
The term “welfie” in Korean, transliterated as “기생수” (gisaengsu), is a slang expression that combines “welfare” and “selfie.” It is often used derogatorily to refer to individuals who are perceived as welfare recipients. The term gained attention in the context of the Netflix series All of Us Are Dead, where it reflects societal attitudes towards poverty and welfare recipients in South Korea.
Context and Usage:
- In the series, a character uses the term to insult another, highlighting prejudices against those on welfare and associating them with negative stereotypes. This reflects broader societal issues regarding the stigmatization of poverty.
- The term can also be found in various online communities, where it is used to criticize or demean individuals based on their socioeconomic status, often framing poverty as a result of personal failure rather than systemic issues.
Overall, “welfie” serves as an example of how language can reflect and perpetuate social biases, particularly against vulnerable populations.