Korean Music And Their Fans It s A Two Way Street

Gabrielle Anggono Professor Jennifer Jung-Kim Korea 40: Korean Popular Culture 21 August 2015 K-Pop, K-Drama, and Their Fans: It s A Two-Way Street Korean music and drama industries have fans that are rarely ever seen as a passive audience. These fans dedicate an enormous amount of both their time and money to these celebrities. They often interact with artists and actors and discuss new music videos or favorite drama characters with other fans through social media sites. Fans of Korean pop music not only purchase albums, but also attend a variety of events, such as Korean music shows, concerts, and fan meetings, to show support for their artists. On the other hand, fans of Korean dramas not only watch the dramas on their television screens every week, but they also send food to the production staff. Fans of Korean music and dramas do not only receive entertainment from artists and actors, but they tend to also give back to the stars through various means of support, such as providing input, giving gifts, sending words of encouragement, advertisement, and consumption. Korean dramas, also known as K-Dramas, allow Korean viewers to influence character development and direct storylines. Since episodes are normally filmed just days before they are supposed to air on television, fans are able to participate in online discussion and voice their excitement or criticism about the drama. The reaction of viewers play an important part in the drama s success, so producers tend toShow MoreRelatedKorean Music And Its Effects Essay1564 Words   |  7 PagesKorean music had its development from early 1900s. Even though the country suffered suppression from Imperial Japan from 1905 to 1945, the growth in music was unstoppable. There are diverse kinds of music that Koreans have produced which portraits emotions, historical background stories, ritual significance, and more. Within its history, Korean traditional music has lived years of continuation. Korean music diverse in its style with distinct sounds that are made from unique Korean instruments andRead MoreThe Colla pse Of Asia s Economy2611 Words   |  11 Pagestelevision dramas, pop music and celebrities associated with these forms of media discourses have found growing popularity in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan; as well as many other East and Southeast Asian countries. This growing popularity of pop-cultural exports has proved to be a tool in constructing a contemporary national image and encouraged the emergence of the ‘Korean Wave’. According to Huang (2009) ‘Hallyu’ or the ‘Korean Wave’ refers to the â€Å"...popularity of South Korean culture in other AsianRead MoreThe And Cultural Commodities : South Korea s Growth Of Pop Cultural Exports2869 Words   |  12 Pagestelevision dramas, pop music and celebrities associated with these forms of media discourses have found growing popularity in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan; as well as many other East and Southeast Asian countries. This growing popularity of pop-cultural exports has proved to be a tool in cons tructing a contemporary national image and encouraged the emergence of the ‘Korean Wave’. According to Huang (2009) ‘Hallyu’ or the ‘Korean Wave’ refers to the â€Å"...popularity of South Korean culture in other AsianRead MoreKorean Wave (Hallyu) in China2081 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"Korean wave (Hallyu) was coined in China in mid-1999 by Beijing journalists surprised by the fast growing popularity of South Koreans and South Korean goods in China.† However, the phenomenon of Korean wave flows into East Asia especially China during the early twenty-first century. Korean wave covers the craze for South Korean music, TV dramas, pop stars, but also for fashion styles, cosmetics and electronics. There are many reasons causing Korean wave being a popular mass culture in China. KoreanRead MoreHan Gong Ju - Scripted And Directed By A Newborn Director Lee Su Jin1202 Words   |  5 PagesGong-Ju, which based on a real incident, is both scrip ted and directed by a newborn director Lee Su-Jin. The movie appears not remarkably a sensational stand out, but definitely the most representative credit among all the South Korean films of 2014. In my opinion, the best way to define a good movie is to verify if it can clearly convey the purpose to audiences, as well as impact audiences by its atmosphere. Specifically, the editing, cinematography, and narrative are the effective potentials contributingRead MoreGlobalization And Its Impact On The Western Culture3003 Words   |  13 Pagesthe newest release of a music video can be seen instantly with the help of video sharing websites. With the help of today’s technology, globalization allows us to communicate almost anywhere in the world. Globalization is an ongoing process where different societies, cultures, and regional communities integrate through a worldwide network. Globalization allowed for a speeding up of the flows of goods, people, images, and ideas across the wor ld. The media has impacted the way that the Western cultureRead More Hip Hops Effect on American Culture Essay3346 Words   |  14 Pagespopulations. Although created by black youth on the streets, hip hops influence has become