Imagine a world where the top prize goes not to the fastest or strongest, but to the one who masters the fine art of doing absolutely nothing. This is not fiction; it is a real competition where you can win prizes for zoning out. Welcome to the premise of South Korea's annual 'Space-Out' competition, a quirky yet profound event that celebrates doing nothing.

Space-Out competition

The Space-Out competition was created by a visual artist known as Woopsyang, who experienced severe burnout. Overwhelmed by the anxiety of regularly comparing herself to others, she realized many people might share her desire for genuine quietness. “I wondered why I was so anxious about doing nothing,” Woopsyang exclaimed. “In fact, those people could also be wanting to space out and do nothing like me. So, I created a competition thinking that it would be nice to pause all together at the same place at the same time.”

The competition has expanded beyond South Korea to cities such as Beijing, Rotterdam, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, since its inception in 2014. This growth underscores the universal appeal of finding moments of calm amid the chaos of modern life.

The competition took place recently in Seoul and attracted over 4,000 applicants, with 117 contestants selected to compete. The participants, spanning from the age group of second-grade children to people in their 60s, were assigned to remain motionless and silent for 90 minutes. The tasks? No sleeping, phone-checking, or talking allowed. The winner is determined by examining heart rates and audience votes, with the participant having the most stable heart rate among the top 10 favorites taking home the trophy.

This year’s winner, Kwon So-a, a freelance announcer handling multiple jobs, highlighted the competition's appeal to those burdened by their busy lives. Kwon So-a stated, “Especially here in Korea, it’s such a competitive country, where people think that if they do nothing they are a little behind. I think everyone has to have their own pace and sometimes just slow down.”

Among this year’s participants was Kwak Yoon-gy, a 34-year-old speed skater and double Olympic silver medalist. Having spent most of his life in intense training, Kwak saw the competition as a rare occasion to rest. “I tried out for the Olympics five times and have never taken a proper rest while training for 30 years,” he said. “I heard this place is where I can clear my mind and rest at least during this time, so I came here thinking, ‘Wow, this is what I needed so much.’” Kwak’s participation and third-place finish highlight the event’s allure to individuals from all walks of life seeking relief from their demanding routines.

Space-Out Competition
Source: Mainstand

The competition's effects extend beyond the 90 minutes of enforced stillness. For many participants, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental and physical relaxation. “Doing nothing is good for your mental and physical health because your body has to relax, but your body can only relax when your brain relaxes,” Kwon So-a emphasized. This sentiment resonates with many who find solace in simply being, free from the pressures to perform or produce.

As the Space-Out competition proceeds to gain popularity, it challenges societal norms that equate busyness with productivity and success. Woopsyang described the event as a form of performance art, where the stillness of the contestants contrasts with the movement of the audience. “Although the contestants are staying still inside the competition venue, the audience is constantly moving around,” she noted, indicating the visual and conceptual dichotomy at the heart of the event.

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