arms. Place your head on my arms. (S)

*repeat

The sun setting in the west sky does not wish to do so. My love leaving me does not wish to do so. (Y)

*repeat

A boat in the boundless sea. Row on, row on your way. (Y,S)

*repeat