well received by a number of different races in this country. A large number of the rap and hip hop audience is non-black. It has gone from the fringes, to the suburbs, and into the corporate boardrooms. Because it has become the fastest growing music genre in the U.S., companies and corporate giants have used its appeal to capitalize on it. Although critics of rap music and hip hop seem to be fixated on the messagesRead MoreImc for Samsung Galaxy12749 Words   |  51 Pagesassessment will not be accepted unless all fields below are completed Subject Code: | MKTG1257 | Subject Name: | Marketing Communication | Location where you study: | Saigon South Campus | Title of Assignment: | IMC Plan | File(s) Submitted | G2-SamsungGalaxyTab2-IMCPlan | Student name: | Nguyen Thuan Hieu – s3221969 Tran Thi My Dung – s3231518 Trinh Thi Que Nhu – s3209895 JungSoo Park – s3230147 YeonJea Lee – s3255327 Pham Anh Tuan – s3160828 | Student Email Address:Read MoreSteve Jobs : Extraordinary Mind5147 Words   |  21 PagesJobs, who is sometimes referred to as the father of personal computing, was the mastermind behind Apple’s Computers, iPods, iPhones, iMacs and iPad’s and is seen by many as a man who pioneered the personal computing industry and literally changed the way we live our lives today. Upon the announcement of Steve Jobs death, Apple changed the homepage of their website to reflect a full-page image of Jobs with text that simply says â€Å"Steve Jobs 1955-2011. Apple current Apple CEO Tim Cook stated: â€Å"AppleRead MoreLotteria Marketing Plan8718 Words   |  35 Pagesmission is to create high – quality services and products contributing to an abundant life for their customers through creativity exploration and challenge confrontation. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION According to Lotteria 2012, Lotteria is the leader in the Korean fast-food industry with 550 billion won sales in 2009. Firstly appeared in Vietnam in 1998, yet Lotteria is not popular till the entrance of bulgogi burger in 2004 (Lotteria 2012). According to Tuoi Tre 2012, Lotteria is the owners of more than 120

Never Ending Story Essay Example For Students

Never Ending Story Essay Fantasticas Endless Realm of StoriesMoo-oo-oon Child! (Ende 225) Screams Bastian. His hopes of this endless story to rid its endless entity has nothing but created a nightmare in his and Atreyus world. From the Gnomics project of the mammoth-like Sphinxes to the rescue of the Child-like Empress to the Water of Life, Atreyu and Bastian are two separate characters who are parted by two different kingdoms but unknowingly pursue on strange adventures in the same settings. Not only do they live out tremendous and significant journeys but ironically have a comparable mission in which to save the life of the Child-like Empress, ruler and leader of Fantastica. Bastians peaceful character and Atreyus determination sets The Neverending Story apart from the classic scene of one character playing the role of a hero without distributing the accomplishments between the other characters. This book represents a celebration of unity in which it is proven by Atreyu and Bastian who set the stage and be gins what has to be begun. Bastian plays the role of a heroic human being in a human world reading nothing but a book called The Neverending Story while Atreyu characterizes an immortal hero living out struggles inside the book. Their separate worlds are furnished together to bring a united conclusion, but with the reality and truth of their past, they are again separated; but in a resolving mood. This coming together of reality and fiction associates with the readers mind because it justifies and gives a reason to connect with The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. Thus, this book deserves to be a significant part of the canon because it deepens the realistic illusion that stories come from other stories, it is identical in many ways to the monomyth cycle (by Joseph Campbell), and finally it reminds the reader of the need of belonging and love. This book employs the idea that stories come from other stories in that it draws the same parallels between each other. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende shows this concept by settings examples throughout the novel. Didnt you know that Fantastica is the land of stories? A story can be new and yet tell about olden times. The past comes into existence with the story. (Ende 235) The idea that stories come from other stories is issued by this quote as how Grogramman (a talking lion) explains. The land of Fantasia is made up of different stories, which are randomly created. Bastian recognizes this discovery about Fantasia and has a different view on it. Earlier in the novel, Bastian is given a gem called Auryn, a key, which keeps him alive through his struggles within the novel. You mean that I created it? (The Desert of Colors; Perilin, the Night Forest). Another extreme instance of this is said by a monkey Argax that Bastian meets toward the end of his journey. And if you play it fo r a hundred years, or a thousand years or a hundred thousand, the law of chances tells us that a poem will probably come out. And if you play itforever, every possible poem and every possible story will have to come out. (Ende 328)Obviously Argax explains that stories come out of other stories, from the book The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. This setting in which this quote is taken out of is during Bastians journey through the City of Old Emperors. Its moody and dark environment shows the reader that all stories are not what they seem to be and can end up being created by accident or by chance and not because of its true fate. Thus, The author Michael Ende clearly demonstrates that stories can come out of other stories either way, good or bad. .