Song ChangHyun on the BTS-Inspired Birth of Sangmo-pop

Gugak performer Song ChangHyun shared the fascinating origin story behind “Sangmo-pop,” a unique K-pop fusion genre, on the November 12, 2025 episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block.” The artist explained to host Yoo JaeSuk how an unexpected request involving the global music sensation BTS led to the birth of this innovative performance style that blends traditional Korean music with contemporary pop.

The Unexpected Request in Dubai

During his appearance on the popular variety show, Song ChangHyun recounted a pivotal experience while participating in a K-pop performance at the Dubai Expo. Organizers approached him with a surprising challenge: to perform the traditional Korean sangmo dance, which features a spinning streamer hat, to the smash hit ‘Dynamite’ by BTS. This moment marked a crossroads for the dedicated Gugak artist.

Initial Hesitation and Traditional Roots

Song ChangHyun admitted that he was initially hesitant to accept the proposal. As a purist dedicated to traditional Korean music, he firmly believed that the intricate and culturally significant sangmo dance should only be performed to authentic Gugak. The idea of pairing it with a modern K-pop track felt like a departure from his artistic principles. This internal conflict highlighted the perceived gap between preserving tradition and embracing modern trends.

A ‘Dynamite’ Performance and the Birth of Sangmo-pop

Despite his reservations, Song ChangHyun went ahead with the performance, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The audience in Dubai responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, captivated by the dynamic K-pop fusion. The powerful combination of the visually stunning sangmo dance and the infectious energy of a BTS song created a unique cultural synergy that resonated deeply with the international crowd.

Realizing a New Vision for Gugak

The incredibly positive reaction was a moment of revelation for Song ChangHyun. He realized that blending traditional arts with the global phenomenon of K-pop was not a compromise but a powerful new way to introduce Korean culture to a broader audience. The global reach of K-pop, which has propelled the popularity of many groups like SEVENTEEN, provided the perfect vehicle for this cultural exchange. This experience inspired him to formally develop Sangmo-pop, pioneering a new genre that makes traditional Korean music more accessible and engaging for people around the world.

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