[Hyung-ju Heo's Column] If You Think of 'MB (Lee Myung-bak)' When Someone Asks About MBTI, You're a '꼰대' (kkonde)

Interview with Under Secretary Allen and the Doo Sisters
Focus on the MBTI craze in Korea
Utilizing MBTI in recruitment as well
Evolving into a communication tool

On December 1st, Liz Allen, the US Department of State's Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, visited Korea for a Korea-US public diplomacy dialogue.

I was able to conduct an interview with Under Secretary Allen, hosted by the US Embassy, and the topic that she was most interested in was the 'MBTI' craze in Korea.

In my conversation with Under Secretary Allen, I explained that the role of MBTI in Korea has evolved beyond a simple personality test and has become a 'communication tool'.

In South Korea today, when people meet for the first time, the topic that breaks the ice for small talk is, without a doubt, MBTI. The MBTI shared in small talk becomes crucial information that helps us understand each other and communicate accordingly.

For example, as a power ENTP myself, when I meet someone with a strong I preference, I try to tone down the energy a bit to be more considerate. When I meet an F, I try to be more careful and sensitive to their emotions when communicating. On the other hand, when I meet a fellow T, I communicate directly as usual. In this way, MBTI is being used as a primary tool for adapting communication to the individual.

Having recognized that understanding someone else facilitates smooth communication, the MZ generation is leveraging this in their dating lives as well. Numerous 'How to date someone based on their MBTI' and, more directly, 'How to seduce someone based on their MBTI' content can be found on YouTube and blogs. The comment sections of content that meticulously analyze ideal types and break-up reasons based on MBTI characteristics are always filled with resonating comments.

Along with the attempts to communicate in a way that suits the other person, the effort to understand one's own preferences and find an MBTI match who complements oneself is also common in the dating scene.

At a booth during a university festival, an event was held where participants could put their phone numbers in baskets labeled with their preferred MBTI to enable matching.

In fact, I recently experienced this trend firsthand when arranging a blind date, receiving specific requests like, 'I prefer an F partner, please avoid STs,' highlighting the prominence of MBTI in this context.

Even trending memes in Korea inevitably feature MBTI as a central theme. Recently, the most popular content, primarily on Instagram Reels, was the diverse reactions to the question, 'I'm sad, so I bought bread.' Typically, Ts responded with questions like, 'What kind of bread did you buy? Where is the bread?' while Fs responded with, 'Why are you sad? Are you okay?' The starkly different responses to the same question were both entertaining and relatable, leading to the widespread adoption of this meme.

What about the Korean job market? MBTI has started to be referenced during the hiring process. Online recruitment platforms often include postings that favor extroverted 'Es' or meticulous 'Js'. Some job postings even ask candidates to introduce their MBTI type in their self-introduction or to present their strengths and weaknesses based on their MBTI.

Of course, there are concerns about this trend. Some experts have pointed out that relying excessively on MBTI is not healthy and lacks scientific backing. Particularly in the job market, where survival is at stake, considering MBTI as a deciding factor in employment can be a sensitive issue. While appropriate use is beneficial, blind faith is not advisable. Care should be taken to avoid using MBTI as a tool for discrimination.

However, beyond such discussions, MBTI is now a prominent communication tool in South Korea. If you're someone who thinks, 'I don't believe in that stuff!' and haven't even taken the test, I encourage you to take it and join the conversation.

Otherwise, you might be the source of some big laughs. A few months ago, on a comedy show, Kim Jong-in, the former acting chairman of the People Power Party, failed to understand a question about MBTI and, instead, responded with an answer about 'MB' (referring to former President Lee Myung-bak), which became a trending topic. Not knowing about MBTI itself is now considered funny.

MBTI has become so prevalent in South Korea that not knowing about it can hinder communication. It has evolved into 'common sense' (general knowledge that a normal person should possess, rather than specialized knowledge).

From small talk and dating to memes and even job applications, MBTI has transcended its origins as a simple personality test and has become a powerful communication tool in contemporary South Korea. So, get to know MBTI. It's essential for communication!

※ The author of this article is myself, andthis is a repost from Woman Economy Newspaper.