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e , .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .postImageUrl , .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e , .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:hover , .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:visited , .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:active { border:0!important; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:active , .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3e74e0a258e2bcc89de0353251e93f1e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: History of the atomic bomb EssayThe Neverending Story contrasts with not a steep comparison to the monomyth cycle but one that is identical. The different expeditions in the novel by Michael Ende fit the blueprint of an original and controlled monomythic story.Firstly the heroes are for certain the main characters in the novel, Bastian Bulthazar Bux and Atreyu. This mythological adventure of the hero, Atreyu and Bastian undergo the process of: separation, initiation, return. As the nuclear unit of the monomyth cycle, this process is evident in the Neverending story. Atreyu is called upon to fulfil an adventure with a goal to find the child-like Empress a cure for her suppo sed sickness. He is separated from society (civilized world) as soon as he enters the Swamp of Sadness and the setting remains gloomy in the duration of his frightening journey. As the monomyth cycles states, Atreyu encounters many tests of strength, courage, and inner conscience. This series of tests are metaphorically expressed in Chapter Five: The Gnomics. Atreyu arrives in the company of the Gnomes and is explained the test of the gates that he needs to go through. He would need to pass through three gates in order to receive an answer to his question. The first gate: The Great Riddle gate illustrates the test of inner conscience. The sphinxes shut their eyes for some travelers and let them through. Because you mustnt suppose they let wise, brave, or good people through, and keep the stupid, cowardly, and wicked out. Not a bit of it. (Ende 98)The next gate is the Magic Mirror Gate, which provides a test of courage. This test bestows Atreyus true image and character, which ends u p being Bastian, the invisible reader of the Neverending Story. However, this test comes to be an easy one since Atreyus true nature is more baffling than terrifying. What he saw was something quite unexpected, which wasnt the least bit terrifying, but which baffled him completely. (Ende 106) Resembling struggles and tests appear throughout Atreyus amazing journey among Fantastica. He finally reaches the triumphant stage by receiving valuable information that to save the Empress from her sickness, a human being from the other world would have to give her a new name; then the kingdom of Fantastica would be renewed. (This refers to stories from other stories since Fantastica can be continuously renewed and be a slightly different kingdom than before.) And with the assistance of Falkor the luckdragon, Atreyu is able to accomplish his mission and safely fly back to the Empress. The cycle is born again when Bastian becomes part of the story in the second half of the book thus creating a new mission. The Neverending Story also exemplifies and reminds the reader of basic needs (Maslows Needs) focusing more on the need to Belong and Love. It is surprisingly introduced near the conclusion of the novel, which also becomes the key to Bastians return (from the monomyth cycle). This comes to be the grande finale of the novel and finishes in a brilliant reunion of father and son, Bastians father and Bastian himself. Michael Ende accomplishes this by using a metaphor of wishes to images of belonging needs. With the novel concluding, Bastian would need to think of three wishes to bring him back home. He uses these types of needs to accomplish this. His first wish was to be part of a group, this need was met by Bastian joining some pirates which he had too much of. This then led to the need of being loved. After receiving too much of affection he realizes that his third wish would be to hold the ability to love.Now you have found your last wish, she said finally. What you really and truly w ant it to love. (Ende 411) The wishes that Bastian makes restores his position in his own human world and he is re-united with his father who at the beginning had lost faith and trust in him. This brings the reader to an automatic relief and brings the book to a comedy-like conclusion, where everyone is united and the setting is a happy one. .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 , .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .postImageUrl , .