The word ‘eok-ul-ha-da’ does not exist in Japanese or English. An English dictionary explains it as ‘feel victimized,’ but that doesn’t quite capture the essence. Koreans did not uniquely create this word because they felt particularly eok-ul-ha-da in similar situations. Rather, it’s the structure or culture that put people in such situations more frequently than in other societies.

Yes, indeed.

Japanese has a similar word, ‘悔しい’ (kuyashii), which means feeling frustrated or regretful. However, the nuance is slightly different from ‘eok-ul-ha-da.’ It feels more like suppressing and enduring rather than harboring a desire for revenge. Words have origins. Tracing their etymology reveals ancient history and customs, indicating that there were many situations requiring endurance and suppression.