'Pachinko' author Min Jin Lee says writing 'American Hagwon' transformed her
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author Min Jin Lee and Scott Simon discuss Korea's hagwon system—private learning centers that supplement traditional education—and how it reflects a global trend of intense educational competition. Lee draws parallels between hagwons and similar institutions in the U.S., exploring how this pressure affects families across cultures who make significant financial and emotional sacrifices to secure their children's educational success.
The conversation examines the broader implications of this competitive environment, including how the 1997 Asian financial crisis shaped immigrant families' experiences and how Korean cultural traditions of self-sacrifice influence modern educational choices. Lee and Simon question whether the pursuit of prestige education delivers the satisfaction and success families expect, and they consider the psychological toll of pressuring children to achieve at increasingly demanding levels from an early age.
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1-Page Summary
Educational Competition and the Global Pressure on Families
In this episode, Min Jin Lee and Scott Simon explore how Korea's hagwon system reflects a global trend of intense educational competition that places significant psychological and financial burdens on families and children.
The Hagwon System and Its Global Parallels
Lee explains that hagwons are Korean learning centers that teach everything from test prep to cultural skills like piano or tap dancing. While these centers have contributed to Korea's rapid development and the high abilities of Korean children, they've also created severe stress on families, contributing to negative birth rates as parents opt out of having more children due to the cost of hagwon tuition.
Lee emphasizes this phenomenon isn't uniquely Korean—the U.S. has equivalents like Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Kumon. Drawing on her own experience, she recalls asking her parents for several hundred dollars to attend Princeton Review in New York, a significant sacrifice for her family that mirrors the hagwon dynamic in Korea.
Simon notes that parents across backgrounds worry their children will fall behind without credentials from prestigious institutions, fueling substantial spending on supplementary education. Lee argues that while it's common to criticize these systems as excessive, such critiques overlook why families pursue them: the desire to secure better futures for their children. She emphasizes that parental investment reflects care and love, and dismissing these families without understanding their motivations is unkind.
This competitive environment means children must develop professional-level skills far earlier than previous generations. Lee describes how her fictional character Mito, working at a hagwon in Southern California, observes her students developing distorted outlooks on education's value—a phenomenon that began as distinctly Korean but now clearly affects U.S. middle-class families seeking prestigious schools for their children.
The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the Koh Family's Struggle
The 1997 Asian financial crisis forces the Koh family to abandon their secure middle-class life in Seoul and immigrate to Southern California. John and Helen Koh shift from white-collar professionals to working-class jobs, living in a modest apartment with yellowed linoleum floors—daily reminders of their reduced circumstances.
Lee notes that this downward mobility forces the Koh children to mature rapidly as they witness their parents navigating precarious economic terrain. The loss of their security bubble, though painful, fosters quick emotional growth as they come to terms with new responsibilities far earlier than their previous life would have required.
Korean Cultural Traditions of Self-Sacrifice
Lee recounts the Korean parable of Shim-Chung, the "blind man's daughter," who sells herself to sailors so they can safely cross violent seas, then donates the rice she receives to monks who pray for her father's sight. This tale exemplifies the Korean cultural virtue of filial piety and Confucian self-sacrifice.
Lee highlights how this tradition of sacrifice carries into contemporary family dynamics, where parents make substantial sacrifices—often beyond their means—for their children's educational success. Families frequently overspend on supplementary education, enduring significant financial and emotional strain in hopes of securing elite placement for their children.
Questioning the Worth of Prestige Education
Lee reflects that attending prestigious schools often doesn't result in the life achievements or satisfaction that families expect, citing numerous examples of elite alumni who found that anticipated rewards didn't materialize. This disconnect raises questions about whether families' significant sacrifices are justified.
She notes that global competitiveness pressures youth to achieve "Olympic-level excellence" in all aspects of life, setting an unfair and nearly impossible standard that causes psychological harm. Both Lee and Simon question when, if ever, individuals relentlessly pursuing prestige take time to enjoy their accomplishments. Lee observes that even when someone reaches a highly desired goal, the pressure immediately shifts to the next milestone, leaving little room for satisfaction or contentment in a life driven entirely by endless striving.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hagwons are private, after-school academies in South Korea that supplement regular schooling. They focus heavily on exam preparation, especially for college entrance tests. Attendance is widespread and often seen as essential for academic success. This system creates intense competition and significant financial pressure on families.
