Business Cards in Korean Life: Truth or Fiction?

Have you ever watched a Korean drama and noticed how the characters exchange business cards as a symbol of their status and importance? In these shows, not having a business card often makes a character seem insignificant or undesirable. But is this true in real Korean life?

The reality is that business cards play a different role in Korean society than they do in many other cultures. In fact, the perception and use of business cards can significantly vary depending on the profession and social status.

Business Cards and Professional Identity

In the past, business cards were seen as a tool for high-status individuals, such as CEOs of prominent firms. Having a business card with the CEO’s name meant that you could make a reservation at their office, which was not always easy due to the tight schedules and security measures in place. For someone lower on the totem pole, having a business card could mean the difference between gaining access and being denied.

However, societal norms and business practices have evolved. Today, professionals in various fields may or may not have business cards. For example, university professors often do, whereas teachers at international schools may not. Both are considered respectable careers, but the latter may not require a business card as often. I myself do not have business cards, yet I receive plenty of them. My professional ties include insurance cleaning service business men, bartenders, DJs, and sound producers.

Real-Life Representation in Korean Dramas

Korean dramas often exaggerate the importance of business cards, portraying a fictional world where exchanging business cards is a crucial ritual to establish a connection. These dramas often depict high-status individuals, such as CEOs, as possessing business cards as a means of announcing their importance and status.

Contrasting these high-status characters with individuals who lack business cards serves to highlight their lower social status. This portrayal is a form of exaggeration that reflects certain aspects of Korean society, but it does not capture the whole picture.

It's important to recognize that most Korean dramas are absolute fantasies designed to entertain and captivate audiences rather than to provide realistic portrayals of daily life. Business card exchanges in dramas often serve as a stereotype, akin to the prom queen dating the football captain. Understanding these exaggerated elements can help viewers navigate the differences between dramatic fiction and real-life situations.

Conclusion

While business cards may hold a significant place in Korean dramas, their importance in real life is more nuanced and varies greatly depending on the context. It's crucial to approach these fictional portrayals with a critical eye and to understand that they often reflect exaggerated or stereotypical elements rather than accurate representations of modern Korean society.