"Korean heart" can refer to several things, depending on the context. The most common meaning is the Korean finger heart gesture, a popular hand gesture.
The Korean Finger Heart Gesture
The Korean finger heart, also known as the finger heart gesture, is a popular hand gesture formed by crossing the thumb and index finger to create a heart shape. This gesture is widely used in South Korea, particularly among K-Pop stars and in Korean dramas, and has spread globally due to the popularity of Korean culture. This gesture is believed to have originated with actress Kim Hye-soo in 2010. It's a common way to express love and affection. The gesture has been a trend since the 1990s. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_heart
- How to make it: Simply overlap your thumb and index finger to form a small heart shape.
- Meaning: It's a non-verbal way of saying "I love you" or expressing affection.
- Popularity: Its popularity stems from its widespread use in Korean pop culture and its simple, easily replicated nature.
Korean Heart in Medical Context
The term "Korean heart" can also, less commonly, refer to research and studies related to cardiovascular health in South Korea. Several studies exist focusing on coronary heart disease (CHD) in Korean populations, highlighting differences in risk factors and outcomes compared to other populations. For instance, one study showed that the Framingham risk function overestimates the risk of CHD in the Korean population. Other research focuses on heart failure statistics and treatment strategies specific to Korea. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9536683/ and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24797348/
Korean Words for "Heart"
The Korean language uses different words to express various aspects of the heart, both literally and metaphorically. The word 심장 (simjang) refers to the anatomical heart, while 마음 (maeum) signifies the emotional or metaphorical heart. 심정 (simjeong) describes unexpressed inner feelings. https://www.reddit.com/r/Korean/comments/1d9vzar/why_are_there_so_many_words_for_heart/