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 , .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:hover , .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:visited , .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:active { border:0!important; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:active , .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36 .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf793592264bd7f78676c24c3b66c7b36:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Japanese Internment Camps Persuasive EssayThe Neverending Story by Michael Ende perfectly draws the image of a successful novel because its overall effect on the reader is intimate and it recognizes itself as a different novel from others especially using a metaphor of stories giving birth to other stories. Considered as a childrens novel, it should be given a chance to prove itself in the realm of other such intelligent novels. The novel expands this idea that stories are a result of other stories, it resembles the monomyth cycle for a simplified and similar understanding of its complex aspects and it finally reminds the reader of belonging and loving needs. Thus, this no vel by Michael Ende should be considered a major part of English literature because it clearly demonstrates an archetypal flare similarly to how a classic novel would furnish.

This week, you are to reflect on what you believe Essays

This week, you are to reflect on what you believe are the personal traits of a forensic scientists and if you have the same traits. I believe the personal traits of a good forensic scientist would involve analytics, precision, communication, and knowledge of an expert. A good forensic scientist, would need to follow an approach on both the analytical and logical levels. Such a scientist would likely have to practice and demonstrate a high level of concentration and patience to be successful. Profound skills in the area of science would be helpful and development of observation techniques would need to be honed. This scientist would need to be able to focus so that he or she maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to details. The communication characteristic would come into play in that the forensic scientist should have the ability to express observations and findings. So, he/she ought to possess both spoken and written communication skills which are strong. Expertise in the particular area being studied at the time, in terms of subject, would go a long way in solidifying one's characteristics as a forensic scientist as well. I believe all of these qualities would make for a credible, professional forensic scientist. What might you have to overcome in your personal make up to meet those requirements as you consider a career in the forensic science field? Although a career in the forensic science field has not been considered up to this point, some traits are currently possessed. Patience, in terms of process, is something which has been developed through having to learn it as part of military training. Attention to detail is solid to a degree. Areas of improvement would definitely be expertise development, high level of accuracy, and strength in spoken and written communication skills - primarily written communication skills. These are the obstacles which would need to be overcome.

John Belushi LIfe History essays

John Belushi LIfe History essays When thinking of great physical comedians, one cannot over look the name of John Belushi. Belushi's style was one of a kind when he burst on to the scene, which left him centered out among fellow cast members. The style he brought to the table was normal level of slapstick, times by one hundred and ten percent. Johns career began got started in February of 1971 when John went to Chicago to audition for the Second City. At the age 22 years old was the youngest ever to get the job. As a cast member he played many different characters ranging from the mayor of Chicago to Hamlet, to singer, Joe Cocker. Johns Impression of Joe had a voice perfect for the imitation, his body movements were erratic and quick and as he sang he poured beer down his shirt and laid down and spit it up in the air. To say the least, John nailed that one gained him a lot of attention in the fall of his first year and it alone was paving the road for things to come. The spring of 1972 marked 14 months with Second City, it was time to move onto other things. Moving on for John was going to work on the Lemmings show. This was a parody show that mocked popular musicians and pretty much everything under the sun. For about three years Johns Joe Cocker impression continued to bring down the house. In early 1975 a new show was looking for comedians for a late-night show targeted to a younger audience. The show was Saturday Night Live. While many of Johns friends were getting auditions, Lorne Michaels was not sure about Belushi. Lorne said Hes too loud, too hard and too self centered, but with some persuasion he gave him an audition. For the audition John did a character that he had been practicing for a while. The character was a mute Japanese samurai. It was a huge hit. Not only did he get the job, but the samurai was one of Johns recurring characters on the show. And whether he was making a sandwich or pla...

