What does it mean to have made it?
The question sounds simple, but the answer seems to change depending on where you learned to ask it. For us, the answer was never entirely Korean nor entirely Brazilian. We are both Korean, but we grew up in Brazil. We learned to speak Portuguese, went to international schools, ate Korean food at home and Brazilian food outside it, and learned — sometimes consciously and sometimes not — to move…
The question of what it means to have "made it" may seem straightforward, but its answer can vary depending on the cultural context. For the author, who is both Korean and Brazilian, the definition is not an either-or situation. They grew up in Brazil, learned Portuguese, attended international schools, and experienced both Korean and Brazilian cultures. They learned to navigate the differences and develop a sense of what success looks like in two distinct worlds.
In Korea, there exists a well-known guideline for achieving success. It typically involves studying diligently, obtaining good grades, attending a prestigious university, building a respectable career, accumulating sufficient wealth to purchase a desirable home, getting married, starting a family, and providing better opportunities for one's children.
Ultimately, the goal is to become someone whose life is recognized as successful by others. While not all Koreans adhere to this path, it is a recognizable one. Education plays a crucial role in this pursuit, as it has historically been viewed as a key factor in determining success.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- What does it mean to have made it? koreatimes.co.kr
