This is the 6891st most frequent Korean word.
있었으면서
"있었으면서" means "while having existed" or "while being present."
The phrase "있었으면서" is used to indicate that someone had been present at a particular time and context, emphasizing an action or inaction during that situation.
그 자리에 있었으면서 아무 말씀도 하지 않았어요.
Even though you were present at the scene, you didn't say a word.
Here, "있었으면서" conveys that a specific issue existed, highlighting the expectation of an action based on awareness of the situation.
문제가 있었으면서 왜 저에게 알려주지 않았나요?
Even though there was a problem, why didn't you inform me?
In this sentence, "있었으면서" refers to the availability of an opportunity, stressing the neglect or failure to act upon it.