Time passed quickly and the year-end and New Year holidays arrived. He dreams of the New Year with new expectations and excitement. There are many expectations for the political world ahead of the general election, an economy struggling to escape low growth, and a struggle to resolve the demographic cliff and polarization. The reality is harsh and the future is unclear. Still, life has to go on. Change and innovation come with pain and suffering. One generation passes and the next generation takes the baton. The older generation hangs their heads in despondency, while the new generation feels gloom.
A strong wind of generational change is blowing throughout society. People born in the 1970s and 1980s rose to executive positions. Next year, will be the 60th birthday of those born in 1964, the youngest of the baby boom generation (born 1950-1964). Officially retired from active duty. Their backs look lonely. You have to wait three years after retirement to receive your pension, but the expenses only pile up. They experienced the harsh storms of modern history, including the Yushin dictatorship and the foreign exchange crisis. Nevertheless, they were able to establish their own home, take care of their parents, and raise their children with little problem.
Afterward, the 386 generations (born between 1960 and 1969) played a leading role in democratization in the 1980s. We threw stones during the day and discussed democratization while drinking makgeolli at night. However, the collectivist culture that organized them clashed with the individualistic culture of their younger siblings in Generation X (born 1970-1979). ‘X’ means ‘unknown ’ To that extent, they appear quite different from the previous generation— the biggest change in the generation gap. They are individualists who grew up in affluence and do not pay attention to what others think. They are the first generation to take the CSAT (national college entrance exam) and are in their 40s.
Generation X was followed by the millennial generation (born between 1980 and 1994), also known as Generation Y. These are young office workers who have just started entering society. It is the first generation to go digital, but at the same time, it pursues the analog sensibility that stimulates childhood nostalgia. 'Work and Life Balance' and YOLO (You only live once) are their values for happiness in the present moment.
The generation born from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s is called Generation Z (born 1995-2004). These people are mainly children of Generation X and are more familiar with smartphones and YouTube than PCs. Inheriting liberal values from their parents, they respect diversity and pursue balance and practicality in life.
Generational change is fate in human life. A baton touch is when the player in front passes the baton to the next player. The baton does not only contain money, power, and fame. It contains experience, skills, and the right direction in life. The reason why the gospel of Christ has become an indicator of life for generations for 2,000 years is because of Jesus' love and training of his disciples.
According to various public opinion polls, the conflict between generations is becoming more severe. The big reason is the difficulty in forming relationships— dialogue and collaboration between generations. In particular, the younger generation responded that it was difficult to communicate with the previous generation and understand their thoughts.
It is perhaps natural to feel generational differences depending on age, era, and background. However, the problem lies in shifting responsibility to the other in times of crisis and conflict. The path I walk today becomes a milestone for others in the future.
The previous generation must let go of its authoritarian vested interests and make room for the new generation. The next generation must embrace the seniority of the previous generation that is leaving. To do this, we need open-minded dialogue in each other's languages. I hope that we will avoid admonishing conversations like when 'I was your age'— and at least stop scolding the older generation for not knowing new words.
