There is probably no sentiment as uniquely Korean as the concept of han. It has influenced every aspect of Korean culture, so anyone who studies Korea or wants to better understand its culture and people needs to have at least a basic awareness of what han is.

While there is no English equivalent for the term, it can probably be best described as a combination of anger, sorrow and resentment stemming from centuries of oppression and suffering—all balled up into one word. Throughout its history, Korea has been invaded by foreign powers, and many older Koreans today still have the painful memories of the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War seared into their minds. Somehow this deep-seated feeling of han seems to have been ingrained into the Korean collective consciousness—not just within Korean society, but throughout the Korean diaspora as well.

The video below is a good explainer on han.

They say that suffering is part of the human condition, and Koreans understand this all too well. Many of them have been able to channel this han—all the suppressed rage, sadness and other emotions it entails—to create beautiful masterpieces of art, film, music and literature that are imbued with soul and give a raw window into the human experience.

Koreans are often said to be the most emotional of all the Asians, and personally, as someone of Korean descent, I’ve come to embrace this stereotype. To be emotional is to know what it’s like to be human, and I believe this is why so many Korean artists have been able to create powerful works that resonate with global audiences, from films like Old Boy and Parasite to traditional and contemporary Korean music that have drawn fans from all over the world. Being emotional is also a sign that you care deeply, and it’s partly why Koreans are quick to rally together in times of crisis—whether it’s the 1997 Asian financial crisis or the more recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding this concept of han can add a whole new layer of meaning when observing Korean culture, from films to K-dramas to music and art.