-는 바람에
because (something unexpected) happened
Level 3 · Connective
Explanation
An unexpected cause leading to a usually negative, unintended result. Attaches to verb stems as -는 바람에, even for past events. The main clause is in the past and cannot be a command, suggestion or plan.
Examples
알람이 안 울리는 바람에 지각했어요.
My alarm didn't go off, so I was late.
갑자기 비가 쏟아지는 바람에 옷이 다 젖었어요.
It suddenly poured, so my clothes got soaked.
휴대폰을 떨어뜨리는 바람에 화면이 깨졌어요.
I dropped my phone and the screen cracked.
TOPIK note
A favourite of TOPIK II Reading 1–2 (grammar gap) and 3–4 (similar to -는 탓에, -아/어서).