Current location:entertainment >>
VOX POPULI: ‘Faitin’ spirit belies the social stress on young South Koreans
entertainment12726People 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.“Stellar Station news portal”。http://kenya.downmusic.org/news-3b599991.html
Related articles
Congo names third American in a foiled coup plot as mourners gather in Utah to remember plot leader
entertainmentCongo’s army spokesman on Tuesday released the name of the third American involved a foiled coup plo ...
Read morePoverty eradication with Chinese characteristics
entertainmentBy Paul Tembe (People's Daily Online) 14:41, January 11, 2023The People’s Republic of China (PRC) ha ...
Read moreFull Text: Report on the Work of the Government
entertainment(Xinhua) 08:08, March 13, 2024BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of the go ...
Read more
Popular articles
- What to watch in Tueday's Maryland US Senate primaries
- Chinese modernization conceived in China, opportunities it brings belong to world
- To build even closer relations between China, Central Asian countries
- Commentary: Democracy a tool for U.S. to keep hegemony, incite division
- Your blood will boil! People share the mildly infuriating things that ruined their days
- Commentary: COVID lab
Latest articles
UN maritime tribunal says countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution
Dialogues, consultation have strength in resolving conflicts
Chinese premier pledges efforts to promote equipment upgrades, trade
Commentary: COVID lab
Spain withdraws its ambassador to Argentina over comments made by President Milei
Decreased clout reason for U.S. anger at Beijing
LINKS
- Feeble, sophomoric and paper
- 'Commonsense' win as fish exports to US given all
- Trump appeals US$454 million ruling in NY civil fraud case
- Core blimey: Slow
- Queen Camilla praises Kate Middleton
- 'He's almost like a LEAGUE TWO player': Roy Keane slams Erling Haaland for his display in City's 0
- David de Gea jokingly asks 'who' as he responds to former Man United team
- ESTHER RANTZEN: I asked Mail readers to help me plan my funeral. Your choices
- ESTHER RANTZEN: I asked Mail readers to help me plan my funeral. Your choices
- 8000 unvaccinated or partly vaccinated health workers were allowed to keep working