Introduced to South Korea in 1990, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) gained momentum in 2020, coinciding with the Covid-19 outbreak and increasing social estrangement experienced by citizens.

No longer confined to mere entertainment, the MBTI has transformed into a significant factor influencing unemployment rates in South Korea.

Much of this can be attributed to stereotypical views held by the majority of Koreans regarding specific MBTI types as well as a tendency for categorization.

Part of the blame lies with Korea’s collectivist society, which contrasts with the individualistic cultures prevalent in most Western societies.

Consequently, MBTIs and other categorizations, such as blood type personality types and zodiac sign personality types (referred to as “ddi” in Korean), have caused a hype over the years compared to Western cultures.

In terms of unemployment rates, numerous companies and shops in South Korea are discouraging certain MBTI types from applying for jobs.

There is a particular bias against ‘I’ (introverts).

For example, the job search site ‘Albamon’ updated its qualification standards, prohibiting INFPs, INTPs, and INTJs from applying.

A cafe in Mapo-gu even specified a preference for applicants with ‘E’ (extraverted) tendencies.

While some understand the MBTI hype in Korea, others argue that a simple, entertaining test like the MBTI should not be a recruitment standard..

As the problem of job hiring based on MBTI has intensified in recent years, various foreign media and news outlets have started to recognize this social issue in Korea.

The popularity of MBTI in South Korea can be partially attributed to the country’s cultural background, where collectivism is preferred over individualism, contrasting with many Western nations.

The younger generation, in particular, has been significantly impacted by this issue, with many prioritizing the MBTI test to determine their roles within society and using it as a guide to overcome obstacles.

Additionally, for those who have been experiencing anxiety and depression since the COVID-19 outbreak, the MBTI test has long served as an assurance that they are not alone in coping with these mental issues.

As of now, MBTI is a hot trend, with various people embracing it at different levels.

For instance, fans of K-dramas and idols have connected and formed bonds through social media by analyzing the MBTIs of their biases.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the MBTI test is not backed up by accurate or essentially reliable scientific research.

According to Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, the characteristics measured by the test do not determine a person’s happiness in a given situation, job performance, or marital happiness.

Developed by Katherine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, neither of whom had professional psychology training, the MBTI lacks standardization procedures, reliability testing, validity testing, or peer review.

In conclusion, South Korea’s MBTI craze has led to unfavorable experiences for many citizens in employment interviews.

Yet, the accuracy and reliability of the MBTI test are questionable when considering the unique nature of human personalities.

Jooha Roh 
Grade 9
Korea International School