Japan's vindictive trade sanction is continual for a month. So, Korean people try to boycott Japan's commodity, service, and other things that Japan sales and gains from our people. Many Japanese news sites and extreme right party's people expected and talked about this boycott that it will not be long. However, it worked. The CFO of the famous clothing store, Uniqlo had to apologize twice about his thoughtless words and opinion that Koreans' boycott movement will not be long. Then, what makes Koreans to be united?

▲ ˝Red Devil˝, which shows Korean people`s patriotism

It is "Guk-ppong". It is a Korean satirical phrase that describes Koreans' love for their own country. Feeling comradeship between Koreans, being proud when Korea or a Korean person makes a great accomplishment, and cherishing their country themselves are examples of Koreans' "Guk-ppong". One wiki-site describes this phrase to suddenly, heartbeats harder, tears stand, and nationalism becomes overflowing. We can find some examples in our history. During the period of three kingdoms against Tang dynasty, after Silla united with the three kingdoms and fought with Chinese-Tang Dynasty, the other two kingdoms' people did not surrender to Silla but helped them to tidy up Tang dynasty's influence. The modern day's independence movement and democratization movement are also examples of "Guk-ppong". There are lots of cases where Korean people combined their force and resistance to prevent a national crisis.

▲ 『Korea, Korean, Korean Economy』 image by kobay.co.kr

Many experts say that this is a symbol of Koreans' nationalism. It is from a custom peculiar to Korea, and this makes the country strong. Song Byong-rak and Lee Won-bok's economic book, "Korea, Korean, Korean Economy" shows this view plainly.

However, there are mixed voices of concern that "Guk-ppong" can become nationalistic and induce displeasure or backlash from foreigners. Koreans' unity is great, but excessive "Guk-ppong" should be eradicated.

Aug. 25th, 2019

By Lee Hyun-seo