Expressing Perseverance Despite Risk In Korean (을/를 무릅쓰고)

The Korean expression A/V + 을/를 무릅쓰고 is used to illustrate enduring suffering or facing significant obstacles before achieving success.

It translates to expressions like ’despite this setback/obstacle’, ’at the risk of N/V-ing’, or ’in the face of N’, effectively capturing the essence of overcoming adversity or taking risks.

Grammar Rule: Adjective/Noun + 을/를 무릅쓰고

Examples of 을/를 무릅쓰고 in various contexts

Here are several sentences demonstrating the use of this grammar structure:

그 선수는 신체 장애를 무릅쓰고 올림픽에서 금메달을 차지했어요.
He won the gold medal in the Olympics despite his physical disability.
과학자는 수많은 실패를 무릅쓰고 백신을 개발했어요.
Scientists have developed vaccines despite numerous failures.
경찰은 위험을 무릅쓰고 총으로 무장한 범죄자를 체포하고 인질 몇 명을 구했어요.
In the face of danger the police arrested the armed criminal and rescued several hostages.
야당의 비난을 무릅쓰고 총리는 24시간 통행 금지 명령을 내렸어요.
Despite the criticism from the opposition party, the prime minister ordered that there be a 24 hour lockdown.
부모님의 반대를 무릅쓰고 두 사람이 결혼했어요.
Despite the opposition of their parents, the couple got married.
폭풍을 무릅쓰고 배가 섬을 향해 출항했어요.
The boat set out for the island despite the storm.
곤란함과 희생을 무릅쓰고 정부가 결국 흑인들에게도 공민권을 주었어요.
Through great hardship and sacrifice, black people were finally granted civil rights by the government.
해고당할 것을 무릅쓰고 회사원이 상사를 경찰에 신고했어요.
At the risk of being fired, the office worker reported his boss to the police.
저는 실례를 무릅쓰고 회의 중에 부장님께 임금 인상을 요청했어요.
I took the liberty of asking the manager for a raise during the meeting.
체포당할 위험을 무릅쓰고 주민들이 정부에 항의했어요.
In spite of the risk of being arrested, the residents protested against the government.

Conclusion

The 을/를 무릅쓰고 construction in Korean is a powerful way to express the idea of overcoming adversity or taking significant risks.

Its use can bring depth and a sense of determination or resilience to your Korean conversations and writings.

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