Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Swampthing500]

Quite a few times I have heard posters here say that the best way to get out of something is to suck in air through your teeth and talk about the difficulty of it.

Why does this work with Koreans?

[Straphanger]

[Swampthing500]

Ah, you see, I did not know it was a joke

[tzechuk]

Actually, be a little more observant and notice that Koreans themselves do the same thing.

It's not exactly a joke..

[Straphanger]

[Boodleheimer]

it's like a big sigh, but implies that it's something very difficult for you to do. (even my family does this...)

oh, and it also signals a degree of disapproval.

[Juregen]

You are forgetting the "Aiguuu" sound

[the oak llama]

It is about politeness and saving face for both parties.

To flat out refuse a request with the word "no," even politely, is rude in a Confucian culture.

If instead you offer that what you are being asked to do is "difficult," then it is understood that you are not willing / able to do it. That way you don't embarrass your boss by refusing a request, and you don't look like a rude person.

I read about this pertaining to Japan, I assume it's similar in Korea. Can't say for sure.

An example that somebody gave: They were waiting in line for concert tickets. When they finally got to the ticket window they requested 4 tickets. The person selling the tickets said "...ahhh very difficult."

That's what that's about.

[DeMayonnaise]