2026 Idiom of the Year
Complete Review
Exploring the meaning of the 2026 Idiom of the Year "自強不息" (Jagangsigbulsik) and reviewing past selections.
2026 Idiom of the Year
自強不息
Ja-gang-bul-sik
ja
self
gang
strengthen
bul
not
sik
rest
Meaning:
"Never stop strengthening yourself." From the Qian hexagram of the I Ching (Book of Changes), meaning that just as heaven ceaselessly moves, a person of virtue must continuously cultivate themselves.
Why is it the 2026 Idiom of the Year?
Reflects Korea's need for self-strengthening amid rapid AI advancement, political turbulence, and economic uncertainty. A message of overcoming crisis through self-innovation rather than external dependence.
Historical Idioms of the Year (2001~2026)
Selected by Professors' Newspaper · National faculty vote
Never stop strengthening yourself
Harmony without uniformity
Darkness and confusion intensify
Break evil, reveal righteousness
Making mistakes and not correcting them
Cat and mouse together — watchdogs not doing their job
I am right, others are wrong
Two-headed bird — shared fate
Heavy burden, long road ahead
Break evil, reveal righteousness
The ruler is the boat, people are the water
Dark, mediocre, and without principles
2026 Key Idiom Keywords
자강불식 自強不息
Essential self-innovation keyword in the AI era
화이부동 和而不同
Message of diversity respect and social integration
온고지신 溫故知新
ONGO's core value: reinterpreting ancient wisdom with modern technology
견인불발 堅忍不拔
Inner strength to endure uncertain times
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