Seol Woon Do Love’s Twist 1997 Trot
In the late 1990s, Trot (트로트), Korea’s traditional popular music genre, underwent a cheerful and lively transformation with Seol Woon Do’s “Love’s Twist (사랑의 트위스트).” Released in 1997, the song combined Trot’s signature soulful vocal style with a fast, engaging Twist rhythm, achieving nationwide popularity. It stands as an iconic piece of the Trot Retro craze and is considered a masterpiece of K-Trot, not just K-pop, capable of getting people of all ages to dance.
🎤 Why ‘Love’s Twist’ Transcended Generations
90s Trot Seol Woon Do National Favorite Song
The success of “Love’s Twist” was driven by Seol Woon Do’s skillful genre fusion and captivating stage presence.
Perfect Fusion of Traditional Trot and Dance Rhythms
The song is based on the fundamental two-beat rhythm of Trot, but it’s modernized by incorporating the Twist dance rhythm that was popular in the 1960s. The lighthearted melody, dominated by electric piano and brass sounds, injects energy into the entire track, making listeners naturally want to move their bodies. Crucially, Seol Woon Do’s masterful vocal inflections and vibrato firmly maintain the song’s “Trot identity” despite the fast dance rhythm.
A Simple and Cheerful Message of Confession
Breaking away from the heavy, mournful tone of traditional Trot, “Love’s Twist” sings about a cheerful confession, actively approaching a love interest through dance.
“상하이, 상하이, 상하이, 트위스트 추면서.” (Translation: Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai, Dancing the Twist,)
The humorous idea of equating “love” with the act of “Twisting,” and directly expressing the joy of a romantic encounter, resonated across all generations.
📝 M/V & Lyrics
Check out the lively Trot lyrics with English translation.
| 학창시절에 함께 추었던 잊지 못할 상하이 트위스트 나팔바지를 빵집을 누비던 추억 속의 상하이 트위스트 상하이 상하이 상하이 트위스트 추면서 난생 처음 그녀를 알았고 상하이 상하이 상하이 트위스트 추면서 온 동네를 주름잡았던 사랑했던 모든 사람들은 잊지 못할 추억의 트위스트 그녀와 함께 신나게 추던 잊지 못할 상하이 트위스트 단발머리에 미소가 예뻤던 추억 속의 사랑의 트위스트 상하이 상하이 상하이 트위스트 추면서 난생 처음 그녀를 알았고 상하이 상하이 상하이 트위스트 추면서 그녀에게 빠져버렸던 터질 것만 같은 이가슴은 잊지 못할 사랑의 트위스트 잊지 못할 사랑의 트위스트 | The unforgettable Shanghai Twist That we danced together during our school days. The Shanghai Twist in my memory Where we roamed the bakery in our bell-bottoms. Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai, Dancing the Twist, I met her for the very first time. Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai, Dancing the Twist, We ruled the entire neighborhood. For everyone I loved, It was the unforgettable Twist of memory. The unforgettable Shanghai Twist That I joyfully danced with her. The Twist of love in my memory, She had short hair and a beautiful smile. Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai, Dancing the Twist, I met her for the very first time. Shanghai, Shanghai, Shanghai, Dancing the Twist, I completely fell for her. This heart that feels like it will burst Is the unforgettable Twist of love. The unforgettable Twist of love. |
👑 The National Hit That Led K-Trot Innovation
Seol Woon Do Love’s Twist K-Trot Innovation
“Love’s Twist” successfully challenged the notion that Trot was only for the older generation, making it widely loved by younger audiences—a key example of Trot innovation. By popularizing a simple dance routine that anyone could easily follow, it elevated Seol Woon Do to the status of a “National Singer.” The song later became a significant role model for idol groups and younger artists looking to remake or incorporate Trot elements.
🔥 If you want to experience the cheerful and exciting charm of Trot, Seol Woon Do’s ‘Love’s Twist’ is a must-listen K-Trot classic!
