British expat Michael Duffy will give a lecture hosted by the Royal Asiatic Society Korea Branch, introducing the songs of the Korean War and what they reveal about the feelings of U.N. troops during the conflict.
He will introduce the first song of the war, Jimmie Osborne’s “God Please Protect America,” and show how patriotic tunes gave way to songs about the hardships of war as the conflict dragged on.
Duffy will explain how some songwriters were critical of Truman’s dismissal of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who led the Incheon landings that turned the course of the war.
Other songs chronicled certain battles or spoke about the ordeals of prisoners of war.
Duffy has lived in Korea since 1988, where he taught English at universities and colleges until his retirement in 2011.
The lecture will be held on June 24 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Residents’ Lounge of Somerset Palace near Anguk Station in Seoul. Attendance is free for RASKB members and 7,000 won for nonmembers.
