Kkondae

The Korean word that embodies the tension among generations building – and exploding – in the modern workplace.

In the world of criticism toward millennials, there’s one group accused of being more self-entitled, self-righteous, and stubborn. They are called ‘kkondae’. In Korean, kkondae loosely translates as a “condescending older person”, the kind often found in a middle or upper management position in the workplace. Kkondaeis usually attributed to men, and almost always used as an insult, pointedly calling out supervisors who are quick to dole out unsolicited advice and even quicker to demand absolute obedience from their juniors.

Almost every workplace has some kkondae. And, despite an almost universal hatred of stubborn seniors, the term kkondae is unlikely to retire anytime soon. Baby boomers the world over are living longer and retiring later, exacerbating an already uncomfortable dynamic between young and old in the workplace.

Kkondae might conjure an image of one old man shaking his fist in consternation, sure. But to Korea’s young workforce, the generation gap feels like a chasm with an army of kkondae on the other side. Tension among generations is palpable as millennials start making up a significantly larger portion of the global workforce. As such, it is fitting to put a name to the phenomenon that is felt far wider than just South Korea.

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Image credit: Piero Zagami and Michela Nicchiotti.