How to Solve Startup Conflicts Like a Pro

Hello! This is [Maeil Hangul], here to upgrade your Korean skills to the next level!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for anyone working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment: mediating and resolving workplace conflicts. This is especially useful if you’re interested in the Korean startup scene.

You might be thinking, “Isn’t this a bit advanced?” Not for you! As C1 learners, you’re ready to handle complex social and professional interactions. And lately, the Korean startup ecosystem is booming! With this rapid growth comes intense pressure and something we call “성장통” (seongjangtong – growing pains), which often leads to team disagreements. Mastering these phrases will not only make you a valuable team player but also show a deep understanding of Korean professional etiquette.

Let’s get started!

Core Expressions for Conflict Resolution

Here are some key phrases to help you navigate disagreements like a seasoned professional.

1. 입장 차이 (ipjang chai)

• Romanization: [Ipjjang chai]
• English Meaning: A difference in position/perspective.
• Detailed Explanation: This is a neutral and professional way to describe a disagreement. Instead of saying “we disagree” or “you’re wrong,” which can sound confrontational, “입장 차이” frames the issue as a simple difference in viewpoints. It’s an essential term in business negotiations, debates, and mediations as it acknowledges the validity of both sides without placing blame.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  • Notice the first word is 입장 but the Romanization is [Ipjjang]. This is due to a pronunciation rule called 된소리되기 (tensification). When a syllable ending in a stop consonant (like ‘ㅂ’ in ‘입’) is followed by certain consonants (like ‘ㅈ’ in ‘장’), the second consonant becomes tensed. So, ‘ㅈ’ (j) is pronounced as the stronger, tensed ‘ㅉ’ (jj). It creates a sharper, more defined sound. Practice saying it with a little more force: “ip-jjang”!

2. 오해를 풀다 (ohaereul pulda)

• Romanization: [Ohaereul pulda]
• English Meaning: To clear up a misunderstanding.
• Detailed Explanation: “오해” means misunderstanding, and “풀다” literally means “to untie” or “to solve.” This beautiful metaphor suggests that a misunderstanding is like a tangled knot that needs to be carefully undone. It’s a proactive phrase used when you want to initiate a conversation to resolve confusion and restore a positive relationship.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  • This is a great example of 연음 (liaison). The last consonant of a syllable, ‘ㄹ’ (l) in ‘해’, moves over to the next empty syllable ‘를’. So, instead of pronouncing it as “o-hae / reul,” you should blend them smoothly into [o-hae-reul]. This makes your Korean sound much more fluid and natural.

3. 중재안을 제시하다 (jungjaeaneul jesihada)

• Romanization: [Jungjaeaneul jesihada]
• English Meaning: To propose a mediation plan / a compromise.
• Detailed Explanation: This is a formal and solution-oriented phrase. “중재안” refers to a proposal for mediation or a middle-ground solution, and “제시하다” means to present or suggest. You would use this when you are acting as a third party or when you want to formally propose a concrete solution to end a dispute between two parties.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  • Let’s focus on the vowels here. In Korean, it’s crucial to pronounce each vowel clearly. For example, in 제시 (jesi), the ‘ㅔ’ (e) and ‘ㅣ’ (i) are distinct sounds. Avoid gliding them together like in the English word “jessie.” Pronounce it clearly as [je-si]. This precision is a hallmark of an advanced speaker.

Example Dialogue

Let’s see how these expressions work in a real startup scenario. Here, Team Leader Kim is mediating a conflict between two developers, Minjun and Sora, over a new feature launch.

A: 김 팀장 (Team Leader Kim)
B: 민준 씨 (Minjun)

A: 민준 씨, 소라 씨와 이야기 좀 해봤어요. 두 분 사이에 입장 차이가 있는 것 같네요. 프로젝트 마감일 때문에 생긴 문제죠?
(Minjun-ssi, I spoke with Sora-ssi. It seems there’s a difference in perspective between you two. It’s an issue that arose because of the project deadline, right?)

B: 네, 팀장님. 저는 안정성이 더 중요하다고 생각하는데, 소라 씨는 빠른 출시를 우선으로 생각해서요. 서로 답답했던 것 같아요.
(Yes, Team Leader. I believe stability is more important, but Sora thinks a fast launch is the priority. I think we were both frustrated with each other.)

A: 충분히 이해해요. 우선 서로의 의도를 잘못 생각한 부분이 없는지 오해를 풀어야 해요. 제가 두 분의 의견을 절충할 중재안을 제시해 볼게요. 이따 회의실에서 같이 보죠.
(I completely understand. First, we need to clear up any misunderstandings about each other’s intentions. I will try to propose a compromise that balances both of your opinions. Let’s meet in the conference room later.)

B: 네, 알겠습니다. 감사합니다, 팀장님.
(Okay, I understand. Thank you, Team Leader.)

Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive

In Korean work culture, especially in more traditional companies, direct confrontation is often avoided to maintain harmony (조화) and save face (체면). While startups are generally more open, this underlying cultural context is still influential.

Using a neutral term like “입장 차이” is a perfect example of this. It depersonalizes the conflict, focusing on the “positions” rather than the “people.” This allows for a discussion without making anyone feel personally attacked, which is crucial for maintaining good team dynamics.

Furthermore, the act of a senior member or team leader stepping in to “제시하다 a 중재안” is very common. This reflects a hierarchical yet responsible leadership style where the leader takes charge of resolving disputes to ensure the team moves forward. If you find yourself in a Korean startup, observing how leaders mediate conflicts will teach you a lot about the company’s specific culture. Successfully navigating these situations using nuanced language will mark you as someone with high “눈치” (nunchi)—the subtle art of reading social situations.

Let’s Wrap Up & Practice!

Today, we learned some advanced C1-level expressions crucial for resolving conflicts in a Korean professional setting. Remember these key phrases:

• 입장 차이: A diplomatic way to say “a difference in opinion.”
• 오해를 풀다: The first step to resolution—”to clear up a misunderstanding.”
• 중재안을 제시하다: A proactive move—”to propose a compromise.”

Now, it’s your turn to practice!

1. Fill in the blank:

갈등을 해결하기 위한 첫 단계는 대화를 통해 서로의 ________ 푸는 것이다.
(The first step to resolving a conflict is to clear up each other’s _______ through conversation.)

2. Sentence Making:

Imagine your colleague is upset about a comment you made. How would you initiate a conversation to fix the situation using one of the phrases we learned today?

Share your answers in the comments below! Using these expressions will make you sound not just fluent, but culturally and professionally intelligent. 화이팅