Han

Han is a concept allegedly unique to Korean culture, collective feelings of oppression and isolation, loss of identity in the face of overwhelming odds resulting from unavenged injustice. It is a relatively new phenomenon which was recognized by Westerners in the early 20th century, and many attribute its development as being a consequence of the Japanese occupation of Korea and Japan's subsequent belittlement of Korean culture. The point is that the idea that han is a specifically Korean characteristic was adopted and popularized by Koreans in the 20th century. Furthermore, it's difficult to describe or quantify as Koreans will forgive even the gravest sins, kill even for the smallest slights, or lament endlessly over a past han that one has endured or was subjected to, all depending on the shifting reminders of han. While han may be a uniquely Korean characteristic, I personally felt a strong resonance the first time I heard han described to me and I suspect that many Asian American males struggle with a similar set of emotions as a result of unavenged injustices that have been a consequence of living in America.