Black Day (South Korea)

Black Day (Korean: 블랙데이) is an unofficial holiday observed on April 14th each year in South Korea. It is specifically targeted towards single people who did not receive gifts on the preceding holidays of Valentine's Day and White Day. On Valentine's Day, it is customary for women to give men gifts, while on White Day, men return the favor to women. Black Day serves as an antithesis to these days, focusing on those who did not participate in the exchange of gifts.

Origin and Celebration

The origin of Black Day is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have started in the late 1990s as the popularity of Valentine's Day and White Day grew in South Korea. It was created as a day for singles to come together and commiserate over their single status. Unlike Valentine's Day and White Day, which are centered around couples and the exchange of gifts, Black Day focuses on self-care and the solidarity among singles.

Celebrations on Black Day involve individuals wearing black clothing and gathering to eat jajangmyeon, a Korean noodle dish with a black bean sauce. Jajangmyeon is chosen for its black color, symbolizing the theme of the day. Eating this dish is not only a form of commiseration but also a hopeful act that those participating might not be single by the next Black Day. In addition to eating jajangmyeon, some people also participate in jajangmyeon eating contests, and various events are held that cater to singles, including matchmaking events.

Cultural Significance

Black Day highlights the growing social trend in South Korea of individuals choosing to remain single or delaying marriage. It reflects the changing attitudes towards relationships and marriage, especially among the younger generation. The day has also gained attention for its role in promoting solidarity and companionship among singles, offering a sense of belonging and community.

While some view Black Day as a celebration of singlehood and independence, others see it as a day of reflection and even sadness. This duality showcases the diverse perspectives on love, relationships, and societal expectations in South Korean culture.

Reception

The reception of Black Day is mixed. Some people embrace the day as a fun and unique way to celebrate singlehood, while others criticize it for potentially reinforcing negative feelings associated with being single. Despite these differing views, Black Day continues to be a notable day in South Korea, with increasing media coverage and commercial interest.

Restaurants and businesses capitalize on the day by offering special deals on jajangmyeon and black-themed products. The commercialization of Black Day has led to debates about the over-commercialization of holidays in general and whether the true essence of these days is being lost.

See Also

• Valentine's Day
• White Day
• Jajangmyeon
• Culture of South Korea
• Singles' Day