"South Korea's Perfect Attendance Culture Linked to Social Pressure"
Amid controversy over the derogatory term 'Gaegungeoji' among elementary school students, foreign media have highlighted South Korea's 'Gaegungeoji' culture. 'Gaegungeoji' is a disparaging term used for students with perfect attendance.
On the 6th (local time), the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that while perfect attendance has traditionally been regarded as a moral duty, recent shifts toward valuing work-life balance have brought changes to this attitude.
The outlet explained, "For South Korea's younger generation, perfect attendance can mean dedicating themselves solely to studying and earning income without time or money for travel or rest."
SCMP then introduced the case of Mr. A, a father of a fourth-grade elementary school son, which sparked controversy on a domestic online community.
Mr. A said at the time, "My son cried because he was teased by friends as a 'Gaegungeoji,'" and added, "We were informed that experiential learning during the semester was possible, but I never thought so few families would actually participate." To comfort his child, Mr. A looked into domestic travel options, but his son wanted to travel abroad. He said, "I took him to the computer to look up places like Gyeongju, Gangneung, and Yangyang, but he said, 'I don't want to go to Korea. It’s embarrassing to say I went there.' He also said other kids go abroad for experiential learning to places like Guam, Singapore, and Hawaii."
Eventually, after discussing with his wife, Mr. A decided that only his wife and son would go on an overseas trip. He shared, "Of course, every generation has its own atmosphere and burdens, but I grew up without them, grateful to my parents, wearing the cheapest brand of school uniform, and never whining for anything," adding, "Nowadays, the culture of comparison has reached its peak. It’s really frustrating. Life isn’t easy."
The media noted, "Korean experts see the term 'Gaegungeoji' as linked to social pressures stemming from materialism and fierce competition for success," and emphasized that experts highlight its psychologically negative impact. The outlet also quoted a child psychology expert saying, "Hearing the term 'Gaegungeoji' during developmental years can leave a lifelong scar."
Overseas netizens who encountered this news responded with comments such as, "The person who coined the term 'Gaegungeoji' is very selfish," "It’s a heartbreaking term. I hope people take pride in achievements earned through diligence," and "Why view perfect attendance negatively?"
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