Current location:politics >>
VOX POPULI: ‘Faitin’ spirit belies the social stress on young South Koreans
politics1193People 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.“International Issue news portal”。http://papuanewguinea.barryexit.org/html-6f099985.html
Related articles
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
politicsROME (AP) — Pope Francis has added a stop in Luxembourg to a trip to Belgium in September, a three-d ...
【politics】
Read moreWho are the Houthi rebels and why are they attacking Red Sea ships?
politicsYemen's Houthi loyalists take part in a tribal gathering in Sana'a on 20 February 2020. Photo: AFP ...
【politics】
Read moreImmigration declines nearly half of study visa applications from India so far this year
politicsImmigration New Zealand said it had turned down about a quarter of applications to polytechnics and ...
【politics】
Read more
Popular articles
- Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
- London police say chemical attacker presumed dead
- Who are the Houthi rebels and why are they attacking Red Sea ships?
- UK dog with six legs has operation to remove extra limbs
- Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
- Egypt aborts controversial pyramid renovation plan
Latest articles
Investigators return to Long Island home of Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect
Hope new research will help get answers for those with rare disorders
Princess of Wales in hospital, King Charles to get prostate treatment
Woman charged with murder after man found dead in Hamilton
Biden says Brown v. Board of Education ruling was about more than education
Cuts and closures in New Zealand's news media industry: What you need to know
LINKS
- Israel stands strong: IDF reveals it has shot down more than 200 drones and missiles fired by Iran
- Chinese New Year culture festival held in E China's town
- 76ers play their season finale without All
- Joel Cauchi: New details emerge about Bondi Junction knifeman that killed six
- Joel Embiid sits out as 76ers zip past Nets 107
- China launches campaign to combat movie piracy during Spring Festival holiday
- New building of museum at Shang Dynasty capital site to open this month
- Biden warns Netanyahu US will NOT support Israel's counterattack on Iran amid fears of all
- Children visit Beijing Auto Museum during winter vacation
- People across China enjoy festive events to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year