The Wisdom and Survival Skills of White Rats: Turning Crisis into Opportunity

[Year of the Rat, Hopes for 2020]

The rat is an animal that frequently appears in folklore related to 'wealth.' It symbolizes wishes for wealth, fertility, and abundance. There is also a saying, "Those born in the Year of the Rat at night will live as wealthy people." Therefore, the 'Year of the Rat (子)' is a year of abundance and hope. Rats have a survival instinct that allows them to sense danger in advance and survive even in difficult conditions. As the first character of the 12 zodiac signs and the time when a day begins, called 'zasi (子時),' it is also a symbol of diligence. In our society and economy, which face many internal and external crises, the diligence and survival instincts of the rat are virtues more urgently needed than ever. Especially, the new year 2020, the Year of the Gyeongja (庚子年), is the year of the 'white rat,' which is the strongest among rats. The white rat is the leader among rats and is said to be wise, penetrating the essence of things and possessing excellent survival adaptability. As we welcome the new year, we listen to the hopes and aspirations of those born in the Year of the Rat. [Editor's note]

Businesses Need 'Venture Spirit,' Society Needs 'Listening'

Jeong Eui-dong (Former Financial Institution Head, born 1948) Last year was a challenging year for our economy and society. Many challenges await us in the new year as well. However, I believe that if we unite our will, we can overcome the crisis. The most necessary virtue for companies right now is the 'venture spirit.' If we return to our original intention and run with an attitude of 'innovation,' I believe our economy can overcome the crisis and leap forward again.

The same applies to society. I hope we do not only assert our own interests but listen to others' voices and heal conflicts. Especially, the younger generation is our future. Instead of blaming them, society should understand and encourage them. I hope the Year of the Gyeongja will be a year full of hope for young people.

Golden Age Begins at 60, Need Work After Retirement

Yoo Jae-cheol (Self-employed, born 1960) As you reach retirement age, you must seek new opportunities. Friends who worked at large companies initially enjoyed hiking after retirement but soon complained about having nothing to do. It is natural to feel diminished after leaving a lifelong job. However, Professor Kim Hyung-seok, a famous centenarian philosopher at Yonsei University, said that the golden age of life is from 60 to 75. For those born in 1960, the Year of the Rat, this year marks the beginning of their golden age. However, preparation is necessary to welcome this golden age. In the era of 100-year lifespans, to live a proper second act in life, one must have work. Many retirees fail by starting businesses without much thought, but it is important to prepare steadily with patience and composure. Additionally, I hope 2020 will be a year to spend more time with family.

Stop Ignoring Livelihood, Promise Politics That Earns Its Keep

Kang Sang-man (National Assembly Candidate, born 1972) I am a village lawyer in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, and a Democratic Party candidate for the National Assembly in Jungnang-gap, Seoul. I hope the new year will bring a 'National Assembly that earns its keep.' The 20th National Assembly, considered the worst in history, has been neglecting the nation and people's livelihood while engaging in political strife. The spirit of cooperation is blocked by ideological factions. I feel powerless toward a National Assembly that fails to process livelihood bills on time.

Diligence and abundance are symbols of the Year of the Rat. Having provided free legal consultations as a village lawyer for ten years, I have heard the grievances of local residents more closely than anyone else. I want to work diligently to bring abundance to my constituents and the people. Please watch warmly over the new political challengers.

Convenience Store Challenge, Supporting Small Business Owners' Success

Jo Na-yeon (Self-employed, born 1972) I have been running a convenience store in Tanbang-dong, Daejeon, for a year. For the past 14 years, I operated a neighborhood mart, but at some point, it became too difficult, so I changed my business. There was no suitable place to supply goods, and customers increasingly bought items online, reducing store visits. After much consideration, I decided to try a convenience store. Fortunately, thanks to my long experience running a mart, the operation went better than expected. Last year, I faced challenges due to the issue of weekly holiday pay, but overall, it was a year with more smiles than worries. Many small business owners are experiencing similar situations and deep concerns, but I want to encourage everyone that things will go well. I hope everything goes smoothly in the Year of the Rat, continuing the energy of the Golden Pig Year 2019.

Building Acting Career, Clear Personal Conviction Is Important

Moon Ga-young (Actress, born 1996) In the new year, I hope all the actors and staff I work with stay healthy. I want to create works that everyone will remember with joy. I also hope my peers have smooth work experiences. Many of them worry about employment and career paths. I started as a child actor and decided my path early, but I think my concerns about my career are similar to those of my peers. I am making efforts in various ways to develop professionalism as an actress. I believe it is important to establish a clear personal conviction rather than comparing oneself to others. It is not easy, but I try not to waver. I believe that by focusing on myself like this, I can achieve any goal. I am happily and excitedly filming the drama 'The Man's Memory,' which will air in March. I will make it enjoyable and ask for your support.

