{
  "id": 11082925,
  "title": "The new 'hoesik' wears running shoes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/the-new-hoesik-wears-running-shoes-11082925",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T02:12:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20261001/the-new-hoesik-wears-running-shoes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The traditional Korean work practice of gathering for company dinners, known as hoesik, once held a significant role in building trust among colleagues. This mandatory post-meal event left junior employees calculating their journey home, weighed down by the pressure not to appear unfriendly or uncommitted. The dinner had its own set of rules, dictating seating arrangements, glass-raising timings, and even the timing of a supervisor's departure. While some believed these dinners fostered lasting friendships, others found the experience draining, contemplating the next day's commute.\n\nHowever, the dynamics surrounding hoesik have been evolving, providing employees with more autonomy over their evenings. The once-unavoidable obligation has loosened its grip, allowing individuals to choose whether or not to attend these dinners. As a result, the once-unquestionable influence of hoesik on people's evenings is diminishing. The change signifies a shift in workplace culture, granting workers more control over their personal time.",
  "summary": "The hardest part of a company dinner used to come before the meal. A junior employee would glance at the clock, wait to hear where the team was going and then calculate the journey home. The invitation might sound casual but saying no was not ok. That was the reality of \"hoesik\" for many Korean workers — an obligatory meal together that could take ownership of an evening. Colleagues drank…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "The new 'hoesik' wears running shoes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/the-new-hoesik-wears-running-shoes",
        "published": "2026-10-01T01:52:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}