"Can You Call Someone 40 Years Older 'Oppa'? National Institute of the Korean Language's Response Draws Attention"

Inquiry Raised Over the Scope of "Oppa" as a Form of Address
National Institute of the Korean Language: "A 40-Year Age Difference Is Inappropriate"

While controversy continues over Democratic Party Representative Chung Cheong-rae's so-called "oppa remark," a response from the National Institute of the Korean Language regarding young women calling significantly older men "oppa" has attracted attention. The institute stated that such usage is "generally inappropriate."

Democratic Party Representative Chung Cheong-rae and Former Blue House AI Future Planning Chief Ha Jung-woo. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the National Institute of the Korean Language on May 7, a post titled "Inquiry about the dictionary meaning and possible range of use of the term 'oppa'" was recently uploaded to the institute's 'Online Ganada' message board.

The writer referred to the Standard Korean Dictionary's definition of "oppa" and asked about the scope of the explanation, which states that "oppa" is "a term used affectionately by a younger woman to address or refer to an older man who is not related by blood."

The writer further questioned whether the word "affectionately" refers merely to tone, or whether it also takes into account an actual close relationship or context. They specifically asked if it is within the usual scope of use for a young woman meeting an older man for the first time, with an age difference of around 40 years, to call him "oppa."

In response, the National Institute of the Korean Language explained that the term "oppa" is not determined solely by manner of speech, but must take into account the level of closeness and social context between the speaker and the listener. The institute added that in first-time meetings, where there is a lack of emotional rapport, it is not natural to use the term "oppa," which assumes a level of intimacy.

In particular, the institute stated, "An age difference of about 40 years generally goes beyond the category of 'older sibling' and is closer to that of a parental generation," and added, "Considering social conventions and language etiquette, the use of 'oppa' in this context does not appear appropriate."

This response from the National Institute of the Korean Language drew attention online, as it coincided with the ongoing controversy over Representative Chung Cheong-rae's "oppa remark."

Earlier, on May 3, Representative Chung sparked controversy during a campaign event supporting the by-election in Buk-gu Gap, Busan, when he pointed to Ha Jung-woo, the candidate from his party, and told a first-grade elementary school girl, "This is Jung-woo oppa, try calling him oppa." As video footage of the scene spread, both inside and outside political circles, criticism emerged that an inappropriate form of address was being encouraged toward a child.

As the controversy grew, Representative Chung apologized on May 4, saying, "I am sorry that the child became the center of this controversy and may have been hurt, as well as to her parents."

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