No Giving Up! This Year, I Will Definitely Succeed in 'Breaking Through Employment'

Kim Jeong-ah (University Student, born 1996) I am a university student born in the Year of the Rat, about to graduate. This year, I hope to succeed in 'breaking through employment.' I feel my body and mind getting exhausted while preparing for employment. Working part-time while preparing makes me physically tired. Also, news about reduced new hires adds to my worries. However, I will not give up. I studied textile arts passionately because I liked it. Imagining myself working stylishly in related jobs after entering society gives me strength.

This year is the Year of the Rat, and since I was born in the Year of the Rat, I hope to receive good energy and have things go well. I pray that other job seekers who strive daily to achieve their dreams also accomplish their goals this year. Fighting, youth of this era!

Taxi Driver for 10 Years, Hope for Realistic Policies

Kim Yong-seon (Taxi Driver, born 1960) This year marks my 10th year as a taxi driver. I hope the economy improves a bit in the new year and that policies for taxi workers become realistic. Although the 'Abolition of Daily Quota Law' is being implemented, looking closely, nothing changes, or the working conditions for taxi workers may worsen. Under the pretext of implementing a full monthly salary system, the name 'daily quota' is simply changed to 'monthly base pay,' and it is even raised by about 20,000 to 50,000 won, so it seems nothing has improved. As the economy worsens, taxi passengers decrease, but the system feels disconnected from reality. I hope 2020 will be a year when the taxi industry's system becomes realistic. Also, I wish for safety, health, and happiness for my family, passengers who take taxis, and myself in the coming year.

High School Senior Daughter, Hope She Stays Healthy and Finishes Well

Baek Su-jin (Housewife, born 1972) I am a housewife with a daughter entering her third year of high school in the new year. With the university entrance system changing every year, parents of examinees worry a lot this year as well. I hope a long-term educational system will be established so that growing children are not swayed by ever-changing policies. I also hope for improvements in the public education system so that we can trust schools without worrying about private education. Above all, I hope my daughter, who has worked hard so far, will not get exhausted and finish the year well, achieving her dreams. Of course, health is the most important. As a mother, I vow to support her diligently. Although there is still nearly a year left, I imagine my daughter smiling brightly when she receives her university acceptance letter. Fighting to all high school seniors in Korea!

Standing Tall in Overseas Game Market with Differentiated Content

Han Sung-jin (Entrepreneur, born 1972) I am an entrepreneur born in the Year of the Rat, leading the mobile game company 'Nexon 4:33.' Above all, I pray that the Year of the Gyeongja will be a year when the company grows a bit more. We will work hard with one heart to achieve results not only domestically but also globally with games that anyone can easily enjoy. Fortunately, last year, our mobile game 'Boxing Star' recorded 25 million downloads, giving us confidence that we can succeed in the global market. Of course, the game industry faces many challenges due to the rise of Chinese companies, but I am confident that we can overcome them with differentiated content. Personally, I want '4:33' to become the company where young people most want to work. Let's all startups in Korea work hard in the new year.

Dual-Income Newlyweds Hope for Easier Homeownership

Yoo Soo-bin (Office Worker, born 1984) I am a dual-income newlywed born in the Year of the Rat, with a wife two years younger. Above all, I hope housing prices stabilize and childcare environments improve in the new year. As newlyweds, the issue of 'owning a home' always occupies a corner of our minds. I work in Yeouido, Seoul, and my wife works in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, so we want to own a home in Seoul but are still renting. Government policies show no results, and housing prices keep rising, making it hard to plan for the future.

We expect a child born in the Year of the Rat this year, making homeownership even more urgent. Besides financial burdens, I think there will be many challenges in raising a child. I hope the new year brings an environment where dual-income couples can raise children more easily.

First Step in Working Life, Focused on Self-Development for the Future

Choi Yoo-young (Office Worker, born 1996) I am a rookie office worker working as a digital marketing AE at NHN. 2019 was a year filled with anticipation and excitement for a new job, mixed with the sadness of leaving school soon. Looking back, I was really lucky. Nowadays, since the number of hires is low, it usually takes about two years to prepare for large company recruitment. In the new year 2020, I want to fill each year with fun memories by gaining various experiences. I also plan to deeply contemplate my goals as a member of society. I will think more about whether I can continue doing this work even after a long time and what I will be like 20 years from now, focusing on self-development. I hope the new year will be a healthy and happy year for me and everyone around me. I also want to express my gratitude properly to those who supported me during my job search.

Growing Taller and Studying Well... I Also Want to Be Good at Soccer

Lee Seo-yoon (Student, born 2008) Rats are not cute animals, but since I was born in the Year of the Rat, I will continue to be the center of cuteness in the new year. Believe it or not, I am the luckiest guy in my family. Sometimes my dad teases me for being short, but dad! You are not very tall either. I think it's because you drink a lot of alcohol, so please drink less this year. I will jump rope hard to grow taller. I also want to be good at soccer. So, I will definitely meet Son Heung-min. Now that I will be in 6th grade and the oldest in school, I need to be more mature. I want to study hard to make my mom happy. I will do my homework diligently and focus at academies so that my mom can always smile. Even if my older brother takes my snacks or teases me, I will not get annoyed and will get along well. It is not easy, but I will try to read many books because it is my mom and dad's wish.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.