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Hashtag Korea
[Pressure points] Workplace communication: To emoji or not to emoji?

In today's digital landscape, emojis contribute a great deal to communication, but how well do they translate to the corporate world? For some, these symbols are efficient tools for communicating in the workplace, while for others, they seem unprofessional. Over 60 percent of workers in South Korea use emojis at work, according to a recent survey conducted by tutoring platform Preply. While about 90 percent of those emoji users exchanged them with peers at work, use with senior colleagues
Sept. 10, 2024 - 14:39:42
Hashtag Korea
[Pressure points] Should noise from playgrounds be regulated?

Communal childrens' playgrounds in apartment complexes have become a source of resident complaints over noise pollution In South Korea, where apartment buildings dominate the residential landscape, communal playgrounds within these high-rise complexes serve as a hub for children to play outdoors. However, kids' high-pitched voices can also generate noise pollution for other residents, sparking debate on the necessity of regulatory measures for children's playground use. This issue was raised by
May 29, 2024 - 15:29:20
Hashtag Korea
[Pressure points] Should non-drinkers split the check with friends who drink?

Where does the value of liquor lie at gatherings involving food and alcohol: in its price tag or in its mood-enhancing role? The social pressure on non-drinkers to chip in for their friends' alcoholic drinks is a contentious issue here, as shared platters, paid for collectively, often make up the bulk of the bill, unlike in some societies where individuals typically cover the cost of their own meals and drinks. Indeed, anonymous online discussion forums such as Blind, for verified employees in v
May 15, 2024 - 15:35:21
Hashtag Korea
[Pressure points] Leggings in public: Fashion statement or social faux pas?

The question of whether leggings are suitable for everyday public wear has been a globally debated issue, transcending national borders. Since the "athleisure" trend took off around 2016, merging athletic wear with everyday fashion, particularly gaining traction among young Koreans, the appropriateness of wearing leggings outside the gym has been a recurring topic of debate in various online forums here. On one side are those who perceive leggings as a provocative garment that clashes with socia
April 24, 2024 - 16:26:33
Hashtag Korea
[Pressure points] Wearing hair rollers in public: Breach of social etiquette?

In South Korea these days, it is not unusual to come across young women styling their bangs with hair rollers outside of their homes or hair salons, in offices, subways, buses or classrooms. While some onlookers deem this style inappropriate for public settings, one might even wonder whether it has become a fashion statement among younger women in Korea, transcending its original purpose of achieving voluminous bangs. Indeed, there have been numerous online discussions about whether donning this
April 10, 2024 - 14:44:21
Hashtag Korea
[Pressure points] Gifting condolence money at dog’s funeral: a new ritual?

Gifting condolence money in a white envelope to those you are close to who are in mourning is a long-standing tradition in South Korea. Yet, when this custom coincides with Korea's increasing number of pet owners and evolving pet-friendly culture, it might take an unexpected turn in this nation which has recently decided to outlaw the consumption of dog meat. In a survey of 5,000 Korean nationals conducted in 2022 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, nearly one out of four res
March 6, 2024 - 16:19:32