The art of letting go: The superpowers I tried to escape | Heejae Jeong | TEDxKorea University

Cultural & Societal Observations - South Korea faces immense pressure for perfection, measured by university prestige, salary, job title, and even apartment brand, impacting individual happiness [7] - South Korea has the highest suicide rate among OECD countries, with suicide being the leading cause of death for teenagers, accounting for nearly half of all teen deaths in 2023 [8] - Despite high rankings in university enrollment (75%)[9], global economy (14th), innovation (6th), and culture/art (7th), South Korea ranks low (52nd) in the World Happiness Report [9] - The "nuni" culture in Korea, a constant awareness of others' perceptions, creates pressure to conform and avoid standing out [4][22] - Korean students spend an average of 42 hours a week in private education (Hwan Crime Schools), 18 hours more than the OECD average [5] Personal & Professional Development - The speaker's experience in an international school in Thailand highlighted the importance of understanding over rote memorization [11] - An internship in the US exposed the speaker to a culture that values individual choice, questioning, and experimentation [14][15][16] - The speaker's journey to obtain a work visa involved multiple attempts, showcasing resilience and grit rooted in Korean cultural habits [18][23][24][25] Business & Entrepreneurial Insights - Silicon Valley's culture of launching early, iterating in public, and failing fast contrasts with the pursuit of perfection in Korea [19] - Programs designed to help startups go global often follow templates instead of pursuing genuine insights [20] - The speaker launched a startup focused on inclusivity and cultural connection, aiming to bridge the gap between Korean and global perspectives [21]