Chamyeon*

The Korea Herald had an absolutely fascinating article about Chamyeon, which is defined as *face, or one’s public image and social standing' in Korean society.

Dating back centuries there is 'an invisible social class system based on one's wealth, education and occupation. People often strive to be perceived as rich and socially important, sometimes even resorting to exaggeration to maintain such an image.' And it goes beyond the individual to affect the entire family. The extended family cares deeply about how each family member is perceived by outsiders. For example, if a college student does poorly on an exam the extended family will feel shame not just the underperforming student.

In an attempt to present a positive chamyeon, Koreans purchase the most expensive luxury goods of any society per capita. They purchase luxury cars even if they cannot actually afford them. Chamyeon is exemplified today with Korea's unrelenting focus on education and work

Suite at Lotte Hotel in Seoul. I'm sure it goes for $69 per night...

ethic. And, most visibly to Kdrama fans they actually will stop dating someone if that person's chamyeon isn't good enough! This was clearly demonstrated in Something in the Rain and this Gmama was aghast at the situation.

So, does America have this too? I suppose to some extent we all care about how others perceive us.... we want to be viewed in a positive light. However, I definitely feel that Americans are much more individualistic and chafe against this idea. Certainly there is a group of us who don't deeply care what others think of us; we wear comfortable clothes even if not

fashionable, we don't feel obligated to have a designer handbag, and we appear in public with gray hair and no make-up. So far my adult kids haven't told me that my chamyeon is preventing them from moving up in society... but then again, I haven't asked!

Chamyeon has both positive and negative sides. The fact that Korean society values public opinion also means that they can be very polite and considerate to others on a personal and global scale. “The very existence of consciousness about face or social standing reflects the fact that humans are social animals..... A society without such consciousness of face would inevitably degenerate into a more animalistic society.”

Sometimes I think American society might be heading down that negative path. We could take chamyeon to heart. Perhaps the answer is a blending of both East and West... being conscious of our role in a greater society & trying to do better, while also valuing the individual differences we possess.

As I said, a fascinating article & I encourage you to read it. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240207050005