Study Reveals Single 'Success Formula' Failing Young East Asians

The familiar adage, "As long as you work hard enough, you will succeed," once a comforting mantra in East Asian societies, may now be contributing to a growing sense of anxiety among contemporary youth. This traditional success formula is increasingly losing its appeal, as young people face immense pressure to excel in exams, maintain uninterrupted careers, and present flawless resumes.

According to the book "It's Okay to Be Wrong: Why Highly Successful People Are Afraid to Fail," co-authored by Ahn Yewon, Jo Sung-ho, and KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung, this cultural emphasis on success can paradoxically foster a fear of failure. The research delves into cultural psychology, education, and technology to explain why high achievers often become paralyzed by the prospect of making mistakes.

The study points to South Korea's past as a "fast follower," which achieved rapid economic development by minimizing trial and error and maximizing efficiency. This logic permeated the education system, conditioning students to seek standard answers and follow established paths in academics and careers to reduce risk. However, as society now demands innovation and cross-disciplinary skills, this rigid adherence to successful models can become a constraint.

Individuals who have consistently achieved good results with few setbacks may experience intense frustration over minor errors. To preserve their image of excellence, they might gravitate towards predictable tasks with guaranteed outcomes. This dynamic is further exacerbated by a lack of institutional support for second chances, creating a vicious cycle where the fear of failure discourages risk-taking.

The book argues that in high-performance societies, demanding perfection at every step stifles creativity. When "success" becomes the only acceptable answer, even accomplished individuals may lose the courage to explore the unknown. The research suggests a shift in focus, moving from simply telling young people to persevere to creating an environment where they have the space to try again after falling.