In folk songs, the sense of community often emerges in work songs that require group labor, or in ritual songs like songs for carrying a bier. In such cases, the function of the folk song focuses on enhancing work efficiency, and musical elements are selected to maximize that effectiveness. The megineun-sori (lead call) functions to direct the work, while the batneun sori (chorus response), which repeats the same musical phrase, helps the workers overcome physical hardships. The expression of communal consciousness is concentrated in the megineun-sori, and the structure of everyone repeatedly echoing the same phrase in the batneun sori is a key characteristic that highlights the communal nature of folk songs. In daily life, folk songs serve an emotional function - amplifying positive feelings while easing or sublimating negative emotions. They also function as a medium for the singer’s artistry through literary expression and musical progression. The philosophies, values, and pride expressed in the lyrics extend one’s awareness from the individual to increasingly larger communities, even to the ecosystem. Moreover, through their social function of fostering unity and harmony within the community, they promote a sense of unity between the individual and the group.
Jeong Hee Kim (Thu,) studied this question.