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| Courtesy of James X |
By David A. Tizzard
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It was a powerful and cathartic moment during which they experienced the universality of human emotions, transcending language and cultural barriers. They found comfort in knowing that they were not alone in their vulnerabilities. Each student had their unique background, cultural upbringing, and life experiences, but in that moment, despite their differences, they could connect on a profound level through the shared experience of cinema.
'Along with the Gods'
The movie was "Along with the Gods," and the students were witnessing its profound expression of 'hyo' (filial piety). The film centers around the journey of a righteous firefighter who unexpectedly finds himself in the afterlife after dying heroically while saving a child from a burning building. The plot follows him undergoing seven different trials in 49 days, each one designed to reflect on his actions and behavior in the world. Throughout the film, themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of actions are explored, weaving a poignant narrative that tugs at the heartstrings of the audience.
Dante's depiction of Hell is structured as nine concentric circles, each representing a different sin and its corresponding punishment. The punishments grow progressively more severe as they approach the center of Hell, where Satan resides. Similarly, for the firefighter, he progresses through the seven trials in order, with the last being the climax, the most important: betrayal, violence, murder, indolence, deceit, injustice, and then, finally, filial impiety (hyo).
Filial impiety refers to the act of showing disrespect, ingratitude, or disobedience towards one's parents or other elders. It is considered a serious moral transgression and social taboo in Confucian cultures, as it goes against the fundamental values of respecting one's ancestors, maintaining family harmony, and upholding social order. To commit filial impiety often involves neglecting parental care, disrespecting or speaking ill of one's parents, disregarding family responsibilities, or engaging in behavior that brings shame or dishonor to the family name.
This is how the journey through the Korean afterlife is portrayed in the movie, with respect to one's parents seen as the final test of one's character, more important than deceit, injustice, or even murder. Your relationship with your mum and dad is the most important facet of your life.
Hyo ― filial piety
In Confucian thought, the family is seen as the basic building block of society, and the proper functioning of the state relies on maintaining harmonious family relationships. Respect for and obedience to one's parents is described as "hyo." Undoubtedly, love for parents is a universal sentiment, yet the significance of filial piety in Korea raises intriguing questions. What sets apart the love for Korean parents from that of Western or African parents?
Filial piety, in essence, goes beyond mere material provisions. If parents give their children lots of money, new cars, and the best education they can provide and their children obey them in return, this is not filial piety. For hyo is a fundamentally moral relationship. For example, while all animals care for their offspring, true filial piety demands respect and warmth, transcending the boundaries of instinctual nurturing. In Confucian thought, it is this that makes us human and separates us from the natural world.
It entails a profound sense of duty from children to their parents, prioritizing their well-being over personal desires. For it is through love and concern for our parents that we find purpose and sustenance in life, making filial duty a form of repayment for the love bestowed upon us.
Cultural differences
Asian societies have long instilled the value of prioritizing family over self in children, leading to a traditionally weaker sense of individualism. This is often reflected in language, mealtimes and control of various electronic devices. Children are made aware of their place in a larger familial system and they are expected to adjust their language and manner accordingly, with the greatest reverence offered to the eldest.
In fact, the strength of a society is believed to hinge upon the harmony within families. When familial bonds are strained, the fabric of society unravels; conversely, strong familial ties contribute to a thriving state. The importance of filial piety transcends even legal norms, embodying a moral compass that guides individuals to uphold family virtue above all else.
Confucian filial piety, in contrast to Western morality, finds its essence within the home, rather than in the metaphysical realm. Biblical teachings emphasize respecting parents and this is one of the Ten Commandments. But is not the first commandment nor is it the most important. One's allegiance to God comes first. This is also seen when some Christians in Korea will refuse to bow at certain ceremonies venerating ancestors or parents because it is only to God who one should bow. Confucian teachings, in contrast, prioritize the sanctity of family relationships, as they form the very bedrock of virtue and social cohesion.
Change
In the past, children relied heavily on their parents for financial support, fostering a strong sense of obligation and loyalty. However, with greater economic independence, the need for filial piety is diminished. This greater access to resources also brings changing values, with young people adopting a noticeably different set of moral standards from previous generations.
And, where collectivism and family loyalty were once paramount, individualism is challenging the traditional values of putting family needs before one's own. As younger generations pursue their own goals and interests, the sacrificial nature of filial piety may wane, impacting the continuity of these values within families. Some government policies and social welfare programs can also inadvertently weaken filial piety. For instance, when the state assumes a larger role in providing for the elderly, it can reduce the burden on individual children, potentially diminishing the sense of filial responsibility. We also wait to see how the changing fertility rate will affect this aspect of Korean life.
Modern Age
The tension between tradition and modernity is as strong here in South Korea as it is anywhere else in the world. Some champion the social change it is witnessing while others will lament the loss of tradition and cohesion. Whatever view one takes, it is important to understand the concept of hyo so you can better gauge what the young are rejecting and the elderly are clinging to.
And for all those students crying as they watched the movie, maybe they had been given a glimpse of what hyo means in Korea and understood it at an emotional level. Or, maybe it was just a well-made movie. The answer is probably somewhere in between.
Dr. David A. Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) has a Ph.D. in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He is a social/cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He is also the host of the Korea Deconstructed podcast, which can be found online.
