Current location:entertainment >>
VOX POPULI: ‘Faitin’ spirit belies the social stress on young South Koreans
entertainment7People 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.“Culture Capsule news portal”。http://capeverde.chongwenmenhotelbeijing.com/content-0c099997.html
Related articles
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
entertainmentBen Whishaw was all smiles at the world premiere of Limonov: The Ballad at the 77th annual Cannes Fi ...
Read moreDespite revenue downgrade, North Carolina anticipates nearly $1B more in cash
entertainmentRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina officials downgraded a projected state revenue surplus through m ...
Read moreRishi Sunak tells university bosses to show 'zero tolerance' towards anti
entertainmentRishi Sunak has ordered university bosses to clampdown on anti-Semitism linked to the fighting in Ga ...
Read more
Popular articles
- Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
- Alleged Rushdie attacker, awaiting trial in New York, could still face federal charges, lawyer says
- Ozempic butt: Women report two MORE unflattering and scary side effects of weight
- Framber Valdez pitches 7 strong innings and Astros use a late 4
- The Latest
- AMANDA PLATELL: Harry, I've said sorry to my family. It's time you said it to yours
Latest articles
College baseball notebook: Conference tournaments to decide NCAA automatic bids and many at
Man pleads guilty in theft of bronze Jackie Robinson statue from Kansas park
A handful of disgruntled Marlins fans protest the team following the Luis Arraez trade
'Upstanding' ex
Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
Olympics: Flavor Flav official hype man for US women's water polo team
LINKS
- Christchurch man jailed for 14 years over role in US porn videos
- Weather updates: Warnings across South Island, Taranaki, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty
- VOX POPULI: Early spring fills us with regret at missing out on winter’s charms
- One dead in Northland crash
- Christchurch man jailed for 14 years over role in US porn videos
- VOX POPULI: Seven years on, the Moritomo Gakuen scandal still unexplained
- One dead in Northland crash
- VOX POPULI: LDP lawmakers’ remarks about political funds create a paradox
- Russia's presidential vote starts final day with accusations of Kyiv sabotage
- Beijing confirms missing Taiwan publisher Li Yanhe is under national security investigation