In the era of remarriage, we ask about the dilemma of gift money and human relationships. > News

The story of a co-worker's concerns about attending a remarriage that recently heated up the online community clearly shows the difference in our society's attitude towards remarriage. When a co-worker who had already attended and congratulated the first wedding announces the news of her remarriage and earnestly requests to attend, it is natural for the other person to feel embarrassed. In particular, the burden of distance, which requires a three-hour round trip, and the psychological gap of having to take care of someone else's remarriage twice while still single are problems that are difficult to resolve easily. The invitation's consideration of "there is no need for a gift" actually puts a burden of courtesy on the attendees, saying "don't you have to pay for the meal?" and acts as a strange psychological pressure that makes it difficult for the invitee to find a reason to refuse.

This controversy also strangely intersects with the public's view of news of remarriages in the entertainment industry. Many celebrities, including Eli, Kang Seong-yeon, and Seo In-young, proudly announce the news of their remarriage and prepare for the new second chapter of their lives, removing the negative label that the word 'divorce' had in the past. Broadcaster Cho Hye-ryeon refers to Lee Gyeong-sil as her 'senior in divorce and remarriage' and the way they exchange advice without hesitation suggests that remarriage is no longer a secret to be hidden, but has become a part of life. However, there is still an unbridgeable river between this open culture in the entertainment industry and the conservative interpersonal relationships in the workplace, and this is where remarriage in the private sphere and coworker relationships in the public sphere collide.

The conflict between etiquette and humane duties in the workplace ultimately boils down to the fundamental question, ‘To what extent should work be viewed as an extension of work?’ From the perspective of the remarried party, they may be eager to announce a new beginning in life and receive blessings, but there is a high risk that this will be seen as excessive emotional labor outside of work to colleagues receiving the invitation. In particular, an appeal such as “Please come as there are likely to be only a small number of attendees” is likely to be read as an unreasonable request to make up for one’s own shortcomings rather than considering the other person’s situation. In the end, although the duty of human relationships should begin with creating an environment in which the other party can willingly express his or her feelings, forced attendance in the name of social custom only results in increasing relationship fatigue.

In conclusion, as the remarriage culture spreads, it is time for a new agreement on 'remarriage etiquette'. The stereotypical gift culture of the past or pressure to attend is no longer valid in today's fragmented human relationships. As much as those who choose to remarry want to be celebrated for their happiness, they must have a mature attitude that first considers the financial and time burden felt by those receiving the invitation. Conversely, those who have been invited should also learn how to respond flexibly and express their beliefs politely, depending on their intimacy with the other person, rather than unconditionally rejecting the invitation. In the end, the core of all human relationships lies in respect and consideration for each other's situations, and remarriage must also be done harmoniously within the scope of that consideration.