- South Korea's birth rate is one of the lowest globally, partly due to high living and education costs. Many couples delay or decide against having children because they cannot afford expensive hagwon tuition and related expenses. This financial strain discourages larger families, contributing to population decline. The trend poses long-term economic and social challenges for the country.
- The 1997 Asian financial crisis was a severe economic downturn that began in Thailand and quickly spread across East Asia, including South Korea. It caused widespread corporate bankruptcies, soaring unemployment, and a sharp decline in living standards. Many middle-class families lost stable jobs and savings, forcing them to downscale their lifestyles or emigrate. This crisis deeply affected family dynamics, accelerating children's maturity as they faced new economic hardships.
- Filial piety is a Confucian value emphasizing respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and ancestors. In Korean society, it shapes family roles and obligations, promoting harmony and social order. This cultural norm often motivates parents' sacrifices and children's duty to succeed. It deeply influences decisions around education and family support.
- The parable of Shim-Chung is a traditional Korean folktale symbolizing deep filial piety, where a daughter sacrifices herself to help her blind father regain sight. It reflects Confucian values emphasizing family loyalty, selflessness, and duty. This story culturally underpins the expectation that children and parents endure hardships for each other's well-being. It explains why Korean families often accept great sacrifices for educational success as an expression of love and responsibility.
- Princeton Review and Kaplan are companies that offer test preparation courses for exams like the SAT, GRE, and professional certifications. Kumon is a global after-school program focusing on math and reading skills through daily practice and self-learning. These providers aim to improve students' academic performance and competitive edge for school admissions. They represent the U.S. equivalent of Korea's hagwons, offering supplementary education outside regular school hours.
- "Olympic-level excellence" metaphorically refers to the expectation that individuals must perform at the highest possible standard, comparable to elite athletes competing in the Olympics. This standard demands exceptional skill, dedication, and results in intense pressure to constantly excel. It implies a relentless pursuit of perfection across multiple areas, not just academics or sports. The metaphor highlights how such extreme expectations can be unrealistic and psychologically damaging.
- Shifting from white-collar to working-class jobs often means a loss of income, job security, and social status. It can limit access to benefits like healthcare and retirement plans. This change may increase financial stress and reduce opportunities for upward mobility. It also affects family dynamics, as roles and expectations adjust to new economic realities.
- Intense educational competition often leads to chronic stress and anxiety in children, affecting their mental health and well-being. Families may experience financial strain and emotional tension, which can disrupt relationships and create a high-pressure home environment. Children may develop a fear of failure and a fixed mindset, limiting creativity and intrinsic motivation. Over time, this pressure can contribute to burnout, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
- Supplementary education systems exist worldwide, often tailored to local cultural and economic contexts. In East Asia, such as Japan and China, cram schools (juku and buxiban) focus heavily on exam preparation. Western countries have tutoring centers and enrichment programs emphasizing test prep and skill development. These systems reflect societal pressures to excel academically and secure competitive advantages.
Counterarguments
- While hagwons and supplementary education systems can create stress, they also provide opportunities for students who may not thrive in traditional school settings, offering personalized instruction and helping close achievement gaps.
- The high academic performance and global competitiveness of Korean students are often attributed to the hagwon system, suggesting that the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks for some families.
- The decision to invest in supplementary education is a personal choice, and for many families, the perceived benefits in terms of future opportunities and social mobility justify the sacrifices.
- Not all families experience significant psychological or financial burdens from supplementary education; some manage these commitments without undue strain.
- The link between hagwon costs and Korea's low birth rate is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including housing costs, work-life balance, and broader societal trends, not just educational expenses.
- Supplementary education systems like Kumon or Princeton Review are not universally necessary or pursued; many students succeed without them, and public education remains the primary path for most.