Research Paper on Boutique Hotels - Managerial Economics Essay

Research Paper on Boutique Hotels - Managerial Economics - Essay Example The hotel industry has survived fluctuating fortunes in the last decade or so and has crossed into the 21st century an immense and vital industry, a far cry from its origins as an experimental cultural form, into an industry that has transformed the nature of travel into one that is comfortable, predictable, and to many travelers pleasurable (Wikipedia). Hotels are a major of component of the hospitality and lodging industry. It can be described as an establishment that provides paid lodging, usually on a short-term basis. Hotels often provide a number of additional guest services such as a restaurant, a swimming pool or childcare. Some hotels have conference services and meeting rooms and encourage groups to hold conventions and meetings at their location.[ibid] The original hotel equivalent called inns have existed since ancient times (e.g., along the Roman road system during the Roman Empire) to serve merchants and other travelers. Medieval European monasteries operated inns to guarantee haven for travelers in dangerous regions. The spread of travel by stagecoach in the 18th century stimulated the development of inns, as did the Industrial Revolution. The modern hotel was largely the result of the railroads; when traveling for pleasure became widely popular, large hotels were often built near railroad stations. A diversification of hotel types characterized the early hotels. The first hotels were luxury establishments in urban settings. But in order to accommodate changing conditions and needs, variants came into existence: the railroad hotels which were built along railroad track lines to accommodate train passengers and crews for places to eat and rest before the invention of sleeping coaches; resort hotels built far away from crowded urban areas for tourists; commercial hotels which were more simply furnished and less expensive, catering to salesmen and commercial travelers; residential hotels for families yet unable to afford

Sufism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sufism - Essay Example It is most of the time the basic understanding of Sufis that each situation is an element and the will of God and at the same time the developing of bad feelings as to why it happened is not correct. The main objective of all Sufis therefore is to prevent the entry of all negative attitudes brought about by worldly temptations, including a belief of personal identity, and to value and respect the existence of God (Qushayri 5). Sufis teach in individual set-ups, as the student of the leader is characterized as essential for the development of the student. They make wide utilization of stories, parables, and poetry, and it is stated by Sufis that implications can only be attained through a procedure of searching what is right, and learning of the personal identity. Even though concepts and theories differ among various Sufi sects, Sufism in its entirety is initially concerned with direct individual experience, and as such may be considered similar to different types of religious sects like Buddhism and Christianity (Ernst 6). The founders of different Sufi principles most of the time utilized symbolical language which was hard to be decoded by an ordinary individual to understand these principles (Shah 5). This utilization of symbolical and hard to understand language and the presence of various implications by individuals who possessed inadequate knowledge in Muslim teachings or Sufism itself result to the rejections and disapprovals being cast over the authenticity of Sufism as a component of Muslim tradition. In addition, some sects arose that categorized themselves above Allah and portrayed Sufism as a process of intervening the principles of Islam in order to be saved immediately. This was rejected by modern experts. B. Sufi leaders have established various specific chants and activities into their teaching grounds (Lings 6). The symbolical and often absurd language utilized by Sufis in their teachings when deciphered by ignorant individuals opens channels for various misinterpretations and chaos. Conclusion While Sufism has evidently caused widespread rejections and disapprovals among experts and religious sects all over the world especially the Muslims, Sufism still has the right to exist as an independent body of knowledge no matter how chaotic or confusing their teachings may be. Perhaps, the only time Muslim governments should intervene with stopping Sufism is when there is a clear and serious violation of the rule of God and therefore Sufis must be held accountable. But until that situation happens, there is no valid reason why Sufism must be eradicated from this world. After all, their teachings all point to worshipping God as the Savior and Creator. Utmost respect must still be

The Big Bang Theory Essay Example for Free

