Reflection

Reflection

The idea for our composition, Held in the Tides, came to us as we stood by the shore of Hyeopjae Beach on Jeju Island, watching the waves roll in and out, each one carrying traces of damage: plastic debris, unnaturally warm waters, and the haunting silence where vibrant marine life once thrived. We wanted to capture that contrast: the natural beauty of the ocean and the harm it endures. The piece juxtaposes the light and dark of the ocean. The repetitive accompaniment represents the relentless motion of the tides, and the call-and-response between piano and cello symbolizes the ocean’s struggle to withstand acidification, rising temperatures, and careless littering caused by human activity. Filming the music video at Hyeopjae Beach, where tourism pressures are severe, made the composition even more personal. The two of us got closer, sharing the same interest in saving Jeju’s serene coastlines, and we found out that music has always been our medium for expression. Through this process, we’ve learned that nature reflects what we pour into it, either harmony or harm. Our message to viewers is simple but urgent: our oceans are crying out. They are still holding on, but barely. Through Held in the Tides, I hope to inspire reflection and action so that places like Hyeopjae Beach and Jeju’s coastlines can remain beautiful and sustainable for generations to come.