#KR has just surpassed #Spanish on Steemit concerning use frequency. Even a month ago, #KR was nowhere to be seen on the hashtag list. There are a number of posts currently flying around with speculation, accusation, and overall misconception of why this is the case, why #kr posts generate a high amount of STEEM compared to number of views, and overall what the heck is going on with the group. I want to spend this post to not only celebrate the exponentially growing community but also to shed some light on the community's inner workings/ambitions. 

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmR4zBH29eUizC3hvM3wnXkezWPqYRSpD3J6jY4CABb2VJ/image.png)
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## <center>The Stakes are High for Korean Users</center>
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Steemit is obviously in part a platform to make money off of content, but the motivation behind many KR profiles is what the platform offers us socially and culturally. If you've read any of my previous Korea-centric posts, you probably have at least some idea that the Korean society right now is a state of high friction. Younger generations have little freedom in pursuing what they want to study or work towards. Adults and the elderly are left in a limbo state without access to thriving new cultures or general community support. Every demographic is struggling under the the Zeitgeist of “Hell Joseon” where unreasonable societal pressures and a monopoly-based economy smashes individuals under an iron fist. 

So many KR users are such individuals – people who want to carve out an energetic and optimistic community that supports their own livelihoods, even to the point of personal financial investment. And it shows. They are some of the most prolific posters and commenters on this platform and I, as a Korean-American formerly alienated from this culture, have learned a tremendous amount from them and have formed robust social relationships that encourage me to be a better community member. 

## <center>The KR Community Maintains High Critique of Post Quality</center>
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There are an incredible amount of posts dedicated to the content output of the group. Users like @woo7739 are adamant that Koreans should strive to produce content that is unique, valuable, and extensive, referencing prolific users like @heiditravels and @sweetsssj.

A good subset of the community is also hostile to posts that are simple STEEM-chasers with plagiarized images without content, just a few pictures without explanation, and seemingly “meaningless” reposts or “thoughtless” product pictures. They've gone to even oust users who aren't  writing their posts in Korean and simply Google Translating their words to gain the #kr vote. 

## <center>Communal Gain = More Individual Gain</center>
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Even without the upcoming **Communities** feature, the KR community has mobilized to implement programs and profiles dedicated to helping the community grow – curating good content, making new profiles feel welcome, and highlighting potential talent within the group. @Yoonjang0707 maintains a *daily* awareness post for the group of new content. @Woo7739 and @Leesunmoo inform the group on crypto updates.  @Dubi reintroduces Korean members into the circle. @Sochul started doing an awards program for high-quality content producers. @Clayop represents the groups interests and advocates on the community's behalf. 

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTWGDmXbLXs1noyGtqoQpHGnLhZLMJXoUspnPZxQpkXHv/image.png)
###### - @yoonjang0707's *daily* curation posts
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All of these have led to a thriving, supportive subgroup of Steemit. None of the aforementioned users try to only put forward their personal agenda. They have crafted a place where the sum is more than its parts. 

## <center>The KR Community Welcomes You</center>
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I don't want to speak on behalf of all Korean users but there is great conversation about how the community members, most of whom have only ever written in Korean, want to engage the general Steemit community more. A world of language and cultural difference stands between many Steemians but the intent is there. I personally hope this happens and will try my best, through bilingual posts and other members' translations, to relay that sentiment. 

At least from my limited perspective, nothing that is happening regarding upvotes and payouts are malicious or mischievous. There are definitely some users who are using their investment as pump-and-dump schemes and the community is responding accordingly. 

Again, I want to emphasize that the Korean community is open to more international members engaging the group. I believe the #KR group is really using the platform to its fullest social potential and there is much to share with everyone on Steemit.

Just [please don't just app-translate your words](https://steemit.com/community/@hansikhouse/is-google-translating-your-post-a-viable-way-to-earn-steem) without editing...

![worldcupsteemit.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmRPPeCHPVxqEihCH9Kp9sTfWiF8sqj3h8k8MuhscpH8u3/worldcupsteemit.jpg)
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