This article examines the role and meanings of popular culture criticism from the views of unification theory of art, recognizing the importance of our critical competence in the era of popular culture. To create a new Shimjeong(heart) Culture which the unification theory of art aims for, it is also necessary to understand the changes in the media environment, the trends of popular culture, and cultural systems critically. That is, a critical viewpoint is needed. According to the unification theory of art, human artistic activities are divided into creation and appreciation. The former is an act of creation of beauty giving delights and benefits for the entire purpose, and the latter is an act of seeking and discovering values(beauty) in works of art by the individual purpose. This thesis focuses on “additional creation” of appreciation activity in this framework, suggesting such an active and creative appreciation as a ‘culture criticism’. In particular, securing a place of criticism from the viewpoint of the unification theory of art will be a good starting point for popular culture criticism to more active cultural consumers or creative culture agents. Popular culture criticism from the unification theory of art have a critical viewpoint on decadent and vulgar modern popular culture and its materialism. Furthermore, It should establish a popular cultural theory that will be able to use and enjoy new culture technologies and medias capable of horizontal, democratic, and interactive communication, critically, and restore them into original good use for the creation of Shimjeong art stimulating original joy of creative nature. Such criticism also recalls the original direction of art pursuing ‘beauty’ as a complete harmony of intellect, affection, and will, constantly. Therefore, it can be a work that seeks for the unity of art and life, beyond the concept of art for art’s sake, culture for culture’s sake, encompassing practical and ethical horizons as well as theoretical horizons.