A series of articles carried in the Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo from 1975 to 1977 called "The Ideology of Koreans" created a stir for its bold viewpoint and keen analysis. In 1977 the articles were published in book form and sold 25,000 copies, becoming one of the year's best sellers. Although the book is nine years old, it is a worthwhile reference for under standing the Korean people's image of themselves.
The characteristics of Koreans up in the book include the following:
● A severe inferiority complex. See themselves as weaklings and victims. Also worship things foreign.
● A strong sense of precedence and seniority.
● A strong desire to get ahead and to succeed.
● A strong concept of the group but also of personal property; even bowls and chopsticks are carefully allotted among members of the family.
● Good at concealing their true intentions; smooth, evasive, and ambiguous.
● A sense of family even stronger than that of country. Will not sacrifice personal interest for the interests of society.
● Emphasize face and form. Like to give presents and gain petty advantages.
● Introspective. The author says that Westerners face challenges, but Koreans "turn their backs" on them.
● Public consciousness is weak. Koreans excel at individual sports, like archery and taekwondo. The author says Koreans work better alone than together.
● Brave and bold in their way of doing things but lacking in foresight. Like to over-drink on festive occasions, and are courageous but lack strategy in battle.
● Impetuous and excitable. The author says that Koreans will jump out of a burning building instead of waiting to be rescued.
● Hard-working and long-suffering. Like to save.
● A strong sense of compromise. Don't draw a clear line between good and evil. Easily moved and quick to reach a decision. Change easily with their environment, but also open to the alien and different.
● Not petty about money or details. The author says that this point is of great potential for Korea's development in business and industry.
● Good at evading responsibility and finding excuses. If they lose at sports, they blame the field; if the company is run poorly, the managers blame the employees.
● A belief in fate, as a method of handling tension and facing the future.
● Personal feelings are considered more important than appeals to reason. Personal relationships are emphasized. A warm and deep humanity.
● Tendency to extremism. Often make prejudgments and partial assessments.
● A lack of imagination. Prefer concrete images. As a result, detective novels and movies of the fantastic and supernatural are not easily accepted.
● Modest and humble. Because society stresses seniority, the individual must repress himself to get along peacefully.
● A lack of self-confidence and an admiration of authority. Can accept the rich and powerful holding privileges in society.
● A strong curiosity, tinged with fear, which motivates Koreans to absorb new knowledge.
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