How to Say "It Is What It Is" in Korean

어쩔 수 없지

eojjeol su eopji

The Korean phrase for "it is what it is" is 어쩔 수 없지 (eojjeol su eopji).

This phrase is used to express resignation or acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed.

Meaning: this thing has its own nature (phrase)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, 어쩔 수 없지 means "there is no way to do anything about it" or "there is no way to help it."

The dictionary form of the phrase is 어쩔 수 없다. To make the phrase polite for use with strangers or superiors, change the ending to 어쩔 수 없어요.

eojjeol su eopji

While the phrase expresses resignation, it is frequently used as a social lubricant to avoid blaming others when a mistake happens.
The component 수 in this phrase refers to a 'way' or 'method', derived from the Sino-Korean word for 'hand' (手).
Depending on the context, 어쩔 수 없지 can be used ironically to describe a 'guilty pleasure' that the speaker cannot stop pursuing.

이미 벌어진 일이니까 어쩔 수 없지.
imi beoreojin irinikka eojjeol su eopji.
It already happened, so it is what it is.
상황이 이러니 어쩔 수 없지.
sanghwangi ireoni eojjeol su eopji.
The situation is like this, so it is what it is.
비가 너무 많이 와서 어쩔 수 없지.
biga neomu mani waseo eojjeol su eopji.
It's raining too much, so it is what it is.

Dohyun and Jieun are talking about a cancelled outdoor event due to bad weather.

도현 Do-hyeon

오늘 야외 공연은 취소됐어.
oneul yaoe gongyeoneun chwisodwaesseo.
Today's outdoor performance has been cancelled.
지은 Ji-eun

정말 아쉽지만 어쩔 수 없지.
jeongmal aswipjiman eojjeol su eopji.
It's a shame, but it is what it is.
도현 Do-hyeon

지은 씨가 많이 기대했을 텐데.
Jieun ssiga mani gidaehaesseul tende.
You must have been looking forward to it, Jieun.
지은 Ji-eun

괜찮아, 다음에 보면 돼.
gwaenchana, daeume bomyeon dwae.
It's okay, we can just see it next time.

Sources

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