(380) Saju: Noblesse oblige
By Janet ShinOn May 20, Koo Bon-moo, the chairman of LG group, passed away at age 73, which was followed by many moving stories about his life. In addition to achievements in business, he was also known for being well-mannered and had an admirable legacy in general. It seems such a contrasting public response compared to other chaebol who have been rebuked for immorality.“Gapjil,” a buzzword these days, means misbehavior by taking advantage of one's power.There is also a “gap-eul relationship,” which originates from contractor for “gap” and subcontractor for “eul.” Then this became a term meaning an unfair contract or discriminatory relationship between an indulged or privileged party and supressed or underprivileged groups. It often means an unjust relationship between employers and employees.It drew public attention and provoked condemnation when Korean Air's owner family and their “gapjil” came to light. “Gap” is the first saju letter while “eul” is the second of the 10 heavenly stems while “
May 27, 2018
