Rachel Kim is a Korean lifestyle vlogger, and she’s taken to her channel to explain the one situation you will experiences on a daily basis in Korea if you’re a foreigner.
What situation could that be…? Well, as she reveals, you’ll constantly be told, “Oh, you’re so good at Korean!”
She said she’s also guilty of saying multiple times to foreigners she’s met, even if they’re saying something simple such as, “annyeonghaseyo” or “kamsahamnida“. They mean it as a compliment and praise, however, despite best intentions it can sometimes make people uncomfortable, not necessarily because they don’t feel it’s sincere but because they don’t know how to respond.
If you’re anything like me, you wouldn’t know how to react to it because… compliment. I love compliment but I’m not best at receiving it. When I get a compliment I usually deny it or reflect the compliment right away back to the person.
—Rachel
What Rachel is saying is absolutely understandable and relatable because many people feel compelled to do that!
Additionally, she says some people might feel stressed at hearing other people think they’re good at Korean, leading them to feel like they can’t disappoint them.
Oh my god, they think I’m good! I can’t disappoint them! Now I have to prove that I’m really good at it. God dang it! Now they’re going to think I’m a poser, what am I going to do?!
—Rachel
But Rachel says not to worry about it! When a Korean praises you for being good at Korean, they’re not thinking too deeply about it. Praising foreigners for being good at Korea, no matter what their level is, is instinctual and something that just comes naturally!
