Until the mid-Choson Dynasty it was performed at court as an exorcismal rite and also as an entertainment. This came to an end when the Neo-Confucianists banished the mask players from the royal court in Seoul. The mask dance drama continued to thrive in the countryside and it became a comic satire against the privileged class, often depicting the depravity of the aristocratic ruling class, the Buddhist clergy, and the triangular relationship of husband, wife, and concubine. Music and Dance Koreans have always had a deep love for music and dance. Traditional Korean music is comprised of court and folk music.
Court music is slow, solemn, and complex.
The dances that go with this type of music are stately and highly stylized. Folk music, in contrast, is usually fast and lively, with vigorous dancing. Singers go through years of training to cultivate a distinctive sound of their own. Musical performances can be a memorable part of any visit to Korea. Among all Korean dances, the best known are the fan dance and the drum dance.