[비즈한국] Recently, K-pop has been garnering attention for showcasing elements closely related to Buddhism. It is even being said that K-pop singers and their fans have become captivated by Buddhism. Why is this?
Let's look at Blackpink Jennie's first studio album, 'Ruby.' The track 'Mantra' included in this album refers to a spell or incantation recited during prayer or meditation. 'Man' in Sanskrit means mind, and 'tra' means a tool. In other words, it signifies words that help one find their inner strength. In Buddhism, a mantra carries the meaning of chanting Buddhist scriptures. Reciting these scriptures orally is believed to be effective due to the power held by sound waves.
In 'Mantra,' Jennie first establishes her own standards for pretty girls. "Pretty girls don't worry about unnecessary things." This means that the criteria for beauty are not based on outward appearance. The lyrics, "Pretty girls don't get trapped in trauma," speak to not dwelling on past wounds. Thus, the lyric "My heart is shining like the sun" also becomes understandable. It emphasizes not being bound by drama, meaning she is not obsessed with dramatic success or achievement. Phrases like "I'm not going to get caught up in unnecessary things" or "I'm going to make sure she doesn't get hurt" imply mutual support and solidarity. The future she portrays is hopeful and positive. She even says, "No one can dull our shine, and we never ruin a good time." Beyond escaping obsession and compulsion to maintain composure and find or keep one's true self, it encompasses a philosophy of coexistence.
Another track, 'ZEN,' sounds similar to Jennie and is also an English word meaning the Buddhist term 'Seon' (Zen), highlighting the importance of the inner self. The lyrics emphasize a heart that is peaceful, calm, loyal to the present, and unshakable. The owl that appears in the music video also reflects the Buddhist worldview. In Buddhism, the owl is seen as a guide that leads those lost in darkness toward the light.
It's not just Jennie. Jang Wonyoung of the girl group IVE mentioned a book on Buddha's teachings titled 'Ultra-Translation: The Words of Buddha' on a variety show, and the book topped the overall best-seller list at online bookstores, surpassing the books of author Han Kang. Perhaps due to the overwhelming support from those in their teens and 20s, its sales surged by up to 29 times. Jang Wonyoung recommended the book, saying she reads when resting at home.
Are the younger generations truly that interested in Buddhism? It seems more reflective of the fact that the younger generation holds a practical perspective of putting themselves first and, while not necessarily Buddhist, has a strong interest in spirituality. They are prepared to accept anything that helps their lives without being bound by specific religions or ideologies.
'Mantra' and 'ZEN' emphasize self-identity and agency, aiming for a happy life. For young Western audiences, the charm of Eastern values is also highlighted. In particular, 'Mantra' can resonate with both Buddhists and Hindus. In the 'ZEN' music video, Jennie maximizes her unique charm by appearing in a fashion style that adapts patterns from Silla-era golden crowns. The fusion of cultural signs and symbols adds empathy and persuasiveness.
Singer Jang Wonyoung has long received attention for her positive remarks and actions, which fans call 'Wonyoung-ism.' Wonyoung-ism goes beyond the context of positive psychology to signify an 'ultra-positive' mindset, which can also align with the context of Buddhism. What is important is why the younger generation pays attention to and empathizes with Jang Wonyoung's words. Paying attention to bright and hopeful messages to overcome reality on their own, rather than being pessimistic or depressed, is a more important point than interpreting it as the younger generation being interested in or enthusiastic about Buddhism.
I look forward to a positive future in the phenomenon where young people, rather than being trapped in the 'Hell Joseon' frame, are gathering around K-pop as they try to endure each day. As long as K-pop contains such positive messages, won't it be able to exert a good influence on young people around the world by fusing any religion or ideology? I want to believe in the good world that is created by the vibrations of the heart as we recite good messages.
The author, Kim Heon-sik, has been walking through or navigating the forest of popular culture phenomena since his 20s, with the expectation that there is a way to make the world a better place through culture. He continues on the same path with the same belief in the 21st century, where artificial intelligence and quantum computers are in play.