K-Pop Group BTS Integrates Traditional Dance into Concerts, Translating Culture to Captivate Hearts

By Central News Agency Reporter Chao Ching-Yu, Taipei, June 16

The final regional forum of the 2026 National Cultural Conference was held today. Tang Sheng-Jung, Chairman of Hanshin Culture & Creative, shared insights on the theme 'How Cultural Content Translates Historical Memory,' citing K-pop group BTS's integration of traditional dance into their concerts as proof that cultural translation can deeply resonate with global audiences.

Tang noted that after completing their mandatory military service, BTS reunited and released the 'ARIRANG' album, incorporating traditional Korean dances into their sold-out world tours. This, he said, exemplifies how Korean culture has successfully influenced the world and captured hearts through creative reinterpretation. Tang encouraged cultural practitioners to transform heritage into content that is 'approachable,' 'sensible,' and 'shareable,' enabling Taiwanese culture to reach broader international audiences.

He cited recent Taiwanese historical dramas such as 'Tea Gold,' which recreated period authenticity through music, sets, costumes, and lifestyle details, making history 'approachable.' 'That Photo of Us' deliberately reduced the intensity of political events and historical context, centering on a love story to make history a 'sensible' collective memory.

Other examples include 'Beicheng Baihua Scroll,' which evolved from comic to TV series and spanned genres from fantasy to romance, ensuring history remains 'transmissible.' Tang concluded with 'Taiwan Travelogue,' a literary work praised globally for its moving portrayal of historical culture, stating, 'I hope we all—myself included—can deepen our cultural roots, reinvent them with technology, and create diverse, mass-appeal content. This is the mission of cultural workers.'

Deputy Minister of Culture Li Jing-Hui, in a press release from the Ministry, stated that this year's National Cultural Conference, themed 'Future Tense,' features two keynote discussions, four regional forums, and a 'Youth Forum' to harness collective wisdom, provide solutions for the next generation, and co-create a policy blueprint for the 'Cultural Future Generation' by 2030.

The Ministry confirmed all regional and professional forums have concluded. Today’s session notably included an 18-year-old high school graduate. One final 'Youth Forum' will invite young people to contribute perspectives and recommendations. All input will be consolidated at the main conference on September 20 to build consensus and formulate concrete policy proposals. (Edited by Li Heng-Shan) 1150616