Waking up in Seoul in the Year of the Monkey, I once again ponder on the future of Korea in accordance with the Chinese zodiac. I am far from superstitious, and yet it surely is fun and even enlightening to compare the Korean people’s character traits to those of the symbolic animal of the year.


Sometimes, I am amused to find people who strongly resemble the animal of the year in which they were born. My father, who was born in the Year of the Monkey, is very agile and dexterous. Although he is 96, he still walks more briskly than me and is a jack of all trades. I was born in the Year of the Ox and indeed work strenuously and tenaciously just like an Ox that plows in the field. Meanwhile, my wife, who was born in the Year of the Dragon, can turn me into a chunk of scorched beefsteak in an instant with her fiery breath.           

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Monkey is clever and witty, curious and mischievous, energetic and sprightly. These traits seem to nicely coincide with those of the Korean people. Indeed, Koreans are known to be clever, playful and energetic. For example, no matter what kind of rules and regulations the Korean government imposes on them, the citizens can immediately conjure up some way to nullify them. Koreans are also good at practical jokes and amusing puns. And no one can deny the sheer determination and energy Koreans have displayed as they achieved miraculous economic success, developed cutting-edge technology, and attained cultural prominence as witnessed by the popularity of hallyu. Moreover, just like monkeys, Koreans are curious by nature. That is why Koreans tend to poke their noses into other people’s business and often meddle in their affairs, though inadvertently.

More specifically, 2016 is the Year of the Red Monkey. The Red Monkey or the Red Fire Monkey is known to be active and aggressive, impulsive and reckless. These traits, too, correspond to those of the Korean people. Indeed, Koreans tend to be dynamic and vibrant, but at the same time impetuous and uncontrolled at times. Like the Red Monkey, Koreans also display the trait of being flamboyant. According to the Chinese zodiac, the weaknesses of Red Monkeys include being egotistic, arrogant and restless. Likewise, Koreans often exhibit the same weaknesses, lacking altruism, modesty and serenity.  

The Chinese horoscope also states that the Red Monkey, with its agility and impulsiveness, often leaps where angels fear to tread. In 2016, I hope South Korea can leap where eagles dare and control whatever situation it is in, for example, in the cross fire between China and Japan or between China and the United States. I hope South Korea acts swiftly with the monkey’s agility in order to get out of the quagmire that the recent international tension has created in East Asia. And, I hope South Korea can skillfully navigate the perilous sea of international politics with the monkey’s shrewdness and agility.

There are other things to consider. The Korean people should channel their energy in the right direction and Koreans should learn to be patient and think twice before taking action. Also, Koreans should free their minds from all emotional baggage, including past grudges, which keep them from soaring into the future. Koreans should use their creative energy and irrepressible curiosity to solve the problems they now face. For that purpose, they should boldly think the unthinkable and imagine the unimaginable.  

Chinese astrology predicts that “In 2016, things will get accomplished, but largely through personal and individual efforts. Group movements, such as political upheaval or revolutions, will not make a mark during this year.” I hope the prophecy turns out to be true in Korea, and that, in 2016, there are no more factional brawls, ideological skirmishes, and massive workers’ demonstrations in this land, which will annihilate the whole nation eventually, if unleashed. As the above quote states, nothing will be accomplished by group movements such as violent demonstrations which are South Korea’s chronic social disease.   

Monkeys are also very good at communication and collaboration. They respect hierarchy and social order. They come up with unconventional solutions to solve old problems, proving that they are inventive and creative, even though they are excellent imitators. Likewise, in the Year of the Monkey, Koreans, too, should respect law and order as well as social hierarchy. Like monkeys, Koreans, too, should try to communicate and collaborate with each other, instead of being antagonistic to others. In 2016 Koreans should stop ideological scuffles once and for all. In addition, Koreans should stop being imitative and be inventive and creative instead, in order to not only survive but also thrive in the global market of infinite competition.

In the Year of the Monkey 2016, I hope South Korea can overcome crises, both internal and external, by restoring the potential of the peninsula and take initiatives to this effect not only in East Asia but also in the world.

By Kim Seong-kon

Kim Seong-kon is a professor emeritus of English at Seoul National University and the president of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea. — Ed.