It's called Fo-pah. I think I've finally come to understand Korean's obsession with 'presentation.' What do I mean by that; its everywhere. Hagwon's demanding ties worn when teaching Kindergardners, Baskin Robbins packaging cakes in ornate ice chests packaged with solid CO2, pizza boxes with ribbons on them, ladies decking themselves out in stilettos and fashionista clothing for a day at Lotte World. To us it seems a bit ridiculous, to them its a basic rule: the way you look, is your first contact.
Its a slap in the face to me. I always grew up hating that mentality and I still sincerely believe that the character of a person speaks much louder than a person's attire. But I have to admit character speaks slower. And maybe my refusal to adhere to these outlandish requests suggests my character may have some flaws as well?
In any case, I believe I've come to a vague understanding of this aspect of the culture. When you come, it'll hit like a fart in the wind. Why does Korea do this? Need this? I still don't know why. I don't know why 50% of all the players down by the court come decked out in their Bryant, James, Paul jerseys ready to rock, but can't shoot worth beans. (Mind you, I have played with some friggin' good players here too. And not that America doesn't have its share of primadonnas, but at least they're only blips on a radar, not the entire domestic fleet) I don't know why, I don't know WHY we need to wear ties when we're not businessmen, but teachers. Even professors aren't required to wear them in lecture. I don't understand why everyone wears North Face in the Winter, and girls wear heels and leggings. Maybe I'm making a big deal of nothing. So suit me.