The Big Bang Theory Essay The beginning of the universe is explained in the big bang theory. It is proved beyond doubt that our universe had a beginning and that its origin was as a singularity about 13 billion years ago. This singularity was infinitely hot, small and dense. It had undergone a series of changes, which includes expansion and cooling to become the present form of universe. This theory is called the big bang theory. According to this theory the process of cooling and expansion is still continuing. There are several evidences as well as arguments supporting this theory as well as opposing it. The main intention of the present paper is to analyze these arguments in search of its validity. History of this theory, its religious interpretations as well as the features of the universe according to this theory also will be discussed in this paper. The big bang theory was proposed by scientist and Roman Catholic priest Georges Lemaitre and his called his theory as hypothesis of the primeval atom (Hubble, 1929). The framework for this model was based on the Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. Most of the astronomers today believe in this theory mainly because of the red shift that was observed in the near by galaxies. Scientists believe that the universe is still expending because of the presence of dark energy (Big bang Theory, 2009). There are several features of the universe which support big bang theory. The abundance of light elements such as hydrogen and helium and less occurrence of the heavy elements or heavy metals in universe is actually in support of this theory. This is because it is proved beyond doubt that at such a high temperature that persisted at the time of origin of the universe, the elements of mass numbers more than 5 and their isotopes would have been unstable. This might have resulted in the formation of more light elements at that time. Presence of more matter than antimatter is another feature that supports the theory. Even now the scientists are not able to find a reason for this phenomenon. However, many scientists consider the asymmetry in the decay of some mesons as the reason for this phenomenon. Another feature of the universe is that it is composed of several galaxies and these are separated by cosmic voids. The presence of a radiation in all directions which is quite even or uniform throughout is another factor that supports the theory which explains the origin of universe from a fire ball ( Big bang theory, 2009) One of the argument against big bang theory is that universe had its origin as an explosion. However according to experts it is better to imagine universe as a balloon with an infinitely small size and continuously increasing its size so as to reach the current size. It would be difficult to imagine the universe as a balloon bursting and throwing off its contents. Another argument against this theory is that it universe e originated as a fireball in space. But according to the Einstein’s theory of relativity there could not be anything, space or time or matter or energy before the origin of universe. Thus this argument also has been proved to be baseless (Big Bang Theory An Overview, 2009). There are many arguments or evidences that support this theory. Most of the people believe that universe had an origin. Edwin Hubble discovered that galaxies are moving away from us at speeds, which are directly proportional to the distance from us. This provides evidence for the expansion of the universe, which was originally very small. The discovery of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB) by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson in 1965 provided evidence that universe was initially very very hot as it is explained according to the big bang theory. Another important evidence is the profusion of hydrogen and helium in the observable universe. This also supports the big bang origin of universe. According to the recent research by NASA and ESA, the universe had its origin from the remnants of a universe, which existed previously. This is called loop quantum gravity theory (Zyga, 2008). This theory also supports the origin of the present universe as a singularity as in big bang theory. Still the arguments regarding the models to explain the origin of universe is continuing between great scientists. But one thing that has to be remembered is that whatever might be the arguments, there would always be a philosophical criterion involved and therefore these arguments are never going to end (Gibbs, 1995). Therefore as long as no one is certain about anything that happened at that time, the arguments would continue. An important factor that has to be considered in the big bang theory is its religious interpretations. Origin of Universe is an area where science and theology places opposite views. According to Islam, Allah is the creator and Evolver of every thing in this universe. Of course the development of the universe to the present stage is something that is super natural and therefore there is nothing wrong in believing that there is a super natural force behind all these evolution and that supernatural force is God. The theologians as well as majority of people believe that it is not possible to evolve something from nothingness. Estes (2009) has put it in a different manner. According to him this explanation of origin of universe is as absurd as believing that when there was an explosion in a place