Han

Frequently translated as sorrow, spite, rancor, regret, resentment, or grief, among many other attempts to explain a concept that has no English equivalent. Han is a difficult concept which requires an understanding of the context in which it is used.

“It seems to be a combination of hope and despair at the same time,” says Watt Smith. “It’s a kind of yearning for things to change, but combined with the very grim determination to see things through, even to the very bitter end.”