- The pursuit of excellence and high standards can foster resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic in children, which are valuable life skills.
- Some individuals find genuine satisfaction and fulfillment in striving for and achieving ambitious goals, and the process itself can be rewarding.
- The narrative that prestigious schools do not lead to life satisfaction may not apply universally; many alumni report positive outcomes and personal growth from their experiences.
- Parental investment in education, while sometimes excessive, is a reflection of cultural values and aspirations, and should not be universally characterized as harmful or misguided.
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Educational Competition: Pressure to Invest In Supplementary Education and Secure Elite School Spots
Min Jin Lee and Scott Simon discuss how the intense drive for educational advancement, exemplified by Korea's hagwon system, parallels trends in the United States and places heavy psychological and financial burdens on families and children.
Hagwon System Illustrates a Global Trend of Supplementary Education Beyond Traditional Schooling
Korean Hagwons Offer Cultural Skills Beyond Test Prep
Min Jin Lee explains that a "hagwon" is a Korean learning center and a deeply integrated part of Korean culture. While often associated with academic cram schools for entrance exams, hagwons also teach other skills, such as cooking, tap dancing, or playing piano. Hagwons are regarded as the place to acquire any skill outside traditional schooling or higher education, contributing to both academic excellence and broad cultural competence for Korean youth. According to Lee, the push for supplementary education has led to remarkably high abilities among Korean children and was a factor in Korea’s rapid national development. However, this pressure has a cost: severe stress on families, a negative birth rate, and many parents opting out of having more children due to the inability to afford hagwon tuition.
American Equivalents to Hagwons Include Test Prep Services Like Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Kumon
Lee views the hagwon model as a global phenomenon, not solely a Korean one. In the U.S., equivalents include well-known supplemental education services such as Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Kumon, which families use to prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, LSAT, or MCAT. These institutions serve a similar function in helping students compete for spots at elite schools.
Min Jin Lee's Experience Shows This Parallel, Receiving Tutoring to Improve College Entrance Exam Scores In the U.S
Reflecting on her own experience, Lee says she did not attend a hagwon in Korea but, as a high school student in New York, desired to attend her dream college. Realizing she needed a high entrance exam score and noticing her wealthier peers attending Princeton Review courses, she asked her parents for $300 or $500—a significant sum for their family—so she too could attend. Her parents made the financial sacrifice, mirroring the hagwon dynamic within the context of American educational competition.
Competitive Pressures Drive Families to Invest In Supplementary Education Due to the Belief That Prestigious Institutions Are Essential for Success
Parents View Enrolling In Prestigious Schools As Vital for a Competitive Edge, Prompting High Educational Spending
Scott Simon notes that parents of all backgrounds worry their children will fall behind in life without a credential from a prestigious, name-brand institution. This anxiety fuels substantial spending on supplementary education, whether Korean hagwons or American test prep services.
Koh Family's Struggle: Sacrificing Financially For Unaffordable Education
Min Jin Lee provides a personal example from her own family, highlighting the willingness to stretch limited resources for specialized tutoring in hopes of better educational outcomes—again echoing countless families’ struggles to afford supplementary education in both the U.S. and Korea.
Elite Education Investments For Children's Futures Should Not Be Blanketly Criticized
Lee argues that while it is common to criticize hagwons and similar systems as harmful or excessive, such critiques often overlook why families pursue them: t ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Educational Competition: Pressure to Invest In Supplementary Education and Secure Elite School Spots
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A "hagwon" is a private educational institute in South Korea offering after-school classes. They are deeply embedded in Korean society, often seen as essential for academic success. Hagwons cover a wide range of subjects beyond regular school curricula, including arts and physical skills. Their prevalence reflects Korea's highly competitive education culture and societal emphasis on achievement.
- Hagwons teach a wide range of skills beyond academics, including arts like piano and dance, practical skills such as cooking, and language learning. They also offer classes in sports, coding, and creative activities like painting. These diverse offerings help students develop talents and cultural competencies outside the standard school curriculum. This variety supports holistic development, not just test preparation.
