Echoes Across the Pacific : A Performance and Reception History of Arirang in the US

This article examines the performance and reception history of the Korean folk song “Arirang” in the United States, tracing its chronological evolution and how it has come to be perceived as a symbol of the Korean nation. Beginning with the early Korean diasporic culture in Hawai'i in the early 20th century, the article explores Arirang’s role in American popular culture, particularly during and after the Korean War. It investigates how Korean performers adapted the song to fit within “white” American popular culture, navigating issues of race, identity, and politics within the context of McCarthyism and the Cold War. Furthermore, the article analyzes how Arirang has been interpreted through various ideological frameworks, including critiques of capitalism, imperialism, and anti-war movements, while also addressing the complexities of Cold War Orientalism, particularly in relation to gender and sexuality. Finally, the article considers the song’s often stereotypical and clichéd representation of Korea and Korean identity in contemporary Hollywood cinema. Through this lens, the article demonstrates how Arirang serves as a dynamic cultural artifact, shaped by both global political contexts and evolving perceptions of Korean identity in the U.S.