각자도생

The term 'Gakjado-saeng' (각자도생) is a time-honored four-character idiom (사자성어) originating from the 27th year of King Seonjo's reign (1594) in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Imjin War, King Seonjo commanded his people to find their own ways to survive. In modern Korean society, its widespread use began around the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, as social hardship and intensified competition reduced the community's capacity to care for its members. Particularly in the 2020s, following the COVID-19 pandemic, it has regained prominence as a term to criticize or summarize issues like laissez-faire policies, welfare cuts, and deepening polarization, becoming widely used like a meme.

'Gakjado-saeng' literally means "each person finds their own way to survive." It implies that since the community cannot solve problems, individuals must fend for themselves. This concept is connected to extreme notions such as survivalism, indifference, and selfishness, and can encompass attitudes like 'Alppano' (Who cares?) or 'Naman animyeon dwae' (As long as it's not me). While primarily used to critically describe individual isolation and survival competition in low-growth, high-risk societies with absent social safety nets or unpredictable futures, it is also sometimes used to express a realistic acknowledgment of this reality and the necessity of fending for oneself.

"Gak-ja-do-saeng" (pronounced roughly as "gahk-jah-doh-seng," with "gahk" like "gawk," "jah" like "jaw," "doh" like "doe," and "saeng" like "sang" but with a softer 'ng' sound).

This meme is not limited to a specific age or gender and is widely used across various social strata in Korean society. It is frequently mentioned in discussions about social issues such as economic recession, polarization, low birth rates, and an aging population. It is utilized by media, experts, and citizen communities to explain or criticize social phenomena. Therefore, it is a familiar and relatable expression for all generations, both men and women.

• "쇠퇴하는 자유무역과 개방, 각자도생 시대 열리나" (Declining free trade and openness, is an era of 'Gakjado-saeng' opening?)
• "각자도생의 시대" (The era of 'Gakjado-saeng')

'Gakjado-saeng' carries a somewhat critical or negative nuance, reflecting the harsh realities of society or individual isolation. Therefore, it is important to use it appropriately within the context of discussing social problems or personal difficulties, rather than in lighthearted or humorous situations. Misusing it could be perceived as cynical or irresponsible.