- Supplementary education in Korea, like hagwons, helped create a highly skilled and disciplined workforce. This workforce supported rapid industrialization and technological advancement. The focus on education increased literacy and innovation rates. These factors collectively accelerated Korea’s economic growth and modernization.
- "Professionalizing development" in children’s education means treating their learning and skill-building like a career path from an early age. It involves structured, goal-oriented activities designed to build resumes and credentials, not just general knowledge. This approach pressures children to achieve measurable success, such as awards or test scores, to compete for elite opportunities. It often reduces education to a series of strategic steps rather than a natural, exploratory process.
- Early educational competition can cause chronic stress and anxiety in children, affecting their mental health and self-esteem. It often leads to burnout, reducing motivation and enjoyment of learning. Children may develop a narrow self-worth tied solely to academic success. This pressure can impair social development and increase risks of depression.
- Princeton Review and Kaplan are companies that offer courses and materials to help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, LSAT, and MCAT. Kumon is a global after-school program focusing on math and reading skills through daily practice and worksheets. These services aim to improve test scores and academic skills to increase students' chances of admission to competitive schools. They often involve paid tutoring, classes, and study resources outside regular school hours.
- Standardized tests like the SAT, LSAT, and MCAT are used in the U.S. to assess students' readiness for college or professional schools. The SAT is primarily for undergraduate college admissions, measuring skills in reading, writing, and math. The LSAT is required for law school admission, focusing on reading comprehension and logical reasoning. The MCAT is for medical school applicants, testing knowledge in science and critical thinking.
- South Korea's negative birth rate is partly due to the high cost of raising children, especially expenses ...
Counterarguments
- While supplementary education systems like hagwons and test prep centers can enhance academic performance, they may exacerbate educational inequality by privileging families with greater financial resources, thereby widening the achievement gap.
- The emphasis on supplementary education and elite school admissions can undermine the value of public education and contribute to a culture that undervalues diverse talents and non-academic pathways.
- High national development and academic achievement attributed to supplementary education may come at the cost of creativity, mental health, and holistic development, which are also important for societal progress.
- The normalization of early professionalization and credential-focused learning can discourage intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and lifelong learning habits in children.
- The belief that prestigious institutions are essential for success is not universally true; many successful individuals come from non-elite educational backgrounds, and alternative routes to achievement exist.
- Parental investment in supplementary education, while of ...
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Impact of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis on the Koh Family's Economic Struggle
1997 Asian Financial Crisis Forces Koh Family to Abandon Middle-Class Life and Immigrate To Southern California
Before the crisis, John and Helen Koh are securely upwardly middle-class, working white-collar jobs and raising their three children—Bo, DH, and Mito—across America, Australia, and South Korea. The onset of the 1997 Asian financial crisis abruptly ends their stable life in Seoul. To seek new opportunities, the Koh family immigrates to Southern California, entering a culture filled with new possibilities but also harsh realities.
Koh Family Shifts From Secure White-Collar to Working-Class Economic Precarity
Once white-collar professionals, John and Helen Koh are forced into working-class jobs. Their children, accustomed to middle-class comfort, witness their parents navigate a far more uncertain economic terrain. The shift is stark, marking an abrupt change in family fortunes.
Reminders of Reduced Circumstances in a Modest Apartment
The family's new life is marked by reminders of reduced circumstances. They live in a small apartment with linoleum floors, possibly once yellow, a daily reminder of their lost comforts and the new limits on their lifestyle.
Downward Mobility Impacts Family's Psychology and Self-Image, Especially For Children of Middle-Class Stability
Children Shocked as Parents Shift From Professionals To Working-Class Navigating New Economic Terrain
The children experience shock as they see their parent ...
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Impact of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis on the Koh Family's Economic Struggle
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Counterarguments
- While the Koh family's downward mobility is portrayed as traumatic, some immigrant families find that such experiences foster resilience, adaptability, and a broader worldview that can be advantageous in the long term.
- The narrative emphasizes loss and hardship, but it could also be argued that access to new opportunities in Southern California—such as better education or diverse communities—may offset some negative impacts of economic precarity.
