Korean Job Discussion Forums

[NoExplode]

Have you ever read an interview of a Korean where they don't say "I will do my best"? Usually it's when a sports star gets interviewed, or an academic, or a new hire at some high profile job.

What's with the need to always be saying that? Have they not done their best until very recently? It seems to me more a limitation of the language or expression--i.e., dumb guy talk. However, they all say it, even Koreans that don't strike me as dumb.

[T-J]

최선을 다 하겠습니다

Just an example of a very standard phrase in Korean.

[ruffie]

It's just a nationalist mantra they all pull out whenever embarking on yet another quest to dominate the sports/music/science/academic/design/directing/acting/diplomatic/culinary/literary world. I will do my best to dominate/overtake/destroy (insert objective here) for the greater good of the fatherland. I hope I do not let Korea down.

Maybe it's crappy translation, but it's always presented as if they are heading into battle against some evil, fire breathing Krakens. A mythical quest on behalf of the good (Koreans), against the forces of evil - planet Earth. Love of the sport or craft is rarely mentioned. It's all about elevating Korea's status.
Koreans are a lot like Americans in that in that they foster the belief that any individual can reach success if they try hard enough. That's admirable. But unlike unlike America, in Korea there seems to be no intrinsic value in the journey itself. Winning is everything.

Has Boa said she'll do her best to overtake the American music scene yet?

[michaelambling]

It's the same in Japanese. It's just part of their culture--no better, no worse than American rap stars thanking God at the Grammies.

Besides, don't American athletes say something like "we tried really hard" after a game, especially if they lost? I'm not sure, since I'm not a sports person.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I'd be a lot more convinced with 'I will do a little'.

[michaelambling]

[itaewonguy]

[tigercat]

I don't really see a problem with saying that. I mean, Asian cultures tend to emphasize effort over innate ability. So I think partly it's being humble about your abilities... like you are saying that you are not perfect, but you'll try your hardest to meet their expectations.

It's also something to say to hide embarrassment. It freaks me out sometimes when I talk to other teachers or school principals and they praise me on what a great job I'm doing, when in fact they have no idea what I'm doing in class and I have no clue where their conclusion came from. When they praise me excessively, I get kinda uncomfortable so I smile politely (or awkwardly lol) and say "I'll do my best".

[Xuanzang]

Highting!