Among the cultural dimensions of Korean, the concept of “Jeong” (정) stands out as a perfect example to the depth of Korean interpersonal relationships and communal values. This concept has grown quite popular in recent years––even in America, I’ve noticed various paraphernalia with “Jeong” written on them which I suppose is just a testament to the richness of the word. Also, and more acutely, I recently watched the movie Past Lives, which, thematically and plot-wise, revolves around the concept of another concept called “Inyeon” (인연), and this reminded me of Jeong due to their shared ineffable qualities. Hearing Jeong my whole life never left me exactly ravenous to explore the depths of the word, I know its connotative qualities, but never bothered to dive deeper into the word itself and its history, so this was an exciting survey of the word.
Jeong is a concept that is deeply embedded in the fabric of Korean society. It is a form of affection, a bond that ties individuals together through shared experiences and mutual understanding, transcending mere friendship or love. Jeong is what makes a community tightly knit, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty that is profound and enduring––and having heard this variously throughout my life from family members, the word is almost imbued with some emotional potion that makes me reflect. It is not just an emotion but a cultural ethos that influences social interactions, business dealings, and even the media landscape in Korea.
The etymological roots of the word Jeong in Korean trace back to the shared character of 정in Hanja, used in both Chinese and Korean. The character carries meanings of affection, attachment, and emotion, indicating the term's deep-seated connection to human relationships and feelings. Historically, Korea's collectivist culture, which emphasizes the welfare of the community over the individual, has played a significant role in the development of Jeong. This cultural backdrop facilitated the evolution of Jeong into a concept that transcends mere emotion or affection, embodying instead a profound, almost ineffable bond that forms between people through shared experiences, empathy, and mutual care.
Academically, Jeong has been a subject of interest among scholars who attempt to decode its complexities and its influence on Korean collectivism and social harmony. I found two scholars who looked into this, and Chung and Cho (2014) describe Jeong as "an unconditional commitment to a relationship, where the welfare of the relationship takes precedence over the individual's needs." This definition highlights the selflessness and the depth of commitment that Jeong embodies, setting it apart from Western concepts of individualism and personal space. In the academic realm, understanding Jeong has enhanced my grasp of the Korean language’s very sociological uses. Language learning is not just about memorizing vocabulary or mastering grammar; it's about understanding the context in which words and phrases are used, the emotions they convey, and the cultural nuances they embody––in (American) English, this sort of reminded me of words like “democracy” or “liberty,” words laden with deep cultural understanding. Jeong is a concept that permeates through the Korean language, from casual conversations to formal speeches, reflecting the collective consciousness and values of Korean society.
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