Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 205

suddenly stood up, applauded, and waved enthusiastically at the musicians. The exquisitely
beautiful sounds of the Arirang touched the hearts of the North Koreans and the enthusiastic
response of the audience deeply moved members of the Philharmonic orchestra.
More than seventy years have passed since liberation, but the Arirang transcends the ideological
and physical division of the Koreas and the prevalent belief that Koreans constitute a
homogeneous race of people who will inevitably be reunited.
(It is highly recommended that individuals view the New York Philharmonic’s memorable
performance in Pyongyang in 2008 on You Tube)
Bibliography
Atkins, Taylor. 2007. “The Dual Career of “Arirang”: The Korean Resistance Anthem that
Became a Japanese Pop Hit,” The Journal of Korean Studies, Vol. 66, no. 3 (August): 645-687.
Association of Asian Studies Inc.
Connor, Mary. ed. 2009. Asia in Focus: The Koreas. Santa Barbara. ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Demick, Barbara. 2008. “Mutual Standing Ovation in North Korea.” Los Angeles Times,
February 27.
Ellington, Lucien. 2009. Asia in Focus: Japan. Santa Barbara. ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Waken, Daniel. J. The New York Times. “Welcome Symphonic Diplomacy,” The New York
Times, February 27, 2008. http:www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/world/asia/27symphony.htm.
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