The interviewer asked, "What's your family like?" That's what they asked. I heard the international student said, "That's private, so it's hard for me to answer." It's not a wrong thing to say. But the interviewer felt the atmosphere suddenly turn cold, I hear. ## Why Would They Ask Something Like This? Korean companies don't only look at how well you work. They also pay a lot of attention to whether they could work with you every day. In many workplaces, a team eats lunch together and goes out for company dinners too. So they ask about your hometown, family, and hobbies to get to know what kind of person you are. Asking your age is similar. In Korean, the way you speak changes depending on age. You need to know each other's age to decide how to speak to one another. It's not about digging for information; it's closer to a greeting that starts a conversation. ## Answering this way sounds gentler Keep your answer short and then move on to talking about work. "I have parents and a younger sibling. I learned diligence from my parents, and it helps me at work too." Do this, and the interviewer will feel, "This is someone who opens up." ## Some questions are uncomfortable to answer You don't have to answer every question. Questions unrelated to the job, like plans for marriage or having children, can be uncomfortable. The rules of the hiring process are set separately, and they can change. For accurate details, check with the Ministry of Employment and Labor Counseling Center (1350). If someone asks you a question like that, don't get angry. It's fine to smile and answer indirectly. Something like "I'll work hard so it doesn't affect my work" is enough.