The findings paint a concerning picture: 49.2% of respondents were found to be in a state of long-term embitterment, with 9.3% experiencing severe levels. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
SEOUL, Aug. 27 (Korea Bizwire) – Nearly half of South Korea’s population is experiencing prolonged feelings of embitterment, according to a recent study.
The research, conducted by a team led by professor Yoo Myung-soon at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health, reveals that 1 in 10 South Koreans is grappling with severe levels of frustration and resentment.
The study, titled “Survey for Management of Embitterment and Socio-Psychological Well-being of Koreans,” was conducted from June 12 to 14 this year, involving 1,024 adults aged 18 and above nationwide.
With a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points, the survey offers a comprehensive look at the emotional state of the nation.
Researchers categorized embitterment levels into three groups: normal (below 1.6 points), moderate (1.6 to 2.5 points), and severe (2.5 points and above). Any score of 1.6 or higher was classified as a state of “long-term embitterment.”
The findings paint a concerning picture: 49.2% of respondents were found to be in a state of long-term embitterment, with 9.3% experiencing severe levels.
However, the researchers noted that the proportion of those experiencing severe embitterment was the lowest compared to previous national surveys on adult embitterment.
Rush hour (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Age emerged as a significant factor in embitterment levels. The 30-39 age group reported the highest rates of severe embitterment at 13.9%, while also having the lowest percentage (45.7%) in the normal range. In contrast, those aged 60 and above showed the lowest rates of severe embitterment at 3.1%.
The study also revealed a strong correlation between embitterment and suicidal thoughts. Among those experiencing severe embitterment, 60% reported having contemplated suicide.
Socioeconomic status played a crucial role in embitterment levels. While 60% of those who perceived themselves as belonging to the lower social strata reported long-term embitterment, 61.5% of those who identified as upper class reported no issues with embitterment.
The survey also explored beliefs in social fairness. Those aged 60 and above scored highest (3.42 points) in believing the world to be fair, while those in their 20s and 30s scored lowest (3.13 points).
When asked about feeling embittered over sociopolitical issues, even without direct personal experience, respondents averaged 3.53 points on a 4-point scale. Consistent with previous surveys, the top causes of sociopolitical embitterment included political corruption, government cover-ups of wrongdoing, and biased media reporting.
This year’s survey also highlighted safety management failures leading to disasters and tax evasion as significant sources of public embitterment.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