- The focus on material loss and status may overlook the potential for strengthened family bonds and solidarity that can arise from facing adversity together.
- The text centers on the psychological impact on the children, but some ch ...
Actionables
- you can simulate economic role reversal at home by swapping household responsibilities and budgets with another family member for a week to experience different perspectives on financial and emotional adaptation; for example, if you usually manage the finances, let someone else take over while you handle their usual chores, and both of you track how it feels to adjust to new roles and constraints.
- a practical way to foster rapid maturity and resilience in yourself or your children is to set up a monthly challenge where everyone must identify and solve a real-life problem (like negotiating a bill, finding a cheaper grocery alternative, or handling a minor repair) without outside help, then reflect on what was learned about resourcefulness and emotional growth.
- ...
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Korean Tradition of Self-Sacrifice: Confucian and Filial Piety Influences on Parental Sacrifice For Children's Success
Korean Cultural Narrative: Shim-Chung Parable on Filial Piety and Virtuous Self-Sacrifice
Min Jin Lee recounts the story of Shim-Chung, known as “the blind man’s daughter,” which exemplifies the Korean cultural virtue of self-sacrifice rooted in the traditions of filial piety and Confucianism. In this parable, Shim-Chung sells herself to sailors, enabling them to safely cross a violent sea in exchange for a large quantity of rice. She then donates this rice to a monastery so monks can pray for her father’s sight to be restored. This tale is held up as an example of the ideal behavior of a good daughter or son in Korean culture. The narrative draws on deep Confucian beliefs, illustrating that virtuous self-sacrifice—particularly for the benefit of one’s parents—is a foundational value in Korean society.
Parental Self-Sacrifice Drains Resources, Affecting Family Dynamics
Min Jin Lee highlights how this tradition of sacrifice carries into contemporary family dynamics. Many parents in Korea, and increasingly in America, make substantial sacrifices—often beyond their means—for their children’s educational ...
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Korean Tradition of Self-Sacrifice: Confucian and Filial Piety Influences on Parental Sacrifice For Children's Success
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Counterarguments
- While self-sacrifice is emphasized in Korean culture, there are also strong traditions and growing movements advocating for individual well-being, self-care, and balanced family relationships, suggesting that the narrative of sacrifice is not universally accepted or practiced.
- The idealization of filial piety and parental sacrifice can sometimes perpetuate unhealthy family dynamics, such as guilt, pressure, or resentment, which some Korean families and scholars actively critique and seek to reform.
- The focus on educational achievement and parental sacrifice is not unique to Korean culture; similar patterns are observed in other societies, indicating that these behaviors may be influenced by broader socioeconomic factors rather than solely by Confucian or Korean traditions.
- Some contemporary Korean and Korean-American families are choosing alternative educational paths, prioritizing children's happiness and mental health over traditional measures ...
Actionables
- you can set a monthly family check-in to openly discuss the emotional and financial impact of educational spending, allowing everyone to share concerns and brainstorm ways to balance ambition with well-being; for example, use this time to review upcoming expenses and decide together which activities are most meaningful or necessary.
- a practical way to honor self-sacrifice while preventing burnout is to create a rotating responsibility chart for family support tasks, so no single person consistently bears the heaviest load; for instance, alternate who helps with homework, prepares meals, or manages school communicatio ...
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Evaluating the Worth of Prestige Education and Global Competitiveness: Are Financial and Emotional Investments Justified?
Prestigious School Attendance Does Not Guarantee Life Achievement
Min Jin Lee reflects on the experiences of elite alumni, noting that attending prestigious, name-brand schools often does not result in the life achievements or satisfaction that students or their families expect. She cites "maybe 10 examples, maybe 20 examples" of people who attended such schools, only to find that the anticipated rewards and fulfillment did not materialize. This disconnect calls into question whether families’ significant financial and emotional sacrifices to secure high-status educational credentials are justified, especially when these credentials may not reliably lead to either success or happiness.
