[Korean Culture & Language] Capitalism Monster
Nowadays, an increasing number of people have developed an unhealthy obsession with money or “success” to the point where they have turned into ‘monsters’.
Even though everyone’s definition of “success” is different, many people relate success with money. It's a fact that even though money doesn’t equal happiness, it could motivate one to live a better life.
Koreans refer to people who have become too obsessed with money or success ‘자낳괴.’ It’s an abbreviation for ‘자본주의가 낳은 괴물.’
‘자본주의’ means ‘capitalism’
‘낳은’ means ‘given birth to’ or ‘produced’
‘괴물’ means ‘monster(s)’
People usually call someone a ‘monster’ when one is being passionate or intelligent but unsympathetic and manipulative.
So, ‘자낳괴’ refers to someone who would do anything to gain success, usually at the expense of others.
When celebrities advertise certain products that are not of good quality or are totally against their own belief, people call the situation or the celebrity a ‘자낳괴’.
The video below is titled ‘자낳괴 (The Monster(s)’ Capitalism Has Produced’).
The main character doesn’t seem like a ‘자낳괴’ at the beginning of the video since he doesn’t seem overly obsessed with money. However, the video clearly illustrates how people’s decisions are often made based on money rather than personal beliefs or happiness.
Do you know someone who is a ‘자낳괴’?
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