[Cheongchun Report] Curious About Myself... From School Records to Genetic Testing

Instagram 'Saenggibu' Related Posts Trending
Style Consulting and Genetic Testing Also Popular
Analysis of 'Self-Analysis' Trend Connections

"A student with a considerate personality who demonstrates creative thinking and shows remarkable interest and talent in writing. Actively participates in the homeroom teacher's classes, leading a positive classroom atmosphere. A student whose future is highly anticipated."

Kim (28), a 4-year office worker, recently checked his high school transcript out of curiosity about his school days. Kim said, "My self-esteem had dropped while working, but seeing the positive evaluations written in the transcript gave me confidence," adding, "It’s interesting that my personality back then and now, nearly 10 years after graduating high school, are not very different." He also expressed gratitude, saying, "I’m thankful that my homeroom teacher recorded my school days in such detail."

In recent years, personality type tests (MBTI) have been popular, and now there is a craze for 'transcript certification.' This involves taking photos of the sections where homeroom teachers write opinions about personality traits or behavioral characteristics and posting them on social networking services (SNS). This trend seems related to the younger generation’s desire to understand their tendencies and characteristics more deeply.

"Realizing My Strengths by Looking at My Transcript"... A Series of Certification Posts on Instagram

[Image source=Pixabay]

According to the Ministry of Education, from July this year to the 19th of last month, 1,483,877 student transcripts were issued through Government24 and unmanned civil service counters, a 3.2-fold increase compared to the same period last year (466,182 cases).

The transcript records various items including grades, attendance, and awards. Among these, the part that the younger generation pays attention to is the 'Behavioral Characteristics and Comprehensive Opinions' section written by the homeroom teacher. For example, unique traits such as "a witty student who gets along well with classmates and is diligent" are recorded, reflecting the student’s school days as seen through the teacher’s eyes.

The transcript craze is also easily found on SNS. Searching hashtags like '생활기록부' (saenggibu) and '생기부' (saenggibu) on Instagram yields about 11,000 and 16,000 posts respectively. Netizens respond with comments such as "The child who loved literature has now become a Korean language teacher," "Looking at my transcript brings back vivid memories of my school days I had forgotten," and "My transcript uncovered strengths I didn’t even know I had."

This phenomenon can be seen as part of 'self-analysis.' The current younger generation values individuality and has a strong desire to reveal and express their unique personality. In other words, for young people who want to know more about their own value, the transcript has become a good tool for self-recognition.

'Bold Investments for Self-Analysis'

Citizens visiting a department store in Seoul are looking at cosmetics. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

There are also cases where people actively invest in paid services such as body shape and hair consulting to better understand themselves. A few years ago, personal color tests that helped find colors that suit an individual were popular, but recently, the types of style consulting have become more detailed and diverse.

Lee (28), an office worker who paid over 50,000 won for makeup consulting, said, "I’m not completely unable to do makeup, but I wanted expert advice, so I applied." He added, "After the consulting, I clearly understood my facial strengths and weaknesses, and when applying makeup, I now cover the weaknesses and highlight the strengths, so the cost was worth it."

In fact, according to a survey conducted by 'Daehaknaeil' newsletter 'Carrit' in August targeting 150 Gen Z individuals, 91.3% had experience using self-analysis related services. Among them, 44.7% reported that they paid for and used paid services themselves.

Genetic Testing Services Also Popular... Diversified 'Self-Analysis'

Additionally, some undergo genetic testing. Genetic testing involves collecting saliva in a test kit delivered to one’s home and sending it to a testing institution. Although a simple process, it allows individuals to learn their genetic strengths and weaknesses, making it popular among people in their 20s and 30s.

MyData specialist company 'BankSalad' launched a genetic testing service in October 2021 and has been popular, with free first-come-first-served applications filling up quickly every day. By August, about 250,000 people had undergone genetic testing.

Also, 'GenTalk,' a DTC genetic testing platform launched by genome analysis company Macrogen in June, reached 1 million cumulative visits within two months. A GenTalk representative said, "Our main customers are in their 20s and 30s," adding, "The most popular product among the 20s and 30s is the hair loss management package, followed by sleep health and exercise management packages."

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