Karaoke transformed South Korean leisure culture during the 1990s

After arriving in Busan in 1991, karaoke expanded into a 3 trillion won industry that spread from offices and banks to the military and Buddhist temples. By 1995, the trend had reached civil service offices, where employees used singing to relieve stress and socialize with district heads.

The defining keyword for the leisure landscape of South Korean society in the 1990s was undoubtedly "karaoke." After first landing in Busan in 1991, karaoke experienced explosive growth, with approximately 25,000 establishments opening nationwide in just three years, establishing itself as the decade's greatest hit product. Through past news records released by KBS, it is evident that karaoke was more than just a space for entertainment; it was a medium that changed the culture of society as a whole.

Karaoke mania spreads to offices, banks, and even the military

Karaoke did not remain confined to specific entertainment districts but spread rapidly throughout all corners of society. According to reports from 1995, karaoke culture appeared even in the civil service offices of local district offices, where a rigid atmosphere had previously dominated. These spaces were used by civil service employees to relieve stress by socializing informally with district heads. Banks also prepared karaoke facilities using small spaces for their customers, making it a common sight for clients to sing one or two songs during their visits. While customers were initially hesitant to use them due to shyness, they gradually began seeking out karaoke.

This shift extended beyond public institutions to the military and religious facilities. In 1996, new generation sailors in the Navy used makeshift karaoke to relieve the stress of life on naval ships, and at Buddhist temples, scenes were captured of believers singing to bridge the distance with monks before listening to Buddhist sermons. Karaoke functioned as a tool to break down the walls of rank and position and to facilitate communication between generations. This trend continued in industrial sites as well; some companies installed karaoke machines in breakrooms or dormitories to support workers in relieving stress, which was positively evaluated in terms of welfare as it led to increased work efficiency and a reduction in industrial accidents.

Changes in favorite songs and generational gaps

The spread of karaoke culture also brought changes to the musical tastes of the public. According to a survey conducted by KBS of 3,000 men and women aged 20 and older nationwide, sorrowful songs such as "Morning Dew" or "Tear-Soaked Tumen River" were pushed aside by bright and easy-to-sing songs like "Meeting," "Adoration," "Maiden of the Soyang River," and "Southbound Train," which were selected as national favorites. Notably, even amidst the strength of dance ballads, trot songs were found to be the most frequently sung. This phenomenon was analyzed as a result of the culture of singing together becoming established around karaoke.

However, not all generations achieved perfect harmony in karaoke. Records of dining-out culture from 1994 show that new generation employees in their 20s expressed clear self-assertion, such as preferring karaoke over drinking sessions and refusing alcohol offered by superiors. In contrast, office workers in their 30s showed distinct differences in preferred songs and methods, such as maintaining past drinking cultures or singing protest songs. It was said that it was difficult to attend gatherings if one could not sing well, as singing ability acted as a new variable in social relationships.

Leisure culture changes industrial sites and holiday customs

Karaoke also drew attention as a welfare model for industrial sites. In the mid-1990s, some companies attempted to relieve worker stress and increase work efficiency by installing karaoke facilities at industrial sites. In fact, some companies equipped with karaoke facilities were evaluated in terms of welfare technology, achieving positive effects such as reducing the occurrence of industrial accidents.

Changes in holiday customs were also notable. During the Chuseok holidays in the late 1990s, visiting karaoke became a new custom when families living far apart gathered. The sight of families sharing the affection of their hometown by singing together shows that karaoke expanded beyond individual entertainment to become a space for strengthening the bonds of the family community. At the time, the karaoke industry was a core pillar leading Korea's late-night culture, reaching an annual scale of approximately 3 trillion won.

Source: original video (YouTube)