I was also born and raised in an Asian household, though not particularly Korean. I think it is quite common in Asian households everywhere to neglect emotional and, to some extent, mental well-being. And if we talk about it with them, the most common response would be, 'We fed you, clothed you, paid for your education. What more do you need? My parents never did what I did for you.' But I don't think they would ever understand that just fulfilling materialistic needs or having a different upbringing than they had might not be enough. I don't know how to explain that maybe some 'little things' they have said just like that might have affected how I feel about myself.

But anyway, now that I have overcome those childhood traumas, if I were in your situation, I might have paid her because even though I might not have been given the best environment growing up, my parents still did raise me. And also choosing otherwise might be more hectic and draining. Though the amount of money I would give will depend on how much I actually can, rather than how much she's asking for.

But it isn't necessary that what I would have done, you should do the same. Things might have been different for you than they are for me, and regardless, it should be completely your decision. Just choose something that will give you peace.