"Politics, you know..." "When are you getting married?" Absolutely taboo during Seollal

Trying to Act Like a 'Jeongjalal' Could Lead to Fights
Avoid Topics Like Marriage, Employment, and Promotion

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The nation's traditional holiday, Seollal, is approaching. This is the first Seollal since the 'COVID-19 social distancing' measures were lifted, making it a great opportunity to reunite and share stories with relatives and acquaintances whom we haven't seen for a long time. While exchanging many well-wishes is encouraged, there are also topics that should be avoided during Seollal. Discussions about politics, marriage, and employment can quickly turn a warm atmosphere cold.

The ruling and opposition parties are sharply divided over the dismissal motion of Minister Lee Sang-min, casting a red light on the passage of next year's budget. On the 12th, the National Assembly building was shrouded in silence. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Political orientations divide even at the dining table... Avoid conversations and show respect

Every year, ahead of major holidays, politicians are eager to bring political issues to the dining table. The ruling party highlights the judicial risks faced by Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, while the opposition focuses on President Yoon Suk-yeol's verbal slip during his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, regardless of the side, bringing political issues to the Seollal dining table is a no-go. Many people feel fatigued by politics.

According to a survey conducted by Gallup Korea from the 17th to the 19th among 1,000 men and women aged 18 and older nationwide, 25% identified as having no party affiliation. By age group, those aged 60 and above favored the People Power Party, those in their 40s leaned toward the Democratic Party, and about half of those in their 20s were unaffiliated. The trend shows that older generations tend to be conservative, middle-aged groups lean progressive, and younger generations mostly have no party affiliation. In such a situation where political orientations clearly differ by generation, bringing up politics can make even a rare family gathering awkward.

Even in the United States, a mature democracy, people tend to avoid political discussions during holidays. According to an Axios-Ipsos survey conducted last October, 77% of Americans said they would avoid political conversations with family during Thanksgiving, which is considered the American equivalent of Chuseok. Additionally, 58% said they would avoid discussing the recent midterm election results.

On the 20th, Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center, said on MBC's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus," "Absolutely do not talk about politics at the Seollal dining table; it leads to fights. Whether it's Lee Jae-myung, Yoon Suk-yeol, or Na Kyung-won, avoid these topics and just share well-wishes. That's what I want to say."

'The era of non-marriage'... Asking about marriage timing is taboo

Asking unmarried relatives, "When are you getting married?" is also considered rude. According to a survey conducted by SK Communications' 'Nate Q' service in September last year, involving 4,747 adult men and women, 1,508 respondents (32%) said that questions about dating or marriage were the most uncomfortable.

With the rise of non-marriage ideology among young people recently, there is a strong perception that marriage is 'not necessarily required.' According to a survey by the matchmaking company Duo of 1,000 unmarried men and women, more than half (51.9%) have a positive view of non-marriage. As attitudes toward non-marriage change, LG Uplus has started offering non-marriage incentives from this year.

There is another sensitive topic for unmarried men and women, as sensitive as marriage or dating: workplace issues such as promotions and salaries. In a survey conducted early last year by the matchmaking company Gayeon with 244 unmarried men and women, 45.3% cited questions about salary and work as reasons why Seollal is not entirely enjoyable.

The 'holiday syndrome' caused by holiday preparations is also a concern. Fatigue from long-distance driving and preparing holiday meals often leads to conflicts. Last September, a couple argued over Chuseok holiday meal preparations, and a woman in her 60s even attacked her husband with a weapon.

Although there is a common belief that setting a table "bending under the weight" of food is a way to properly honor ancestors, this is said to have little connection to traditional culture. Foods like jeon (pancakes), which are commonly thought to be essential on the ancestral rites table, are actually inconsistent with tradition. According to the 'Simplification of Ancestral Rites Table' plan announced by Sungkyunkwan University last September, the number of dishes on the table should be nine, including songpyeon (rice cakes), namul (seasoned vegetables), grilled dishes, kimchi, and fruits.