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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

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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

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SEOUL - He scowls at you, eyes narrowing with displeasure.
"How dare you young people!" he lashes out. "Back in my day..."
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