Sharing food, in particular rice cakes, with neighbors when first moving into a new home is a common practice in Korean culture. This act is seen as an expression of Jeong, which is a unique, complex concept in Korean culture that plays a crucial role in building relationships and maintaining social harmony. While it is often viewed as a positive element of Korean culture, Jeong can also have negative effects on relationships, such as excessive emotional dependence or pressure to conform. The value of this uniquely Korean sentiment is especially questionable in today’s modern, globalized communities.
According to a study conducted by Jea Sophia Oh (Philosophy, West Chester University of Pennsylvania), Jeong originates from Confucian philosophy, which revolves around the practice of cultivating personal relationships for mutual benefit. In modern Korean society, Jeong continues to play a significant role in shaping social interactions, and its importance is reflected in everyday language and behavior. For instance, words like jeong-seong (“sincere effort”), and jeongmal (“really”), reflect the value placed on building genuine connections with others. As such, Jeong is generally viewed as a positive and vital component of Korean culture.
Jeong differs greatly from the concept of love. Love is often portrayed as a passionate feeling between individuals or within groups. In contrast, Jeong is a more passive sense of obligation and duty toward others, such as family, friends, and community members. It is thought of as maintaining harmonious relationships within the community and upholding social order. While love place a great emphasis on individual freedom and personal choice, Jeong is more about fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities toward others. Consequentially, the societal expectation of upholding Jeong in relationships can lead to negative consequences.
Jeong may have various negative consequences on relationships. One of the drawbacks of Jeong is the potential for excessive emotional dependence, which can lead to tension and conflict within relationships. For example, a study conducted in 2001 by Kwon Soo-Young (Theology, Yonsei University) found that high levels of Jeong can contribute to the development of codependency in romantic relationships, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction in the long run.
Furthermore, Jeong’s social pressure can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction as individuals suppress their desires to maintain relationships. For instance, couples may feel obligated to stay in a marriage even if they are unhappy due to the importance of upholding Jeong and family harmony. Extreme cases may result in individuals enduring abusive or toxic relationships, damaging their mental health and well-being. Additionally, Jeong can also lead to emotional manipulation when individuals use attachment and empathy to control others. For instance, parents may use Jeong to manipulate their children’s behavior by emphasizing devotion and loyalty. This can cause emotional harm to the child because they may feel burdened to comply with their parent’s wishes even if it goes against their own desires or beliefs.
Despite the potential negative consequences of Jeong in relationships, it is important to recognize the value and significance it holds in Korean culture. However, in today’s globalized world, it is also crucial to evaluate the practicality of Jeong and strive for a more balanced approach to building and maintaining relationships. By acknowledging its drawbacks, the positive features of Jeong can be preserved while also adapting to the changing dynamics of modern society.