[Neologism Dictionary] JOMO - The Joy of Voluntary Exclusion

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Lee Bang-gwa, the second son of Yi Seong-gye, was a capable military commander who accompanied his father and roamed the battlefield after reaching adulthood. He defeated the southern Japanese pirates at the Battle of Hwangsan and quickly joined his father's camp during the Retreat to Wi-hwa Island, lending his strength. He was a strong military successor chosen to be the commander-in-chief of the Gabyeolcho, following his father. Less than a year after Yi Seong-gye founded Joseon and after his eldest son, Lee Bang-woo, passed away, Lee Bang-seok, born of the stepmother Queen Sindeok, was appointed crown prince. In response, the royal relatives and princes born of Queen Shinui immediately conspired a coup known as the Prince’s Rebellion. However, Lee Bang-gwa was the only one who distanced himself from the group and devoted himself solely to praying for the recovery of his ailing father. After the Prince’s Rebellion succeeded, Lee Bang-gwa, the de facto eldest son, was soon appointed crown prince, and a month later, King Taejo abdicated the throne to him, making him the second king of Joseon. Before becoming king, Lee Bang-gwa was an outstanding soldier who, during his reign, enjoyed hunting and gyeokgu (a traditional Korean polo-like game), distancing himself from central politics. Even during royal lectures, he would leave saying, “My limbs are numb, so I will warm up by playing gyeokgu,” showing indifference to state affairs. Yet, he was a devoted son who always sent the game animals he hunted to King Taejo before returning to the palace. Two years after his ascension, in 1400, Lee Bang-gwa abdicated in favor of his younger brother Lee Bang-won and lived as a retired king for 19 years, enjoying a leisurely life traveling to hot springs and famous temples across the country until his death at age 63.

JOMO is an acronym for Joy of Missing Out, referring to voluntary isolation where one temporarily disconnects from closely connected relationships to enjoy experiences beneficial to oneself. Recently, as social media has become commonplace, fatigue from focusing on others’ lives and monitoring real-time reactions to one’s posts has increased. Consequently, many people voluntarily disconnect from social media and the internet to focus on themselves through travel or hobbies. This somewhat recalls the trajectory of Lee Bang-gwa’s life. Taking a break from daily life focused on group chats, messengers, texts, and social media?aimed at socializing or appearing more impressive to others?to spend time fully concentrating on oneself might be a good idea.

Example

A: Did you see OO’s Instagram yesterday? They went on another trip. Do they always take days off?
B: No, I didn’t. I haven’t been on Instagram lately. It’s too exhausting.
A: Really? Don’t you get bored? I feel bored if I don’t check Instagram. I’m curious about what my friends are up to.
B: I feel like I’ve been neglecting myself because I’m too busy worrying about what others are doing. When I go on a trip to a forest resort during the holidays, I plan to turn off my phone completely. I need to focus on myself now.
A: That’s pure JOMO right there. I should try cutting off like you, decisively.

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