[Korean Culture & Language] 밸런스게임(Balance Game)


Hello, this is Uptempo Marketers!


‘밸런스게임,’ which roughly translates to “balance game,” is a popular game in Korea that is similar to “would you rather?”. The participants are given a limited amount of time to choose between two extreme possibilities. 

[밸런스게임 질문 모음] 50문제 웃긴 질문 / 재미있는 질문 싹쓰리 !!! - YouTube

"Would you rather not brush your teeth for the rest of your life or not shower for the rest of your life?" or "Would you rather hear consoling words or get honest critique after you've messed up your presentation?" are some of the questions in the above YouTube movie.

This game has grown in popularity to the point where it is now played by everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd61rG4_-Sc&t=296s

They also played the 밸런스게임 on 러닝맨(Running Man), one of the most popular Korean variety shows in Korea. The question goes: “더 싫은 상황은? 1. 남사친과 1박2일 여행가는 애인 2. 전남친과 밤새 술 마시는 애인” 

더 means more;

싫은 means hate;

상황 means situation.

Do you remember 남사친 from the other article?

남사친 means 남자사람친구 which refers to a male friend.

1박2일 is translated as 2 days and 1 night, and 1박2일 여행 refers to a trip where to stay overnight.

애인 refers to a romantic partner

남친 is a boyfriend, and 전남친 means an ex-boyfriend.

밤새 means all night

술 means alcohol

마시는 means drink

So, can you guess what the question means?

The question is “Which situation would you hate more? 1. Your partner travels and stays overnight with their opposite-sex friend. 2. Your partner drinks all night with their ex”


Some of the balance games even include 아재개그. For example, “비둘기와 살기 or 비둘기로 살기 (To live with the doves, or to become a dove)”.

What would you rather choose?

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