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Culture: The Story of Us, From Cave Art to K-Pop

The incredible final day of the 16th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival witnessed literary critic and philosopher Martin Puchner in conversation with Anna Della Subin.

In the session, Harvard literature professor Martin Puchner stated that The rise of ''new media'' and the intermingling of cultures can be a few of the reasons behind the international appeal of Korean pop or Kpop. Perhaps the most enthusiastic proponent of the importance of arts and humanities, Martin Puchner brings together a delightful history of humankind in his latest book, Culture: The Story of Us, From Cave Art to K-Pop. In an attempt to document cultural crescendos from ancient Greece to a time capsule left on the moon, the book alludes to fundamental questions about identity, community and existence. Along with Anna Della Subin, Puchner elucidates the role of art in the propagation of knowledge and cultural discourses.

The academic cited the example of Korean rapper PSY's ''Gangnam Style'', which became a runaway hit in 2012 for its catchy tune, and dance choreography as well as for blending social satire and tongue-incheek vibe.

''Part of the K-pop story is the new media and its circulation, especially among young people. They are, of course, the K-pop audience," stated Pucher.uHe further said the roots of Kpop's popularity could be traced back to Korean and American cultures during the Korean War in the 1950s when the US-backed South Korea was against the Chinasupported North Korea.

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