“최신 아이폰, 나이키 신발” 외신도 ‘영포티’ 조명…조롱거리 된 이유
1Introduction
2Vocabulary
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 현상 | hyeonsang | phenomenon | 이 현상은 최근에 시작되었다.This phenomenon started recently. |
| 세대 | sedae | generation | 젊은 세대와 기성 세대 사이에 갈등이 있다.There is conflict between the young generation and the older generation. |
| 조롱 | jolong | mockery, ridicule | 그는 조롱의 대상이 되었다.He became a target of mockery. |
| 풍자 | pungja | satire | 이 만화는 사회를 풍자한다.This cartoon satirizes society. |
| 애쓰다 | aesseuda | to make an effort, to try hard | 그녀는 젊어 보이려고 애쓴다.She tries hard to look young. |
| 거부하다 | geobuhada | to refuse, to reject | 현실을 거부하면 안 된다.You shouldn’t refuse to accept reality. |
| 공격 | gonggyeok | attack | 왜 공격의 대상이 되었을까?Why did they become a target of attack? |
| 친화적 | chinhwajeok | friendly, compatible | 그는 기술 친화적인 사람이다.He is a tech-friendly person. |
| 소비자 | sobija | consumer | 현명한 소비자가 되어야 한다.You should be a wise consumer. |
| 접근하다 | jeopgeunhada | to approach | 그 남자가 여성에게 접근했다.The man approached the woman. |
| 비꼬다 | bikkoda | to mock, to be sarcastic | 그의 말투가 비꼬는 것 같다.His tone seems to be mocking. |
| 갈등 | galdeung | conflict | 세대 갈등이 심각한 문제다.Generational conflict is a serious problem. |
3Reading Text
한국에서 ‘영포티’라는 말이 큰 화제가 되고 있다.
In Korea, the term “Young-Forty” has become a major topic of discussion.
원래 영포티는 건강하고 기술을 잘 사용하는 40대를 뜻하는 마케팅 용어였다.
Originally, Young-Forty was a marketing term referring to healthy, tech-savvy people in their 40s.
하지만 지금은 젊어 보이려고 지나치게 노력하는 중년층을 비판하는 말로 바뀌었다.
However, it has now changed into a term that criticizes middle-aged people who try too hard to look young.
젊은 세대들은 영포티를 “나이를 받아들이지 않으려는 사람들”이라고 설명한다.
Young generations describe Young-Forty as “people who refuse to accept their age.”
영포티로 불리는 사람들은 최신 브랜드 옷과 스니커즈를 좋아한다고 여겨진다.
People called Young-Forty are considered to like the latest brand clothes and sneakers.
하지만 당사자들은 “경제적 여유가 생겨서 좋아하는 것을 사는 것뿐”이라고 반박한다.
However, those involved argue that they are “just buying what they like because they now have financial means.”
이 현상은 세대 간의 서로 다른 가치관을 보여주는 사례가 되었다.
This phenomenon has become a case showing different values between generations.
심지어 외국 언론도 한국의 영포티 현상을 주목하며 보도하고 있다.
Even foreign media are paying attention to and reporting on Korea’s Young-Forty phenomenon.
4Comprehension Questions
What was the original meaning of the term “Young-Forty” in Korean marketing?
How do younger generations currently view people labeled as “Young-Forty”?
What types of items are Young-Forty people stereotypically associated with purchasing?
How do people labeled as Young-Forty defend their lifestyle choices?
Why has this phenomenon attracted international media attention?
5Cultural Notes
The Young-Forty phenomenon reflects Korea’s rapid economic development, where many people in their 40s now have disposable income to purchase luxury items that were previously unaffordable. This generational tension also highlights Korea’s youth-oriented culture, where aging is often viewed negatively, creating pressure on older adults to maintain a youthful appearance. The international media coverage of this trend demonstrates how Korean social phenomena increasingly gain global attention through social media and cultural export.
Original Article