The Intersection of Class and Military Culture in South Korea
In January 2024, YouTuber Mark Manson made waves by describing South Korea as the ‘most depressed country in the world’—a sentiment that may strike a chord with many South Koreans. Yet, this assessment merely grazes the surface of a far more intricate and layered reality.
At the heart of the issue lies a rarely discussed but deeply significant dynamic: the intertwining of class culture and military influence. Far from being limited to the barracks, the legacy of military culture permeates every corner of South Korean society, shaping hierarchies and reinforcing rigid class structures.
This piece delves into how these forces—rooted in history yet alive in modern life—continue to sculpt the Korean experience. I hope this column can, in some way, help shed light on these intertwined threads and contribute to unraveling the complex societal challenges South Korea faces today.
The Inextricable Link Between Korean Culture and the Military
Even setting aside the fact that South Korea was under military rule for about 32 years, beginning in 1963, the country’s culture remains deeply intertwined with military influence. Due to the ongoing armistice with North Korea, military service is a mandatory rite of passage for South Korean men, barring exceptional circumstances, during their 20s or 30s. This requirement extends even to globally renowned figures like the members of BTS, who cannot avoid conscription.
With nearly half of the adult population having experienced military service, its impact on the nation’s culture is profound. This shared experience shapes not only the collective mindset but also social norms, workplace hierarchies, and personal relationships. The result is a cultural tapestry uniquely woven by the pervasive influence of military life.
A Society Shaped by Military Principles
Military principles are deeply woven into the fabric of South Korean society. In the military, the primary objective is collective victory over the enemy, fostering a culture where hierarchy and unconditional obedience are not only emphasized but also seen as essential. Noncompliance with superiors is not merely discouraged—it is considered inherently wrong and, in some cases, criminal.
This binary perspective of victory versus defeat, along with the willingness to sacrifice a few for the greater good, has significantly influenced South Korean culture. By internalizing these principles, South Korea developed a distinctive economic model characterized by a centralized government and monopolistic conglomerates (chaebols). This approach has been remarkably successful, driving the country’s rapid economic growth. However, it has also contributed to a society where class distinctions play a critical role, shaping everything from workplace hierarchies to broader social dynamics.
Overspending to Showcase Social Status
This cultural mindset explains the abundance of luxury cars in South Korea. For many Koreans, the cost of their vehicle serves as a status symbol, a way to project success to ‘people who don’t know me.’ As a result, many purchase cars beyond their financial means, giving rise to the term ‘car-poor,’ which describes those struggling financially due to the burden of expensive vehicles.
This phenomenon also sheds light on why South Korea leads the world in per capita luxury goods consumption. A French visitor once remarked, ‘Koreans seem to wear more French luxury brands than the French.’ On Korean internet forums, you can easily find ‘class charts’ ranking watch and wallet brands, demonstrating how even luxury items are stratified, often with little regard for their unique heritage or craftsmanship.
More concerning is how this culture of comparison and stratification, compounded by social media, intensifies societal pressure. Platforms emphasizing image and status amplify the desire to showcase wealth and success. Young people in their 20s and 30s often spend thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars on elaborate marriage proposals solely for photos to post on social media, equating this extravagant display with love and commitment.
This societal pressure, deeply rooted in military-influenced values of hierarchy and status, fosters a distorted sense of communication and an overwhelming thirst for validation. It’s a sobering reality that demands acknowledgment and reflection, as it significantly impacts the mental well-being and priorities of many South Koreans.
Academy bags with Higher Prestige Than Hermès Birkin
What drives South Koreans to this collective mental struggle? At its core lies the stark reality that ‘everyone has a desire for communication.’ Koreans are no exception, but their communication is severely restricted by the widespread class culture. This ‘incommunicability between classes,’ a byproduct of military culture, conditions individuals to only listen to their superiors while disregarding those of lower rank. This dynamic creates a desperate need for status, as rising to a higher rank becomes the sole means of expressing one’s opinions or being heard.
This isn’t just a cultural issue—it’s an urgent societal crisis at the heart of South Korea’s mental health struggles. The social response to this restriction of communication has been grim. Since 1992, South Korea’s suicide rate has continuously risen, now the highest among OECD countries. The immense pressure to conform, succeed, and maintain social status comes at a heavy cost.
This unrelenting pressure has fueled widespread mental health challenges and a deep sense of dissatisfaction, underscoring the hidden cost of South Korea’s rapid economic development. While the country’s progress is often celebrated, it is vital to address the toll it has taken on its people’s well-being and the urgent need for systemic change.
A Distorted Desire for Communication
What drives South Koreans to this collective mental struggle? At its core lies the fundamental truth that ‘everyone has a desire for communication.’ Koreans are no exception, but their ability to communicate is severely restricted by the pervasive class culture. This ‘incommunicability between classes,’ a legacy of military culture, conditions individuals to listen only to their superiors while disregarding those of lower rank. As a result, a desperate need for status emerges, where rising to a higher rank becomes the only way for individuals to have their voices heard or opinions respected.
This is not merely a cultural challenge—it is an urgent societal crisis at the heart of South Korea’s mental health struggles. The social response to this lack of open communication has been deeply concerning. Since 1992, South Korea’s suicide rate has continuously increased, now standing as the highest among OECD countries. The relentless pressure to conform, achieve success, and uphold one’s social status comes with a heavy cost.
This intense societal pressure has fueled widespread mental health issues and a profound sense of dissatisfaction, exposing the darker side of South Korea’s rapid economic development. While the nation’s progress is often admired on the global stage, it is critical to address the toll this has taken on its people and to confront the urgent need for systemic change.
Confucianism should be acquitted
Some attribute South Korea’s hierarchical culture to Confucianism. However, the class culture of the Joseon Dynasty was not as rigid or unforgiving as it is today. Historically, loyal subordinates who spoke candidly to the king were seen as honorable, and their dissent was not only accepted but valued.
In historical dramas, for example, it’s common to see dozens of ministers bowing and saying, “통촉하여 주시옵소서” (Please light the candle and consider our perspective). This reflects a culture where subordinates were encouraged to present differing opinions to their superiors. Unlike today’s strict hierarchies, it suggests that open dialogue and dissent were once integral parts of governance and societal dynamics.
Hidden Victims of Hierarchical Culture: Modern Koreans
Many foreigners visiting South Korea often express frustration with the differential treatment they receive based on their country of origin. South Koreans tend to carry numerous hierarchical pyramids in their minds, including national hierarchies.
While it would be an oversimplification to attribute all the challenges of modern South Korean society solely to military culture, there are undeniable structural issues that require attention. The persistently high suicide rates, for example, point to deeper societal problems that need to be addressed. Recognizing the root causes is the crucial first step toward meaningful change.
It’s possible that the collective struggles faced by Koreans today, often described as a kind of collective psychosis, are a product of their unique historical circumstances. The devastating impact of the Korean War and the ongoing division of the peninsula have left deep scars, shaping the societal dynamics and pressures that persist today.
