Tokyo Olympics Commemorative 'Arirang' Latest Version Released... Vocals by Yoon Do-hyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 19th that it will release the newly produced audio track "2021 Arirang" in celebration of the "2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics," in collaboration with the Korea Copyright Commission.

"2021 Arirang" was created by rearranging and rewriting the Gyeonggi-do Arirang, whose copyright protection period has expired, into a cheer song version. Professor Seong Yunyong of Yeoju University served as the general director. Producer Kang Kyuyong from YG Entertainment, Professors Kim Minki and Kim Seungnam of Yeoju University also participated in the production and arrangement of the audio track. The vocals were performed by Yoon Dohyun of YB, famous for the cheer song "Oh Pilseung Korea."

Notably, all participants involved in the production of "2021 Arirang" donated their copyrights to the state to promote the culture of copyright donation. The copyright donation system allows copyright holders to donate their rights to the state so that the public can freely use the works. Since the patriotic song donation by the family of composer Ahn Iktae in 2005, a total of 10,376 works, including the salute to the national flag song, have been donated to the state. Works with copyrights donated to the state can be freely used by anyone.

"2021 Arirang" will be distributed on the Commission's Shared Yard website as well as on real-time music streaming services such as Melon and Genie. Anyone can download and stream it for free without copyright concerns.

Along with the release of the audio track, the Ministry and the Commission will hold the "2021 Arirang One-Line Appreciation Challenge (Sharing)" and the "2021 Arirang Cheer Song Singing Relay" to promote copyright donation from today until September 24.

A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "We hope that '2021 Arirang,' freely available to everyone during these difficult times due to COVID-19, will support the Republic of Korea athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and comfort the public," adding, "We also hope this case will raise awareness of the copyright donation system and serve as a catalyst for a virtuous cycle of copyright donations."