Background & Meaning
When traveling abroad, unexpected challenges are bound to happen—you might get lost, miss a train, or see your plans fall apart. In those moments, one Korean slang term captures the spirit you’ll need: “jung-kkeok-ma” (중꺽마).
This phrase is an abbreviation of “jungyohan geon kkeok-iji anneun maeum” (중요한 건 꺾이지 않는 마음), which translates to “the important thing is a heart that doesn’t break.” It conveys resilience in the face of setbacks—not just blind optimism, but the will to rise again after acknowledging failure. Similar to English concepts like “grit” or “resilience”, jung-kkeok-ma carries a weightier, more narrative-driven power, reflecting the Korean spirit of perseverance through hardship.
Origins
The phrase “jung-kkeok-ma” (중꺽마)—short for “The important thing is an unbroken spirit”—was born during the 2022 League of Legends World Championship. In a now-legendary interview, professional gamer Deft (real name Kim Hyuk-kyu) of Korea’s DRX team used the phrase while reflecting on their underdog journey.
DRX had not been considered a serious contender, yet they refused to give up. Their dramatic rise to claim the championship touched fans around the world. In that moment, jung-kkeok-ma became more than a catchy line—it came to symbolize unshakable determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
From there, the phrase spread rapidly across social media and online communities, inspiring people well beyond the world of esports. It sparked countless memes and parodies, embedding itself deep into popular culture. For many, jung-kkeok-ma has since stood as an icon of the Korean spirit: the belief that no matter the setback, true strength lies in never giving up.
Cultural Significance
Jung-kkeok-ma reflects Korea’s enduring “bounce-back spirit”, often compared to an “Ottu-gi” (a roly-poly toy that never stays down). Korea’s modern history includes recovering from crises like the IMF financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. These collective experiences gave jung-kkeok-ma cultural depth as a shared value of resilience.
For today’s MZ generation, it also embodies the struggle of facing job market challenges, social pressure, and personal setbacks. Beyond esports or fandoms, it has become a personal motto for students, job seekers, and anyone striving for self-improvement. In this way, jung-kkeok-ma connects individual determination with collective empathy, encouraging solidarity in the face of obstacles.
Examples
• When lost while traveling in Korea :
“I got lost on the way, but jung-kkeok-ma! I eventually found the restaurant.” (using humor to highlight perseverance)
• While studying Korean :
“Korean pronunciation is so tough… but I’ll keep practicing with a jung-kkeok-ma spirit.” (reaffirming determination)
• During hiking or strenuous activity :
“I nearly gave up halfway, but thinking of jung-kkeok-ma kept me climbing to the top!” (celebrating endurance)
• In casual conversation :
“This semester’s exams were brutal, but with a jung-kkeok-ma mindset, I managed to get an A+.” (acknowledging hard work and payoff)
