Current location:Global Grid news portal > entertainment
VOX POPULI: ‘Faitin’ spirit belies the social stress on young South Koreans
Global Grid news portal2024-05-08 14:30:28【entertainment】6People 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.
Address of this article:http://jordan.esherfc.com/news-41b199955.html
Very good!(34)
Related articles
- Alabama Senate committee delays vote on ethics legislation
- China urges U.S. to release details of bio
- Guardians of rails: Powering safe journeys for all
- Commentary: Competition should not be the leitmotif of China
- Rays starter Ryan Pepiot likely heading to IL after getting hit on left calf by a 107.5 mph liner
- Commentary: Uncertain times call for steady China
- Mom of gay Jewish teen, 19, murdered by 'closeted' Neo
- China renews blue alert for strong winds
- Event launched to promote 'Highway 95' automotive tourism project
- Lisa Blatt nears a record 50 arguments before the Supreme Court
Popular articles
Recommended
Xinjiang move one win away from CBA Finals
PLA Day warmly celebrated in Pakistan
Remember history, safeguard peace
Executor of O.J. Simpson's estate plans to fight payout to the families of Brown and Goldman
Barca youngster Cubarsi earns debut Spain call
COVID origins tracing is on US’ ‘anti
Understanding what an open China means to the world through "thinner" suitcases
Griezmann scores 2 as Atletico Madrid beats Girona 3
Links
- Strawberries Sweeten Life for Villagers in E China's Anhui
- Gains Made in Reducing School Stress
- Job Situation Improves for Women Workers
- Zheng reaches Australian Open semifinals after fighting win
- Push for More Parental Care Leave Gathers Pace
- Children Visit Beijing Auto Museum During Winter Vacation
- Intelligent Seedling Breeding Base Enhances Spring Farming Efficiency in Chongqing
- GLOBALink
- Grassroots Health Centers Step up in Granting Better Elderly Lives
- Festive Frenzy Drives China's New Year Holiday Box Office to Record High