Problem Rife, Say Locals
The much-publicized court case won by Indian man Bonojit Hussain has sparked a wide-ranging debate on the existence of racism in Korea. In recent weeks, The Korea Times has sought to turn the spotlight on the issue, asking members of different segments of the foreign community here for their views on the matter. Today, three other demographic groups speak out on the issue: those who make up a large chunk of the so-called 3D jobs of the Korean economy; foreigners who are heavily integrated into Korean society; and Koreans themselves.
By Bryan Kay
Staff Reporter
A racially homogenous society, old ways of thinking, fear, the education system, and a history of conflict ― these were among the reasons given by a group of Koreans to explain why their brethren may be seen as racist.
One thing they all agreed upon: Racism is exists, to a greater or lesser degree, in Korean society.
But, some argue, the country is changing, and growing more accepting of members of the foreign community.
Yet, some admit preferential treatment is often given to white people, and Southeast Asians and blacks often bear the brunt of racist overtones.
Speaking to The Korea Times last week on the streets of Myeong-dong, You Jae-ho, an executive advisor at a sign company, was forthright in his opinion of foreigners, specifically immigrant workers employed by his company.
``My company has a factory and there are many (migrant workers). I care nothing for them, I don't care what they eat for lunch,'' he said, adding that Caucasians would be treated better, and with more respect.
The 57-year-old gave the personal example of when a relative married a black South African, a union his entire family opposed.
He said that when they recently visited Korea he refused their overtures to meet in a coffee shop.
``I didn't want to meet them in a public place,'' he said, explaining this was out of fear for what might be thought of his family. ``If I seem more racist it is because of my generation.''
Sociology student Juo Sung-hyun believes racism is a trait more common among older age groups.
``Younger people are less likely to discriminate, but older people are more likely to do so,'' said the 22 year old. ``I would not treat a black or white person differently.''
For 38-year-old maintenance man Kwang Sung-jae, the answer is simple: ``Racism in Korea is prevalent.''
Kwang, acknowledging his own ability to discriminate, said, ``I would think that a white man has a good job and is highly educated, but I would think a black person would not be well-educated and not have as good a job.''
Earlier coverage of the issue has suggested that Koreans do not accept foreigners into their society and communities. This, says Alice Ko, a student, may be true, but it is due to the frailties of the education system.
``Korean people try not to accept foreigners,'' said the 19-year-old. ``Students are taught to focus on Koreans, emphasis is put on Koreans.''
Teacher Jung Eun-young, in her early 30s, admitted Koreans may be seen as racist, but said any prejudice she holds is more focused on non-Korean Asians due to the level of crime they are reported to be involved in.
``Out of a white, a black and Asian person I would fear the Asian the most,'' she said. ``Color makes no difference to me.''
Housewife Yang Hyun-sook said though racism may be apparent in Korea, the situation is improving. ``Korean society has changed to become more accepting of foreigners,'' she added
The homogeneous nature of Korean society and a history riddled with invasion and attack are behind any problem, says software developer Jung Jun-ho.
``We have been invaded and attacked so much in history that how can we be open-minded?'' he said.
``Look at what we learn at school, look at how much we learn to be a homogeneous society, how can we be open-minded?''
Jung said Koreans are taught to think of the West as dominated by white people, and that areas such as Southeast Asia are poor and always in need of aid. He added that this mentality can explain why some foreign communities are treated reverentially and others as inferior.
But Jung believes the increase in foreign actors in Korean television and film will help Koreans become more attuned and, in turn, accepting.
Translator and interpreter Lee Tang-eun says Korea's racism problem can be solved by looking toward Japan.
``There is racism in Korea,'' said the former four-year resident of the island nation. The Japanese treat foreigners much better than Koreans do, Southeast Asians in particular, she added.