Your current location:HOME >politics >VOX POPULI: ‘Faitin’ spirit belies the social stress on young South Koreans 正文
TIME:2024-05-22 09:56:04 Source: Internet compilationEdit:politics
South 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.
Austrian leader lauds UK's efforts on migration and cites its plan for deportations to Rwanda2024-05-22 09:56
Kyle Walker is welcomed back to £3.5million home he shares with Annie Kilner2024-05-22 09:43
Former New York Giants player Aaron Thomas, who caught 35 touchdown passes, dies at 862024-05-22 09:34
Mississippi city council member pleads guilty to federal drug charges2024-05-22 08:56
Russian general who criticized equipment shortages in Ukraine is arrested on bribery charges2024-05-22 08:16
José Soriano pitches 6 sharp innings as the Angels beat the Guardians 62024-05-22 08:05
Miami Dolphins agree to sign Odell Beckham Jr., AP source says2024-05-22 07:37
Colorado school bus aide shown hitting autistic boy faces more charges2024-05-22 07:29
'IF' movie review: John Krasinski’s film hits a box office nerve with $35 million debut2024-05-22 07:28
Apple, Amgen rise; Expedia, Fortinet fall, Friday, 5/3/20242024-05-22 07:18
Report says China is accelerating the forced urbanization of rural Tibetans2024-05-22 09:03
Hawaii lawmakers wrap up session featuring tax cuts, zoning reform and help for fire2024-05-22 08:42
Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort anchor elite Thunder defense heading into second round of NBA playoffs2024-05-22 08:36
The most dysfunctional state in America? Soaring unemployment, sky2024-05-22 08:16
Mariachis. A flame2024-05-22 08:11
Israeli PM vows ground attack on Rafah with or without deal2024-05-22 08:08
Deadly news helicopter crash likely caused by shaky inspections, leading to loose parts, feds say2024-05-22 07:57
Republicans file lawsuit to block count of Nevada mail ballots received after Election Day2024-05-22 07:53
Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Afghanistan nearly 3 years after the Taliban captured Kabul2024-05-22 07:50
Williams brothers star for Athletic Bilbao in win over Getafe2024-05-22 07:30