![[Grace Kao] Accredited songs for the CSAT](https://i0.wp.com/res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=640&simg=/content/image/2024/11/11/20241111050717_0.jpg&w=860&resize=860,0&ssl=1 "[Grace Kao] Accredited songs for the CSAT")
On Nov. 14, 2024, the Korean Faculty Scholastic Capability Check can be administered in Korea. Roughly 522,000 Korean highschool college students will take the day-long examination, and their outcomes will decide their faculty placement and profession paths. It’s a nationwide occasion the place further police are despatched to check websites to direct visitors, and air visitors management limits plane takeoff and touchdown round 1 p.m., in order to not distract college students in the course of the English listening comprehension a part of the examination. As well as, some Ok-pop songs are “banned” throughout this season to not distract college students from their finding out. In America, we’d name these songs “earworms” — as soon as they enter your ears, you possibly can’t do away with them.
I used to be all the time a superb pupil, however maybe as a result of I’m American or possibly as a result of I’m much less studious than the standard Korean pupil, I all the time studied whereas listening to music (and typically whereas watching music movies on MTV). In faculty, I studied in cafes the place there was background music and chatter. As a university professor, once I write, I typically write whereas listening to Ok-pop — however usually I write to reggae or ska music. I particularly like The Mighty Diamonds, Jimmy Cliff and 2nd wave ska artists like The Specials, Insanity and The English Beat. Metropolis pop or jazz classics additionally work effectively.
Nonetheless, once I think about myself as a highschool pupil in Korea during the last couple of many years, I couldn’t think about avoiding music simply due to the faculty entrance examination. Thus, I wish to suggest a Ok-pop playlist that one may research to — consider it because the antithesis of a “banned” music listing for the CSAT. I’ll name this my CSAT Research Songs Playlist. Normally, I keep away from ballads as a result of they have an inclination to place me to sleep particularly if I’m sleep-deprived.
Considered one of my all-time favourite songs is “UR Man” by SS501 (2008). I like the important thing modifications all through the refrain — half a step ahead after which a half step again. I used to be saddened to be taught that this was on the “banned” music listing. I suggest that we may change it with SS501’s “Snow Prince” (2005). It’s much less repetitive, however joyful in order to carry one’s spirits whereas finding out.
SHINee is certainly one of my favourite teams, though admittedly their music “Ring Ding Dong” (2009) just isn’t. This can be a music that’s generally positioned on the “banned” listing of songs. This can be very repetitive and I don’t know what it’s about. Their outfits are outlandish and memorable. For finding out, I might change it with an upbeat music of theirs that I like — “Whats up” (2010). That is one other candy music, however it has a powerful synth hook that’s repetitive sufficient to maintain you awake whilst you’re finding out however not a lot that it distracts you.
“Sorry Sorry” (2009) by Tremendous Junior appears to be on each listing of “banned” songs I’ve seen. The truth is, as quickly as I typed the music title, I may hear the very robust synth line in my head. Even I might not be capable to research or write with this music on, so I’ll counsel two of their different songs which may be extra conducive to writing. The primary is the very sappy however candy tune, “Marry U” (2007). This music may also present a subliminal message selling marriage amongst younger individuals. In fact, one other various “Evanesce” (or “Daydream” in Korean) (2014) tells the story of what occurs after a relationship ends. Ideally, one would watch this music video after Tremendous Junior’s “Is This Love” (2014) — each are shot on the identical set, however “Is This Love” is the story of the blossoming of affection.
In fact, we can not omit BTS. Normally, their songs will not be fairly so repetitive, however I’ve seen the music “Go Go” (2017) on many lists. BTS’s “Simply One Day” (2014) is enjoyable to sing to, however I don’t contemplate it an earworm. A lot of its members’ solo songs would work as alternates. I take pleasure in writing to RM’s “Seoul” (2018) or “Hectic” (2022). Each are within the model of a mellow Metropolis Pop sound. They’re nice to drive to as effectively. If it had been a bit nearer to Christmas, V’s “Snow Flower” (ft. Peakboy) (2020) can also be a superb decide.
On this planet of Ok-pop, iKON’s “Love Situation” (2018) is one other well-known and intensely catchy music. I do know that this was banned even amongst kindergarteners who like to sing it. It’s a terrific music, however one I feel is extra conducive to finding out is perhaps their newer “However You” (2022), an 80s synth-pop quantity.
Lastly, Rose of Blackpink (ft Bruno Mars) “APT.” is the latest earworm music. I do know it’s very talked-about in Korea, and it managed to pierce the High 100 in the latest US Billboard Scorching 100 Charts. I might not be capable to research with the music within the background. I might change it with Rose’s “Whether it is You” (2017), which is essentially the most conventional ballad on this listing. This is perhaps a superb time to take that 3-minute nap whereas finding out.
I’ve made a playlist with the above songs, together with some bonus ones. Simply seek for “Korean CSAT Research Songs” on YouTube.
Grace Kao
Grace Kao is an IBM professor of sociology and professor of ethnicity, race and migration at Yale College. The views expressed listed below are the author’s personal. — Ed.
