Some time ago I saw a report on Korean descendants in Yugaetan who were having a Korean name
ceremony to reconnect with their roots. I knew at that point that Korean names are chosen as a wish to give the child certain
virtues, good luck, etc. so that their names can guide them in life rather than just be
pretty like we do in this part of the world. With that article I also learned that Korean names are chosen to reflect the history of
a family beyond just passing on a last name, like they do when they pass on first name
syllables or integrate a name that matches the meaning of their last name
All of this made me want to have a Korean name. I've realized some parents go for a more occidental take and name their children based on what
they think will be cute and pretty, so names like Sadang, which means love, are not uncommon
And every time I hear them I wonder if those names are meant to be a reminder of something
like an unspoken love letter from their parents or a guide for their lives like the traditional ones
So far I've only seen Sadang being used for females, never for males
And with this in mind I came across the word Jeong, that also means love and affection
but different from Sadang, this one has a third meaning, bond. So I started thinking of all the idols whose names has a Jeong, like Yang Jungin from Stray
Kids and Yoo Jungyeon from Twice. And I wondered if it was a way for parents to show them their love but in a more subtle
way, or to wish them to be surrounded by love, affection and strong bonds throughout
their lives. Either way, from what I'm able to see in the glimpses they share from their lives
I think it worked. I still don't have a Korean name. I've struggled so much trying to get one because I've been trying to do it the occidental way
And now, after all I've learned and seen, I think I need to focus on what I want for
my life, the virtues I want to have, the aspects I want to see prosper later on, and maybe
also the legacy I want to leave behind