[Korean Culture & Language] Refund Sisters

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https://namu.wiki/w/%ED%99%98%EB%B6%88%EC%9B%90%EC%A0%95%EB%8C%80

Have you heard of ‘환불원정대(Refund sisters)’? It is a group consisting of the four most popular Korean singers from different generations. 

‘환불’ means ‘a refund,’ and the term ’원정대’ is from ‘반지의 제왕: 반지 원정대 (Lord of the Rings: Fellowships of Ring)’. However, since ‘원정대 Fellowships of Ring’ didn’t sound good as a group name, they changed their English name to ‘sisters’.

They named themselves ‘환불원정대(Refund sisters)’ because they are considered the most ‘쎈 언니들(strong/assertive women)’ in Korea. The idea is that while many Koreans are too shy to ask for a refund even when they deserve it, these women would be able to stand up for themselves to ‘get a refund’ even when they don’t deserve it. 

Do you recall how important appearance is in Korea? Many Koreans believe that someone who looks strong will have an easier time getting what they want compared to someone who seems naïve. 

What’s funny, though, is that all four of these singers are known to be the ‘soft touches’ among those who actually know them. They appear ‘strong’ to other people because of their strong make-ups or the way they were edited on tv shows.



Their most famous song ‘Don’t touch me’ goes like this:

괜찮아, 걱정 마, so good, 난 즐거워

Don’t worry, so good, I’m content.

몇 살을 먹는대도 절대로 난 안 꿀리는걸

It doesn’t matter how old I get, I look amazing.

따라 하고 싶지 않아 wanna be original

I don’t want to copy anyone. I want to be original.

남의 눈치 보지 않아

I don’t walk on eggshells around anyone.

자꾸 건드리네 don't touch me

They keep getting on my nerves. Don’t’ touch me.


It is clear that being a ‘쎈 언니’ has a lot to do with ‘not seeing someone’s 눈치’.

It’s interesting how ‘not seeing 눈치’ can be considered ‘cool,’ even though ‘seeing 눈치’ is an important Korean culture that’s expected to be preserved.


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