The Korean War (1950-1953) left the peninsula in ruins. In this environment, music became a salve. The defining classic from this era is by Lee Nan-young. Composed in 1935 but popularized post-war, it tells the story of a woman abandoned in the port city of Mokpo.
Young Korean listeners have rebranded Trot as "New Trot." Shows like Mr. Trot (which garnered 35% ratings) have made heroes out of young singers performing 70-year-old songs. Lim Young-woong, the current biggest star in Korea (more popular than most K-Pop groups), built his career singing variations of the classic Korean song. the classic korean song