-(으)ㄹ 바에야 means "rather than" or "if its going to be like that" - preferring alternative.
Preference - 그럴 바에야 안 하는 게 나아 (rather than that, better not to)
Rejecting worse option - If X, then Id rather Y
Strong preference - Emphatic choice
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Often followed by 차라리, 그냥
Expresses strong opinion about alternatives
Rather than do that, its better not to.
Rather than buying it at a convenience store, I would go to a big supermarket to buy it.
If you're going to worry like this, why don't you just ask them directly?
Rather than cleaning half-heartedly, don't even start.
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