Global Competitiveness Pressures Youth to Achieve Olympic-Level Excellence in all Life Aspects, Causing Psychological Harm
Lee comments on the intense global competitiveness among youth, stressing that the ambition for global success—particularly among young Koreans—focuses more on international prestige than on local accomplishments. The drive for global competitive excellence sets an unfair and nearly impossible standard for most, since so few top positions exist and the competition itself is inherently inequitable. Lee argues that the resulting pressure causes psychological harm by pushing young people to achieve "Olympic-level excellence," often at significant personal cost.
Pursuit of Prestigious Education Raises Questions About When Individuals Enjoy, Satisfy, and Fin ...
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Evaluating the Worth of Prestige Education and Global Competitiveness: Are Financial and Emotional Investments Justified?
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Min Jin Lee is a Korean-American author known for her novels exploring immigrant experiences and social issues. Her perspective is significant because she combines cultural insight with personal and community experiences. She often addresses themes of identity, ambition, and societal pressure. This background gives weight to her observations on education and competitiveness.
- "Prestigious, name-brand schools" refer to educational institutions widely recognized for their high academic standards, reputation, and social status. These schools often have selective admissions, extensive resources, and influential alumni networks. Attending such schools is believed to open doors to elite career opportunities and social connections. However, the actual benefits can vary and do not guarantee personal success or happiness.
- "Life achievements" refer to significant accomplishments or milestones that individuals attain over their lifetime, such as career success, personal growth, relationships, and contributions to society. They are often measured by external markers like job titles, income, awards, or educational credentials, but can also include internal factors like happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Different cultures and individuals may prioritize and define these achievements differently. Measuring life achievements is subjective and varies based on personal values and societal norms.
- Global competitiveness refers to the ability of individuals or countries to succeed and excel in a worldwide context, often measured by economic, educational, or technological achievements. For youth, this means facing pressure to perform at very high levels to secure limited opportunities in a global job market. It often involves comparing oneself not just locally but against peers worldwide, increasing stress and competition. This concept is relevant because it shapes educational and career expectations, influencing young people's goals and mental health.
- Global success is often measured by recognition on an international scale, which is seen as more prestigious and valuable than local achievements. International prestige can open doors to broader opportunities, such as global career prospects and influential networks. Many societies and individuals equate global recognition with higher status and greater validation of talent or effort. This emphasis can overshadow local accomplishments, which may be perceived as less impactful or significant.
- "Olympic-level excellence" refers to achieving the highest possible standard in a field, comparable to the elite performance of Olympic athletes. It implies exceptional skill, dedication, and success that only a very few can attain. In life achievements, it symbolizes an extremely high and often unrealistic expectation to be the best globally. This standard creates intense pressure because such top-tier success is rare and difficult to sustain.
- Competitive pressures can lead to chronic stress and anxiety as individuals constantly fear failure or falling behind. This stress may cause burnout, reducing motivation and overall well-being. Social comparison can lower self-esteem and increase feelings of inadequacy. Over time, ...
Counterarguments
- While attending prestigious schools does not guarantee success or satisfaction, statistical data often shows that graduates from such institutions have higher average incomes and broader professional networks, which can provide tangible advantages.
- For some families, the pursuit of high-status educational credentials is not solely about guaranteed outcomes but about maximizing opportunities and access to resources that may not be available elsewhere.
- The psychological impact of striving for excellence varies among individuals; some thrive under competitive pressure and find fulfillment in high achievement.
- International prestige and global competitiveness can drive innovation, economic growth, and cross-cultural understanding, benefiting both individuals and societies.
- The pursuit of excellence, even if stressful, can foster resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic, which are valuable life skills.
- Some individuals do find genuine satisfaction and contentment in the process of striving and achieving, rather than in the attainment of specifi ...
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1-Page Summary- Educational Competition: Pressure to Invest In Supplementary Education and Secure Elite School Spots
- Impact of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis on the Koh Family's Economic Struggle
- Korean Tradition of Self-Sacrifice: Confucian and Filial Piety Influences on Parental Sacrifice For Children's Success
- Evaluating the Worth of Prestige Education and Global Competitiveness: Are Financial and Emotional Investments Justified?
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