The word for “condescending old person” in Korean
What “kkondae” reveals about young South Koreans’ struggle against hierarchy
DO YOU FEEL that nobody around you shares your commitment to work? Do you offer unsolicited advice on the fashion choices or love lives of your younger colleagues? Are you irked when a junior office-mate fails to fetch you coffee? Beware: you are well into kkondae territory. South Korean youngsters suggest that you engage in quiet reflection to help you overcome your inflated sense of self-importance. You have to earn their respect. You cannot take it for granted just because you are older.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “What makes you “kkondae””
From the June 1st 2019 edition
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