Required Over-conformity: Emerging Adulthood and Disability in Tight Korean Culture

Authors

Eunyoung Jung, State University of New York Cortland
Ji-Ryun Kim, State University of New York Cortland

DOI

10.5703/1288284318471

Abstract

This research examines what Korean young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) perceive as important parts of their lives, and the impact Korean culture has on their adulthood. The researcher interviewed nineteen participants with IDD in South Korea, ranging in age from nineteen to thirty-four years. A semi-structured qualitative interview was conducted to collect data. An inductive thematic data analysis identified three key themes: family-oriented lives with “constraints,” conformity to behavioral norms, and living for others. This article discusses how Korean culture impacts the emerging adulthood of young adults with IDD.

Recommended Citation

Jung, Eunyoung and Kim, Ji-Ryun (2025) "Required Over-conformity: Emerging Adulthood and Disability in Tight Korean Culture," KAUPA Letters: Vol. 12 : Iss. 3, Article 10.
DOI: 10.5703/1288284318471
Available at: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/kaupa/vol12/iss3/10