Letter From Seoul

Kkondaes thrive in South Korea despite pushback against abuse

Country's social hierarchy allows people to boss those younger than them around

A scene from the 2020 drama Kkondae Intern, in which a kkondae manager is laid off and hired as an intern working for a former subordinate he used to bully. PHOTO: KOCOWA TV/YOUTUBE
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

SEOUL - He scowls at you, eyes narrowing with displeasure.

"How dare you young people!" he lashes out. "Back in my day..."

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.