all the metal pieces joined in the air to form a car. He further explains that it cannot be believed that the different parts of the oldest computer one day exploded and then joined to form the most advanced computer now. This development took place as a result of long years of research by human beings. In the same way the development of universe to the present form, required the intelligence of someone who is super natural and that is God himself. When we look at the stars, sun, moon and the galaxy as a whole, we see that they are all moving with accurate speed and timings in such a way that they do not collide each other. The earth is having the exact requirements for the life of man on it. All the requirements of the man are met through the other organisms as well as physical and chemical properties of the earth. It is very difficult to explain all these facts based on big bang theory (Estes, 2009). There is another school of thought in the Islam itself in support of the big bang theory (Huda, 2009). The idea of singularity is present in the Quran also, where it is said that heaven and earth existed as a single unit originally. According to the big bang theory, the elements, which constituted the universe, had come together, cooled down and finally formed into the present shape. This is what exactly said in Quran, the only difference is that it was Allah who gave commands to these elements to behave in the way it had behaved. Come together, willingly or unwillingly. They said: We come (together) in willing obedience' (41:11). The concept that Universe is expanding is also there in Quran. The heavens, We have built them with power. And verily, We are expanding it (51:47). The fact that the universe is continuing to get expanded has been discovered only recently and it was the answer to the long debates by Muslim scholars on the exact meaning of this verse in the Quran. An argument in Islam against the big bang theory is that in Quran it is written that the creation of the universe was completed in six days. But in Quran itself it is written that one day of Allah could be 50,000 years for man. In another place it is written as 1000 years. Thus the day could be regarded as an era with a fixed length of time. And six days could be six such eras, the length of which no body knows. Thus in this way also Quran is not contradicting the big band theory, which suggests that the origin was 13 billion years ago, and since then the formation of different organisms as well as the shape of the universe were gradual (Huda, 2009). Another aspect where Quran supports big band theory is that the process of evolution or the creation as Islam takes it, is never ending. It is clearly mentioned in Quran that Allah is continuing his creation. This is what we see everyday, as a new child or as a new plant which is quite different from both parents (Huda, 2009). Considering all these facts the Muslims of the modern world believe that big bang theory is genuine and that the universe is ever changing. The only difference is that they believe that all these are happening according to the command of Allah and that everything that happens in the universe reveals the super natural power and majesty of Allah. It is stated that the creations are to be viewed upon, as tremendous power of Allah and His name has to be glorified. Thus it could be seen that the Big Bang theory of the origin of Universe is the most widely accepted theory of cosmic origin. It is based on the Einstein’s theory of relativity. There are several features that the universe exhibits which supports this theory. Most of the arguments against this theory by different scientists have already proved to be baseless. More and more discoveries have been made in the last and present century, which supports this theory. Regarding the religious interpretation of this theory, in Islam, the origin of universe and earth and everything on it is explained in the same manner as the big bang theory. Only difference is that, in Quran it is explained to have happened as per the command of God. It is quite logical to believe that there is a super natural power that is regulating all these happenings in the way it is happening so that we could exist happily and peacefully on this earth. References Big Bang Theory An Overview (2009). [online] Available at: http://www. big-bang-theory. com/default. htm (accessed on 11th June 2009) Big Bang Theory (2009). [online] Available at: http://www. answers. com/topic/big-bang-theory (accessed on 11th June 2009) Estes, Y.. (2009). Big bang. [online] Available at: http://scienceislam. com/bigbang. php (accessed on 11th June 2009) Gibbs, W. W. (1995). Scientific American, October 1995, 273: 55. Hubble, E. (1929). A Relation Between Distance and Radial Velocity Among Extra-Galactic Nebulae. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 15: 168–173. Huda (2009). Creation of the Universe Six Days or Long Periods of Time [online] Available at: http://islam. about. com/od/creation/a/creation. htm (accessed on 11th June 2009) Zyga, L. (2008). Before the Big Bang: A Twin Universe? [online] Available at: http://www. physorg. com/news126955971. html (accessed on 11th June 2009)