Koreans are really into MBTI. Yes, I can say that with certainty. We're obsessed with this personality type test that has been around for a long time. If you've watched a few Korean variety shows or Korean YouTube channels, you've probably come across something about MBTI.
Youtube "MBTI" Shorts screenshot
Of course, the fervor for MBTI seems to have subsided somewhat, evolving into a casual greeting like asking about someone's hobbies. There are companies that offer consulting based on MBTI for job seekers, and some companies even ask about applicants' MBTI types during recruitment. Some marriage agencies even check MBTI during their consultation.
There are many controversies about MBTI. Some argue that it's irrational to perceive oneself or others based on just these 16 types, while others find MBTI somewhat trustworthy due to its scientific basis. Some just enjoy it for fun, never being so series about it.
Today, I want to give a general overview of MBTI and explore why this personality type test is trending in Korea.
Korean Namuwiki screenshot with Celebrities MBTI
MBTI stands for Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, developed by novelist Katherine C. Briggs and her daughter Isabel B. Myers, based on Carl Jung's early psychology model. It categorizes personalities into 16 types, providing self-reported assessments.
Photo of Katherine C. Briggs and Isabel B. Myers
The initial manual was published in 1962, and MBTI has since been continuously developed and refined in academia. If you haven't tried it, taking the test might make it easier to understand. As widely known, MBTI classifies personality types into 16 categories, each represented by four letters. (https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test)
1. **First Letter (E or I)**:
- **E** stands for Extraversion: People who prefer Extraversion tend to focus on the outer world of people and things. They are energized by social interaction and enjoy a breadth of activities.
- **I** stands for Introversion: People who prefer Introversion tend to focus on the inner world of thoughts and ideas. They are energized by spending time alone or in small groups and prefer depth over breadth in activities.
2. **Second Letter (S or N)**:
- **S** stands for Sensing: People who prefer Sensing pay attention to information gained through their five senses and focus on concrete details and practical realities. They tend to be realistic and grounded.
- **N** stands for Intuition: People who prefer Intuition pay attention to information gained through patterns, possibilities, and connections. They focus on the big picture and are imaginative and visionary.
3. **Third Letter (T or F)**:
- **T** stands for Thinking: People who prefer Thinking make decisions based on logic and objective analysis. They value fairness and strive for consistency in their decisions.
- **F** stands for Feeling: People who prefer Feeling make decisions based on values, emotions, and empathy. They prioritize harmony and consider the impact of decisions on others' feelings.
4. **Fourth Letter (J or P)**:
- **J** stands for Judging: People who prefer Judging prefer a planned and organized approach to life. They like closure and tend to be decisive, structured, and prefer sticking to plans.
- **P** stands for Perceiving: People who prefer Perceiving prefer a flexible and spontaneous approach to life. They like to keep their options open, adapt to new information, and are comfortable with uncertainty.
So why are Koreans nowadays so enthusiastic about MBTI? Korea has had a similar typology system for a long time: "Blood Type Personality Theory." It's a cultural phenomenon similar to Japan's, where blood types are believed to correspond to certain personality traits. However, MBTI is seen as much more scientific and moderately complex compared to blood typing.
Another traditional typology in Korea is "Four Pillars of Destiny," which analyzes one's fate based on their birth time and the sexagenary cycle. Koreans have long been interested in categorizing themselves and others, regardless of the typology.
조선일보, 김영석 일러스트
Why are millennials and Gen Z particularly obsessed with MBTI? Some attribute it to the influence of the 'VUCA' era, signifying 'Volatility', 'Uncertainty', 'Complexity', and 'Ambiguity'. In an era where everything seems uncertain, simplifying personalities into four letters might provide a sense of stability.
The impact of COVID-19 is also notable. With prolonged isolation, difficulty in job hunting, and decreased social interactions, individuals might be introspecting more about their identities. From a social perspective, sharing MBTI types can quickly build rapport, even in awkward situations like first meetings or blind dates. Critics of Korea's education system argue that there's insufficient emphasis on self-exploration during childhood.
MBTI is not just a passing trend; it's become ingrained in Korean culture, even being actively used in various media platforms. MBTI-themed entertainment shows have even emerged in Korea.
Of course, there are plenty of criticisms against MBTI. Its main flaw lies in oversimplifying individuals into 16 categories, leading to stereotyping and biased judgments. Isabel Myers herself acknowledged its divisive nature, cautioning against using it as a rigid classification.
Negative stereotypes by MBTI types
Moreover, MBTI results can vary depending on the testing situation, and experts suggest that assessments done by third parties might be more accurate. Rather than deeply interpreting MBTI, it's better to understand it as a tool for acknowledging diverse personalities and empathizing with others' traits.
Do your MBTI test, and purchase your own T-Shirt with your MBTI on it!
Have it for yourself, or make a gift for your friend!
We have all the 16 MBTI types!
MBTI T-Shirt / Black
MBTI T-Shirt / White
