Nearly 50% of Koreans experience moderate to high chronic embitterment: study

Embitterment—a tangled web of humiliation, rage, and helplessness rooted in a perceived loss of fairness—has become a significant emotional strain in Korea.

A recent survey released Tuesday reveals that nearly 50 percent of Koreans are enduring moderate to high levels of chronic embitterment, marked by persistent feelings of anger and resentment.

The study, led by Professor Yoo Myung-soon from Seoul National University's Graduate School of Public Health has found that one in 10 Koreans is enduring severe levels of frustration and resentment. The survey highlights a widespread trend of persistent emotional distress across the country, with individuals in their 30s particularly affected.

Conducted between June 12 to June 14, the survey polled 1,024 adults across the country, providing a comprehensive look into the state of embitterment and mental health across a range of ages, genders, and regions across the country.

The survey used the Korean version of the post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) self-rating scale, where respondents assessed their emotional responses to recent stressors over the past year using a 5-point Likert scale. The scale categorized mood levels into three bands: below 1.6 (no abnormality), 1.6 to 2.5 (moderate), and above 2.5 (severe).

Findings showed that 50.8 percent of respondents scored below the threshold of 1.6, indicating no abnormality. However, 39.9 percent fell into the moderate range, while 9.3 percent exhibited severe embitterment, scoring above 2.5.

Despite these figures, the survey notes that the rate of chronic embitterment is the lowest recorded in recent national surveys. 

Chronic embitterment, a persistent and debilitating response to experiences perceived as unjust or humiliating, was found to be strongly linked to negative life events, particularly those viewed as unjust or a breach of trust, which undermine psychological well-being.

Respondents who faced severe humiliation or unfair treatment in medical, legal, or educational settings had average embitterment scores of 2.38, compared to 1.52 for those who did not experience such treatment. Similarly, those who suffered significant betrayal had scores of 2.05, compared to 1.41 for those who did not.

The study also indicated that individuals who viewed themselves as lower-status experienced significantly higher levels of embitterment. Specifically, 60 percent of those identifying as lower-status reported prolonged embitterment, while 61.5 percent of those who saw themselves as upper-status reported no embitterment.

Additionally, a disparity based on income was observed, with those earning less than 3 million won ($2,250) per month reporting an average of 3.40 negative events, compared to 2.62 events among those earning more than 7 million won monthly.

Embitterment was also more pronounced among individuals who felt their efforts and contributions were unrecognized or misunderstood, while those who received adequate social support reported lower levels of embitterment.

Interestingly, the death of a parent, child, or spouse had a lesser impact on embitterment scores, indicating that social support and recognition play important roles in emotional resilience.

Additionally, the survey revealed a strong correlation between embitterment and mental health indicators like depression and suicidal thoughts. The study found that 60 percent of individuals with severe embitterment reported having suicidal thoughts. 

"When anger is socially connected, it can become a positive catalyst for societal change through advocacy," said Paik Jong-woo, Head Professor of Psychiatry at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine. "However, when isolated, it can negatively impact suicide rates and become a social problem."

The research further examined the impact of social and political issues on embitterment.

While previous surveys in 2018 focused on concerns such as workplace and school bullying, discrimination, and exploitation, issues of political immorality and corruption became predominant by 2020 and 2024.

"I believe it is time to reflect on whether our current system truly involves young people in decision-making processes and treats them equally in workplaces and various social settings," said Paik.

The 2024 survey identified new contributors to embitterment, such as inadequate safety management in medical, environmental, and social contexts, as well as violations of tax obligations.