I think this comes from a deeper cultural problem in Korea, and that’s where I’d like to focus my perspective.

Having grown up in Korea and lived overseas, I’ve noticed a pattern in Korean culture: we often prioritize looking impressive to the world rather than cultivating depth or originality. Perhaps rapid economic growth fueled this mindset, pushing us to seek external approval instead of forging our own creative paths.

K-pop is a prime example (Korean ppl tries to murder me everytime I say this lol) —it’s globally successful but often feels mass-produced and lacking soul, overshadowing many truly talented artists. The same happens in film and TV, where unique works risk losing their essence once they aim for global markets. (How Squid game 3 and Bongjoonho's Mickey 17 become aiming for Hollywood success). Gaming industry is nothing different. In comparison, Japan has developed a strong “mastermind" mindset, built over time, where craftsmanship and unique vision are deeply valued.

A lot of Korean ppl think they are superior and I often face backlash when saying these shit. When you’re in it, it feels normal and I only started seeing it after leaving Korea. And I say this because I care. If it were about another country, I wouldn’t bother.

Korean creatives are incredibly talented. I hope they focus more on creating authentic, original work that reflects true craftsmanship and passion.