Korean Proverb : The Crayfish Sides with the Crab

Korean Proverb Series 53

The Crayfish Sides with the Crab
“가재는 게 편이다”
(Gajaneun ge pyeonida)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “가재는 게 편이다” literally means
“The crayfish sides with the crab.”

It humorously describes how people tend to side with those who are similar to them —
in background, interest, or perspective — regardless of what’s right or wrong.
The proverb reflects a timeless truth about human bias and group loyalty,
reminding us that fairness often fades when emotions and relationships interfere.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

▪️ People naturally sympathize with those like themselves.
▪️ However, blind loyalty can distort fairness and justice.
▪️ True integrity means standing with what’s right, not just with “your side.”

This proverb encourages reflection:
are we choosing sides out of truth — or comfort?

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

▪️ In workplaces, colleagues sometimes defend a friend’s mistake instead of correcting it.
▪️ In families or communities, people may protect their own even when they’re wrong.
▪️ In society, favoritism and unfair alliances often cause division.

The proverb reminds us that justice begins
when empathy is guided by principle, not preference.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Birds of a feather flock together.”
　→ People with similar nature stick together.
▪️ China — “物以类聚，人以群分 (Wù yǐ lèi jù, rén yǐ qún fēn).”
　→ “Things gather by kind; people group by type.”
▪️ Japan — “類は友を呼ぶ (Rui wa tomo o yobu).”
　→ “Like attracts like.”
▪️ France — “Qui se ressemble s’assemble.”
　→ “Those who resemble each other, gather together.”

Across cultures, people understand that similarity creates comfort —
but wisdom lies in rising above bias.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Stand not just with those like you —
but with those who stand for what’s right.”

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📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).

Please do not copy without permission.
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