Current location:world >>
VOX POPULI: ‘Faitin’ spirit belies the social stress on young South Koreans
world9People have gathered around
IntroductionSouth Koreans often say “faitin.”A corruption of the English “fighting” that means “keep it up” or “ ...
South Koreans often say “faitin.”
A corruption of the English “fighting” that means “keep it up” or “we can do it,” the word is uttered forcefully with a bent elbow and clenched fist, be it at home, work or school.
Curious about it, I asked Lee Sanghun, the Tokyo bureau chief of the Dong-a Ilbo, who seemed a bit surprised by my abrupt question.
Lee said, “True, we say it a lot but I’ve never really thought about it.”
According to a colleague of mine who is an expert on South Korea, the expression became noticeably widespread in the late 2000s.
Initially a cheer at athletic events, like the Japanese “faito” (fight), its usage gradually expanded. For instance, an unmotivated worker might be admonished by a superior, “You have no faitin.”
The transition may have had something to do with South Korea’s ruthlessly competitive society.
The tendency to overemphasize a person's educational background is said to be even stronger there than in Japan.
Being under constant pressure to go to a better school, work for a better company and so on, everyone tries--or perhaps is forced to try--to be at their best.
It is also said that social disparities in South Korea are becoming more serious. Young people have apparently become disillusioned with old-style politicians who hold onto their vested interests.
The situation must also discourage people from having children, and the birthrate stands at 0.72, which puts the nation in the ultra-low birthrate category.
Japan is certainly in the same boat.
General elections are being held today in South Korea. During the election campaign, choruses of “faitin” were heard everywhere.
I wonder how voters in our neighbor nation will decide. I will watch very closely.
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 10
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Worldly Wonders news portal”。http://belize.whetstonetavern.com/html-1e199995.html
Related articles
Top secret D
worldTop secret D-day documents detailing the Supreme Allied Commander's final message to Allied troops w ...
【world】
Read moreOldest living conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, die at 62
worldREADING, Pa. (AP) — Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interes ...
【world】
Read moreCOVID origins tracing is on US’ ‘anti
worldBy Global Times editorial (Global Times) 08:37, March 01, 2023Illustration: Liu Rui/GTThe so-called ...
【world】
Read more
Popular articles
Latest articles
Man recreates 20
Guardians of rails: Powering safe journeys for all
Senior Chinese legislator emphasizes importance of handling ethnic affairs according to the law
Sébastien Haller’s first Dortmund start since winning Africa Cup lasts just 8 minutes
NBC will stick with dual announcers and analysts for the US Open
Commentary: China's COVID policy optimization to propel global economic growth
LINKS
- Russia proposes UN resolution on banning weapons in space, after vetoing similar UN
- Rosalia layers an ivory moto jacket over a white maxi dress as she steps out solo in New York City
- PSG defender Lucas Hernández injured in Champions League semifinal first leg at Dortmund
- PSG defender Lucas Hernández injured in Champions League semifinal first leg at Dortmund
- Vendor that mishandled Pennsylvania virus data to pay $2.7 million in federal whistleblower case
- Workers rule the streets on May Day
- Union Pacific undermined regulators' efforts to assess safety, US agency says
- Hollywood star Bill Murray rides the subway with fellow Cubs fans after watching Chicago's 3
- Deion Sanders, son respond to social media criticisms over how coach handled transfers at Colorado
- Adames homers twice with 4 RBIs, Brewers beat Rays 7