The variety show "Infinite Challenge" (무한도전) recently did a special called "History X Hip Hop Project: Our Great Heritage" (역사 X 힙합 프로젝트 - 위대한 유산). It aired across episodes 506, 507 and 513.

The presenters partnered up with popular hip-hop artists to produce their own songs and to re-tell history through music. The collaborations were done in the hopes that their music would catch people's attention and help them remember history and the important individuals that founded the nation.



Professor Seol Min-seok, who has been teaching Korean history for 21 years, was invited on to the show to expand the knowledge of the hosts and guests so that they could get more insights and be more inspired for their project. The professor opened his special lecture by saying that this could be the opportunity to reopen people's eyes and ears by communicating history through rap.

He briefly discussed Korean history starting with Gojoseon, moving through the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and up to the period where Korea was under colonial rule, including the March First independence movement. Professor Seol Min-seok emphasized the key points that affected Korean history and the historical figures that fought for the country and gave strength to the people. Professor Seol also stated that despite being invaded numerous times, the Korean race has "fighter DNA." These elements give Koreans everywhere a sense of solidarity and a strong will, and they don’t even realize it. The fact that the show featured history as its main topic was a great opportunity to remind everyone of what they are made. Comedian Yang Se-hyung said that he was stirred by patriotism after the lecture ended.

I was genuinely moved by Professor Seol Min-seok’s words. If he was my history professor, I would have been more attentive in class and it would have increased the possibility of me remembering the facts. It piqued my interest to watch the movie "Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet" (2016) and the soap opera "The Great King Sejong" (2008), clips from both of which were shown in the lecture. The lecture also mentioned the movie about Admiral Yi Sun-sin called "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014), which I had already seen.



Two of the hosts -- Mino, from the pop group Winner, and Haha -- opened the show with a tribute to Admiral Yi Sun-sin and to his achievements. They used a dragon head in the background to represent the "turtle ships" and to emphasize the role they played. "Before a severe winter comes, gather as one in front of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's statue!"

Zico, from the pop group Block B, and Jung Joon-ha gave a heartfelt song that showcased King Sejong the Great (r. 1418-1450) and the royal document "The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People" (1444). They were even able to insert the lyrics "My idol, my hero, my king." The voice of Kim Jong-wan from the group Nell added more impact to the song, as they asked Sejong for advice and guidance.

Park Myung-soo and rapper DinDin focused on talking about Dokdo Island in their song "Dokdori," performed alongside Mad Clown. They showered the audience with copies of real estate registration certificate from the island, proving that the island is administered by Korea. When asked for his reaction, Professor Seol Min-seok said that their lyrics mentioned the historical proclamation "The Orders of Dajokan" that shows how Dokdo Island was ruled by Joseon.

Yang Se-hyung and rapper BewhY gave a musical-like performance while echoing the sentiments of Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), what transpired during the Korean independence movement, and rejoicing for freedom, in their catchy song "Manse."



Yoo Jae-suk partnered up with Dok2. They chose to incorporate into their lyrics quotes from memorable figures of Korean history, like Heo Gyun (1569-1618) and Yu Gwan-sun (1902-1920), reminding the audience how they fought for their country. The song, titled "Like," was performed alongside artist Lee Hi, hoping to give a message of hope and encourage the audience to become stronger.

The voices of ZE:A’s Kwang-hee, Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko and Hyukoh’s Oh Hyuk blended well, as they sang about the poet Yun Dong-ju (1917-1945). Their lyrics were even quoted from his poems, which made the song ever so moving.

Professor Seol reacted to all this by saying that it was quite a touching performance, as the song amplified the message that Yun Dong-ju advocated in his poems, and that it was also applicable to modern times.

You can watch the three episodes on the YouTube channel MBCentertainment. Fortunately, the songs have English subtitles so everyone can learn the meaning behind the lyrics and see how the artists conveyed what they learned into their lyrics.



All of the artists said that they realized how important it was to have a proper understanding of history, and that they -- the younger generation -- should also create a history that would guide and give answers to future generations.

Finally, "Korea's own emcee" Yoo Jae-suk closed the show by saying that, for our future, we must make sure that we don't forget our history, reflecting on the popular but meaningful phrase that "Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it."

I honestly loved all of the songs and can’t help but be in awe when I saw them with English subtitles. The lyrics were well thought-out and the music was just as catchy and pleasing to the ear as other pop songs. I now have the songs on loop as my background music.

I highly recommend you watch this three-episode special, even if only the performances, and listen to the inspiring songs. This is truly one of those shows that have a purpose: you are entertained while learning.

By Nadine Postigo
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: MBC

http://koreanetblog.blogspot.kr/2017/01/learning-korean-history-with-infinite.html