By Hyo Rim LeeThe recent controversy involving the leader of the K-pop group 2PM, has been regarded by the majority of Koreans as, primarily, a celebrity scandal. Yet, what seems to be a mere story about the rise and downfall of another pop star, in fact, brings to light a whole new set of fundamental issues that beg scrutiny: tolerance and diversity in Korean society.
The most common criticism that the protagonist of the fiasco, Jae-beom, seemed to have faced is the following one: if this kid chose to live and work in Korea, he should have embraced the culture and its people, instead of writing hate comments on his blog.
When considering this statement, it is important to bear in mind the fact that, although Jae-beom was born in America and culturally raised as American, racially, he was Korean. This meant that because he looked Korean and had Korean parents, there was a much higher expectation for him to quickly adapt to his new settings and rapidly ``become fully Korean."
In a highly homogenous society such as Korea, people not only expect immigrants such as Jae-beom to immediately integrate, people also make the assumption that cultural assimilation (an individual adopting the aspects of a dominant culture, such as its religion, language, norms, values etc.) is a smooth and simple process.
They seem to forget that assimilating to a new culture and environment is, first of all, a process ― a long and overwhelming one, which requires time and effort. And the effort must not only come from those integrating but it must also come from the locals, who have the duty to facilitate the process of integration.
Still, for those accusing Jae-beom of ``betrayal," they should understand that when this kid initially settled in Korea, he was American and probably knew little about Korea. And that, possibly, his hash comments were written during a period of time in which he had been going through immense pressure to suddenly rework and readapt his views, perceptions and lifestyle (not to mention that he was also undergoing an arduous JYP training program).
If the public was inconsiderate and unforgiving in forcing him to leave, then it is possible that this kind of intolerant mindset is widespread and even permissible in Korean society.
Now let's consider the reverse situation. What about the attitude of Korean migrants settling in other countries? Are Koreans born and bred in Korea willing to fully assimilate to foreign cultures? In fact, would they even be expected to do so by the receiving society? Let's take as an example one of the largest Korean communities abroad: that in California.
Do Koreans, when in California, do as the Californians? Certainly, they abide by the local laws, adapt at a basic level, and second and third generation immigrants eventually do integrate; but it is undeniable to say that there has been a tendency for first generation Korean immigrants to move only within their comfort zone areas, i.e., Korea Town. The attitude of Koreans settling abroad doesn't compare to Jae-beom's successful efforts to become part of Korean society.
California is not a single case, from diaspora groups settled in Argentina to Mongolia, Korean immigrants settle in foreign countries by creating their own hybrid versions of home. Not to mention their sense of long-distance nationalism.
Let's recall how Koreans abroad express absolute and unconditional support for the Korean football team in every single World Cup. Are they considered traitors? Are they forced to leave? Koreans' expectations of others at home seem ironically contradictory from their attitudes abroad.
Complete assimilation, total reluctance to integrate, full acceptance of difference; none of these extreme standpoints are useful in building a diverse and cohesive society.
Instead, equal measures of effort and a desire to find a middle ground of conviviality are needed on both sides. And, in a highly homogeneous country such as South Korea, where ideas regarding the integration of ethnic or cultural difference are rarely seriously discussed, society must not only think twice when judging those coming from different places, but also place a special emphasis on trying to foster a tolerant and respectful society.
The writer has recently completed a master's degree in global politics at the London School of Economics. She is currently residing in London and can be reached at veronicalee85@hotmail.com.
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