Jobs website Incruit reported that 62.7 percent of 3,710 users who had participated in its survey responded that they were in agreement with the statement “Our country is Hell Joseon”. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 7 (Korea Bizwire) – A survey has revealed that more than half of South Korean adults see their native country in a negative light.
Jobs website Incruit reported that 62.7 percent of 3,710 users and adults who had participated in its survey responded that they were in agreement with the statement “Our country is Hell Joseon”.
The site disclosed that 38.4 percent chose the option “somewhat agree”, and 24.3 percent selected the response “strongly agree”. In contrast, a mere 14.2 percent stated that they “disagree”.
Patriotism and the desire to emigrate were lukewarm and above average, respectively. At 56.1 percent, the largest group responded that their patriotism was “average”, while the those who “had thoughts about immigrating to another country” outnumbered those who did not 54.3 percent to 31.6 percent.
The site revealed that 38.4 percent chose the option “somewhat agree”, and 24.3 percent selected the response “strongly agree”. In contrast, a mere 14.2 percent stated that they “disagree”. (Image: Yonhap)
A spokesperson for Incruit pointed out that there was a link between belief in “Hell Joseon” and a desire to emigrate, noting that 77 percent of the respondents who chose “strongly agree” to the statement describing South Korea as Hell Joseon had considered relocating before.
Canada was the most popular destination of choice with 25.2 percent of all respondents choosing America’s neighbor to the north. Other commonly given answers were New Zealand (21.2 percent), Singapore (8.6 percent), Australia (8.1 percent) and Switzerland (7.6 percent).
To the statement “If you could successfully immigrate to a foreign country, would you consider giving up South Korean citizenship”, 56 percent said “yes”.
“Hell Joseon” entered common parlance as young adults, facing tough employment prospects, social pressures to succeed and what they view to be restrictive cultural norms and expectations, began to view their future in South Korea with pessimism.
Meanwhile, others have criticized usage of the expression and the accompanying attitude, suggesting that belief in the idea displays a lack of gratitude.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
