Abstract

This research examined the role of emotions associated with upward social comparison processes in Korean's lives. Three emotions, i.e., buroum (benign envy), sisem (malicious envy), and jiltu (jealousy) were compared. Especially, this research focuses on buroum, an equivalent to "benign envy," and tries to demonstrate its distinct characteristics and its unique contribution to subjective well-being and psychological lives of Koreans. Compared to sisem or jiltu, buroum was found to be experienced more frequently and was perceived as more socially desirable; however, it was still negatively associated with psychological characteristics that were relevant to subjective well-being. Furthermore, examination on the perception of the comparison target indicated that buroum, compared to sisem, was directed toward someone who was close to them or whom they desired to be close. It suggests that buroum might serve a social function of managing relational harmony and strengthening social ties in interdependent culture. This research suggests to bring benign envy back into focus and emphasizes the necessity to understand the role and meanings of buroum in Koreans' affective experiences.