The 'Reply 1988' Mother's Dilemma: Older Workers Left Behind by Cultural Capital

The recent long holiday weekend, coinciding with Labor Day, offered many a chance to travel. While some enjoyed domestic destinations, others flocked to airports for international trips. This starkly contrasts with the experiences of many women of my generation, often referred to as 'gongsun-i' (female factory workers) in the 1970s and 80s. We toiled, spinning yarn and making wigs, earning foreign currency for the nation. Yet, as a poignant scene from the drama 'Reply 1988' illustrates, some of us remain unable to navigate the simple act of reading our own passports, a symbol of the vast cultural divide that persists.

While some Koreans expanded their cultural horizons by spending foreign currency, many like myself, who dedicated their youth to industrialization, are now relegated to 'package tours' when we venture abroad. The digital age, with its English-language websites and booking apps, presents an insurmountable barrier. Even basic tasks like navigating airports, connecting flights, and passing through immigration are fraught with anxiety. We face a wall of words, a stark reminder of the 'cultural capital' that others, particularly those from more privileged backgrounds or with English education, take for granted. This feeling of being illiterate in a globalized world, despite our contributions to the nation's economic growth, is deeply disorienting and can lead to a profound sense of alienation.

My own experience participating in an artist residency program in Australia underscored this reality. Despite being invited as a writer, the prospect of traveling independently in an English-speaking country was daunting. My daughter had to accompany me, and even then, navigating daily life required constant reliance on translation apps. While fellow residents, often academics and researchers from diverse international backgrounds, moved seamlessly across borders, I felt like an outsider, confined by my linguistic limitations. This is not merely a matter of economics; it reflects a deeper disparity in lived experiences, habits, and cultural understanding – a chasm that separates us even as the world becomes increasingly interconnected.

This disparity is particularly relevant today, as economic anxieties mount due to global conflicts. The rising cost of everything, from daily necessities to airfare, makes even modest travel plans a cause for hesitation. Yet, the desire for connection and shared experience remains. My recent trip to a reunion with colleagues from my days at Wonpung, a company where I worked decades ago, was a testament to this. Despite the logistical and financial hurdles, the bond forged through shared labor and solidarity transcends these barriers. The 'Daehanmaeil' believes that recognizing and bridging these divides in cultural capital is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, ensuring that the fruits of our collective progress are accessible to all.