Karaoke is often associated with love songs, pop hits, and the occasional guilty pleasure from the ‘80s. But in many KTV (karaoke television) lounges across East Asia—especially in China, Taiwan, and the Philippines—another genre regularly shows up in playlists: patriotic songs. From rousing national anthems to emotionally charged ballads about sacrifice and homeland, these tracks often sit alongside chart-toppers and timeless classics. Even at places like 호치민 가라오케,_
A Surprising Mainstay in the Songbook
Most modern KTV machines offer thousands of tracks. But alongside the expected pop and rock hits, you’ll often find songs like “March of the Volunteers” (China), “Lupang Hinirang” (Philippines), or “My Homeland” (Taiwan). These songs aren’t there by accident—they’re consistently requested and sung.
Some of this is due to official influence. In China, for example, patriotic music has long been promoted as a part of state cultural policy. Songs glorifying the Communist Party, the nation’s history, or military pride are regularly broadcast on television and taught in schools. That influence has extended into the private realm of karaoke. Many Chinese KTV chains include a “red songs” category—a collection of patriotic tracks—available for free, even if the rest of the catalog requires a fee. Government-backed KTV machines in public areas often come preloaded with such music.
But this isn’t just a case of top-down programming. People choose these songs voluntarily. Sometimes, they are used to close a night out with a sense of unity. In others, they are picked for humor or irony. And sometimes, they’re sung with genuine emotion.
Singing with Purpose
KTV isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also about expression. Singing patriotic songs can be a way for people to affirm their identity, especially during moments of national pride or anxiety. After a sports victory or a national holiday, it’s common to hear patriotic songs in karaoke lounges. People sing them to share in a collective experience, especially when the country is going through something significant.
For older generations, patriotic songs may bring back memories of school days, military service, or historic events. These songs can be deeply nostalgic. For younger singers, choosing these tracks might be less about direct patriotism and more about cultural connection—or even performance. A powerful rendition of “The East Is Red” can command a room’s attention in a way few pop songs can.
In the Philippines, for instance, a song like “Bayan Ko” (“My Country”) carries weight far beyond its melody. Written as a protest song during colonial times and revived during the Marcos dictatorship, it remains an emotional choice at KTV. Singing it in public is artistic and political, depending on the context.
Group Identity and National Performance
There’s also something performative about singing national anthems and patriotic songs in a group setting. These tracks aren’t usually meant for solo crooning—a crowd often belts them. They invite participation, sometimes even standing up or saluting, depending on how seriously the moment is taken. In some KTV lounges, especially during holidays or state events, patrons have been known to stand up and sing in unison—turning a casual night out into a communal ritual.
This performative aspect gives patriotic songs a kind of social power. They’re not just music—they’re statements. Singing one in front of friends, coworkers, or strangers can reinforce shared values or provoke reflection. Even when done ironically, there’s an underlying recognition that these songs mean something.
Between Irony and Sincerity
In today’s KTV culture, the line between sincere and ironic song choices is often blurry. A heartfelt version of the national anthem might follow a comedic duet of a boy band hit. This fluidity is part of what makes karaoke such a unique form of expression. It allows space for contradictions—mock and honor, to laugh and feel pride.
That ambiguity is obvious among younger karaoke-goers. In China and Taiwan, it’s common for Gen Z to sing old revolutionary songs as parody or commentary. Yet even in parody, there’s engagement. These songs aren’t forgotten relics—they’re active parts of the cultural mix.
More Than Just a Song
The presence of patriotic songs in KTV machines isn’t just a curiosity. It reveals how deeply music ties to identity, memory, and community. Karaoke gives people a stage—not just to sing but to perform who they are and what they believe. Sometimes, that means a love ballad. Sometimes, it means the national anthem.
Either way, the microphone is open. And sometimes, the most unexpected songs carry the biggest emotions.
