[New Word Dictionary] Gatgi - Young Geniuses Who Enjoy the Process More Than the Result

Gatgi is a compound word of "gat" (god) meaning deity and "agi" meaning baby, referring to a young genius with outstanding skills. Recently, its usage has expanded, especially among Generation Z athletes who gained attention through the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Illustration by Seongsu Oh

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Bingonggwa, implemented by the Tang Dynasty of China to recruit foreign talents, was a stage where geniuses from East Asian countries, which previously had no such system, competed in their abilities. In particular, Unified Silla and Balhae were the main countries that primarily produced top-ranking passers, and the talents from these two countries engaged in prideful intellectual battles at the Bingonggwa. When Choi Chiwon, who set out to study in the Tang Dynasty at the age of 12, was about to leave, his father said, “If you do not pass the civil service exam within 10 years, do not say anywhere that you are my son. I will not even say I had a son,” instilling a strong spirit in his son. At that time, there was a craze for studying abroad in Silla, with about 200 people going to study in the Tang Dynasty each year. The young Choi Chiwon, who had not even undergone the coming-of-age ceremony, confessed, “When others made efforts of a hundred, I made efforts of a thousand,” dedicating himself to study. Six years after going abroad, at the age of 18, he passed the Bingonggwa, fulfilling his father’s wish and enhancing the honor of his homeland Silla. Until then, the youngest age for passing the Bingonggwa was 50, so Choi Chiwon gained fame as a genius admired even in the Tang Dynasty.

“Gatgi” is a compound word of “gat” (god) and “agi” (baby), referring to a young genius with outstanding skills. Recently, the term has expanded in use, especially among Generation Z athletes who gained attention through the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Archers like Kim Jedeok, table tennis player Shin Yubin, gymnast Yeo Seojeong, and swimmer Hwang Sunwoo all showed their best skills and enjoyed the games even when the desired results did not come, displaying a relaxed attitude. The public was able to enjoy the Olympics led by a new generation through the carefree demeanor of these “gatgi.” Experts analyze that the impressive performances of teenage athletes in this Olympics reflect “young athletes appointed through a fair and transparent system whose conscientious actions are creating a new culture in line with social trends.” We cheer on the challenges of these “gatgi,” whose future paths are as anticipated as their achievements in this Olympics.

Example

A: Let’s have dinner together later. I heard the new restaurant nearby is good.
B: No, I have to go straight home and watch the Olympic swimming competition.
A: You used to say you didn’t understand why the Olympics are held, but now you’re totally into it.
B: Right? Especially when I see the teenage “gatgi” performing, it just makes me feel good.
A: When I see Kim Jedeok say “Fighting!” it gives me strength I didn’t have. Okay, let’s hurry and watch the game!

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