Abstract

From conceptual and empirical analyses, eight themes can be extracted. First, chemyon is literally the appearance or surface of one's self. Self-esteem need not be contingent upon the perception of others. Social esteem, however, is closely tied to chemyon. Second, chemyon is important to person of high social status. Conversely, chemyon is not important for those who have low status. Third, chemyon is regulated by social norms and rules of propriety. A person must behave in accordance with his or her cosial position. Acting in a manner contrary to one's position could result in the loss of chemyon. Those who are in high social positions are required by society to act in a manner that is befitting of that position. Fourth, chemyon can be maintained by oneself, or enhanced by others. Maintaining chemyon thus constitutes a social action carefully orchestrated by oneself or with the assistance of a partner in front of an audience. Firth, individuals can reveal their social status through chemyon behavior. By a chemyon act or by using status symbols, individual induce others to notice their social position. Another person can suggest or imply the partner's social status by his or her behavior toward the target person. Another person causes a loss of chemyon, then it could be perceived as a grave error or as a punishment for the target person Sixth, the concept of chemyon implies basic etiquette and exchange rules in social relations. In Western countries politeness is an important exchange rule. In korea, modesty is an important exchange rule, It is better to have an accomplice one's face than to do it by oneself. Seventh, when chemyon is maintained, one's prestige is also maintained. Conversely, the loss of chemyon incur a loss of dignity. Chemyon can be lost if one's behavior becomes vgry formalized and hypocritical. It is important to maintain chemyon at an appropriate level, with a touch of modesty. Eighth, chemyon needs to be maintained mainly in formal and public setting. If chemyon is rigidly observed even among close friends, the relationship will be strained. Ninth, chemyon is important in a society where one must be aware of others and their perceptions. In individualistic and egalitarian society such as the United States, chemyon plays a less significant role than in Korean society. In the United States chemyon is often regarded as excessive formalism and hypocrisy. In Confucian societies, it is an essential social ingredient. Confucianism stress that individuals have a particular status and role, and they must behave in a manner consistent with that particular status and role.