CNBC: South Koreans are the world’s biggest spenders on luxury goods

Article: South Koreans are the world’s biggest spenders on luxury goods

Source: Busan Ilbo via Naver [original source here]

1. [+376, -10] It's because we have so much built up 'han' over how impoverished we were in the past ㅋㅋ as people, we have a need to show off deep in our bones. It's a sad reality considering the fact that we've accomplished getting into the ranks of developed countries.

2. [+169, -10] We're a country of people who get jealous bellyaches if a cousin is found to have bought land. Keeping up with the Joneses. We get wet for anything foreign or imported. Man or woman, we're all the same. Nevermind that everyone has to own an iPhone but men don't feel like they've made it till they own an import car or a woman owns a luxury bag or heels.

3. [+80, -5] People live under the misunderstanding that if they wear luxury goods, they become a luxury person... but we live in a country where everyone and their mothers wear luxury names around the streets... so the worth of these names are laughable in this country

4. [+77, -7] Proof that we're fools

5. [+60, -17] And yet the countries that these luxury goods are made in like France and Italy... their people don't wear one luxury product their entire lives

6. [+42, -1] 90% of these issues would disappear if we got rid of Instagram

7. [+26, -2] We're a group of people obsessed with what others think and wanting to live up to the standards of others

8. [+24, -1] When I didn't make much money, I tried so hard to wear expensive brands... but now that I make more, I've realized that people treat me with respect even when I dress lazily ㅋㅋ

9. [+17, -0] It's a defining trait of our Korean people... an excessive amount of consideration for the opinions of others ㅋㅋ

10. [+12, -0] Our history of impoverishment has created a 'han' deep in our bones that is now manifesting as an obsession with luxury goods. Only the poor think that respect comes from looking rich... and it's going to take more than a generation to change that kind of lowly thinking. I'm sure we'll end up like Europe with enough time where utility is more important than a flashy name ㅋ

11. [+12, -2] #1 suicide rate, #1 elderly poverty rate, we've got so much going for us

12. [+11, -1] Koreans are probably the biggest consumers of white Benz cars ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

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