Dear MEL Topic Readers,
South Koreans become younger under new age-counting law
As of June 28, some Koreans became one or two years younger than before. In the past, there were three age-counting methods in South Korea. One is the so-called Korean age system, in which a person turns one at birth and adds a year to each new year, January 1. Another one doesn’t give one at birth but adds a year to each new year. Then there is the international standard system, which adds one on each birthday. Now, only the international standard system is used in South Korea, which seems to please many South Koreans. However, that doesn’t mean one can undermine the seniority system, “nunchi”. It is a cultural practice that emphasizes age-based hierarchy and respect for elders, which is an integral part of Korean culture and is deeply ingrained in various aspects of life, family, education, the workplace, and society. For example, their language system is based on age, which includes honorific expressions when talking to seniors. So, yes, their ages are now clear but their relationship with each other won’t change. Can everyone adopt the new system overnight?
Enjoy reading the article and learn about the change in the age system in South Korea.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66028606
No comments:
Post a Comment