[KS] Monday, April 6th at UC Berkeley: Documentary Film Screening: "Us & Them: Korean Indie Rock in a K-Pop World”

[Berkeley Center for Korean Studies]

*The Center for Korean Studies*

*University of California, Berkeley*

*Cordially invites you to*


*[image: Inline image 1]*

*Documentary Screening of "Us & Them: Korean Indie Rock Music in a K-Pop
World"*


and a discussion with *Timothy Tangherlini <http://tango.bol.ucla.edu/>* (UCLA)
and *Stephen Epstein
<http://www.victoria.ac.nz/slc/about/staff/stephen-epstein> *(University of
Wellington, Victoria)


Monday, April 6th | 4 p.m. | 180 Doe Library
<http://www.berkeley.edu/map/googlemap/?doe>


The spread of South Korean popular music, or K-pop, has been a striking
global phenomenon. In 2012 PSY’s viral sensation “Gangnam Style” became the
most viewed video on YouTube ever, generating over a billion hits and
scores of imitations. But Korean music is not only idol groups and viral
videos. There is also a vibrant indie and punk scene that has been active
for the past two decades.

A lot of the energy driving the scene has come in opposition to mainstream
Korean music. Yet, just as K-pop is becoming more well-known
internationally, bands from the Korean underground are now touring overseas
and have become more professional in their own pursuit of global
connections.

The documentary follows several of Korea's most well-known indie bands as
they embark on their first US tours in 2011. The spotlight lands in
particular on Crying Nut, the endearing godfathers of Korean underground
rock; the stylish RockTigers, Korea's most successful rockabilly band; and
Whatever That Means..., a melodic punk band led by a married couple--bass
player Trash and her American guitarist husband. The documentary's
compelling portrait of the Korean indie scene offers sharp insights into a
society that is in the midst of frequently dizzying change. The film is
narrated by noted Korean-American musician Mike Park of Skankin’ Pickle and
the B. Lee Band and the founder of DIY label Asian Man Records.


Event Contact: cks at berkeley.edu, 510-642-5674
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