American here, I have questions about the Korean age system for Koreans

Hi, so, I don’t know anyone who is Korean IRL, but I’ve always been interested in learning about random cultural facts from other countries. Recently, that has been South Korea for me. I know around 2022-2023 there was a law passed where the government switched to using international age, which I assume makes it easier for legal documentation and such. For someone I just find it really fascinating. I understand that age is a very integral aspect of the Korean language and with social interactions.

I’m curious to know, how important is the Korean age system still in 2024? In a casual setting meeting strangers, on social media profiles, with potential friends, dating, etc, do you still default to Korean age if someone asks (your age, not the specific birthdate)?

I saw something on YouTube, where someone used their international age in a professional work setting when a higher-up asked their age while signing papers, howeve, they used their Korean age on Instagram speaking casually to fans of theirs. So it seems like both are equally important?

Do you think the Korean age system will completely fade away (if it hasn’t started already with the younger generation), or is it still important and integral to society? Or do some Koreans not care about using international age at all, and stick to the Korean system in regular everyday life if they don’t travel or speak with foreigners?

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