What is Korean “trot”?

If you’ve been reading our weekly ratings emails, you might have noticed several popular series about trot including the TV show, “Tuesday is a Good Night” on TV Chosun, or KBS’s “Korean Trot Contest”. So what exactly is “trot”?

Trot is a musical genre specific to South Korea. I would call it Korean country music but that’s not exactly correct because trot is a uniquely Korean musical style by sentimental songs about love and loss and longing for the good old days of home. Trot traces its roots all the way back to the Japanese occupation of Korea. Usually thought of as music for an older generation, trot has experienced a comeback recently as younger generations rediscover this musical style and genre.

Recent hit shows are competition shows centered around finding the next trot singer including TV Chosun’s “Miss Trot” and “Mr Trot. (Including "Miss Trot" finalist, American singer Maria.) These network series helped fuel the trot revival, with more young Korean performers adapting the style to current trends.

Based on the success of TV Chosun’s trot shows, expect to see other trot competition series on Korean TV.