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The Judges in the Darkness, Wielding Hate Instead of Law

그날 밤, 공포는 경찰이 아닌 이웃의 얼굴로 다가왔다충북 음성, 한적한 골목길에서 어둠을 뚫고 나온 것은 경찰의 제복이 아닌 분노로 일그러진 이웃들의 얼굴이었다. 아무런 이유 없이 팔목을 붙잡고 “너 불법체류자지?”라며 위협적인 목소리가 쏟아져 나온 순간, 법과 질서는 연기처럼 사라졌다. 기댈 곳 하나 없는 타국 땅에서 그들이 마주한 것은 국가의 공권력이 아니라 개인들이 휘두르는 폭력과 증오였다. 그날 밤, 공포는 날카로운 칼날이 되어 그들의 영혼을 깊숙이 베었다.불안은 증오로, 증오는 그들만의 정의로모든 것의 시작은 ‘불안’이었다. 일자리를 빼앗길지도 모른다는 막연한 두려움, 낯선 이웃들의 증식에 대한 공포는 시간이 흐르며 견고한 증오로 바뀌었다. 소통과 이해 대신 ‘우리’와 ‘그들’을 가르는 담장을 높이 쌓았다. 그리고는 스스로 ‘정의의 심판자’를 자처하며 법의 경계를 자의적으로 넘나들었다. 그들이 가한 폭력은 우리 사회가 외면했던 불안과 무관심이 만들어낸 비극적인 자화상이었다.흐릿해진 경계, 우리 안의 야만과 마주하다이번 사건은 단순히 몇몇 개인의 일탈이 아니다. 우리 사회 가장 연약한 곳에 숨겨져 있던 차별과 혐오의 민낯이 여실히 드러난 순간이다. ‘다름’을 ‘틀림’으로 규정하고 이웃을 잠재적 범죄자로 낙인찍는 위험한 시선이 공동체의 신뢰를 어떻게 파괴하는지 명확히 보여주었다. 법치라는 사회적 약속이 한순간에 무너진 자리에서, 우리 안의 차가운 야만과 마주해야만 했다.부서진 거울에 비친 우리, 내일은 어떤 얼굴을 마주할까가해자들은 법적 심판을 받겠지만, 그들이 남긴 상처와 질문은 우리 모두에게 남았다. 이제 우리는 이 땅에서 함께 살아가는 이웃의 안전을 더 이상 외면할 수 없다. 증오가 아닌 공존을, 배제가 아닌 통합을 이야기해야 할 때다. 부서진 거울에 비친 우리 사회의 뒤틀린 모습을 바로잡지 않는다면, 또 다른 어둠 속에서 누군가는 법이 아닌 증오의 심판을 마주하게 될지도 모른다.

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A long time ago
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The harsh reality of international students becoming "cheap labor"

Youth Trading Desks for Restaurants, and Rubber Gloves for Pens4 AM Alarms, the Weariness of Kimchi Spreading in the Lecture HallThe professor's voice fades into a distant hum. The lingering smell of oil and the damp fatigue from the restaurant kitchen last night seem to seep onto the lecture hall desks. A, a foreign student barely past twenty, struggles with heavy eyelids, but the fear of being expelled if he dozes off keeps him awake. The first things he learned upon arriving in Korea weren't fluent Korean, but how to stay awake and how to calculate hourly wages for strenuous labor. The dream of learning in Korea has faded, replaced by the heavy reality of survival pressing down on his shoulders.The Promise of the Korean Dream Crumbles Before the Rent BillThe excitement of that day he landed at Incheon Airport, full of high hopes, is still vivid. However, the Korea of dazzling K-POP and dramas was nowhere to be found. Expensive tuition fees and suffocating living costs quickly depleted his bank account, and the resolve to 'focus on academics' crumbled helplessly before the monthly rent notices. Ultimately, he found himself knocking on the door of an illegal job placement agency in a dark alley. Trapped in the shackles of 12-hour workdays without even minimum wage, his textbooks have long become relics gathering dust.Ivory Towers of Intellect, Names Reduced to Numbers in the ShadowsFor some universities, these students are no longer precious talents pursuing knowledge. They are merely a 'means' to fill financial gaps, just 'numbers' paying tuition. Indiscriminate recruitment of foreign students with the attitude of "as long as the enrollment quota is met" leaves them exposed and vulnerable on the streets. How much attention are we paying as a society to the fact that countless young dreams are being bruised under the high walls of ivory towers—places that should be sanctuaries of learning—under the guise of 'cheap labor'?The Weight of the Dreams We Ignored, Questioning Korea's TomorrowToday, someone is heading to a construction site instead of a lecture hall, to a cold storage facility instead of a library. Is the prosperity of a knowledge-based society, built on their sweat and tears, truly sound? When we boast about the quantitative expansion of K-Study while turning a blind eye to these youths' frustrations, what will we gain and what will we lose for our future? This reality, where the sound of scrubbing rubber gloves is louder than the rustling of turning pages, poses a heavy question to us all.

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A long time ago
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Korean Dream, the last page stained with ashes and tears

Extinguished Flames, Names Never CalledIn the wake of the devastating inferno, only ashes and shattered dreams remained. Family members, staring blankly at the blackened walls of the Arisselle factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, seemed to have their tears dried, their eyes filled only with emptiness. Those who had traveled from afar to support their families were only brought to the world's attention after becoming cold corpses. Before the remains, too damaged to even identify, who were the names they might have called out in their final moments?The End of a Hard Day, the Shadow of Danger That Swallowed HopeTheir days were like walking a tightrope. Carrying steel bars in the deadly heat (Gumi), assembling batteries amidst suffocating toxic gases (Hwaseong), and sleeping in flimsy shelters permeated by the biting winter wind (Pyeongchang). These were arduous times endured while dreaming of a better tomorrow, but within the structure of 'outsourcing danger,' their safety was the first thing to be outsourced. Their sweat laid the foundation for Korean industry, but in return, they received a death trap devoid of even the most basic safety measures.The 'Invisible Person's' Scream Hidden Behind Cheap LaborOver 450 people in the last five years. The tragedies of foreign workers who perished on industrial sites are not mere accidents but a shameful reflection of our society. Illegal dispatch, language barriers, inadequate safety training – all are the result of treating them as 'costs' rather than 'individuals to be protected.' The horrific tragedy of the 'Arisselle fire' was, in the end, a foreseeable disaster. Our convenience was built upon their sacrifice, and society has deliberately ignored their suffering under the guise of a 'safety blind spot.'Tragedy Repeats, What Will We Remember?After the clamor of mourning and anger subsides, we will forget again. The deaths of those whose names and faces we don't know will soon be reduced to impersonal statistical figures. However, their dreams and cries, which never became numbers, do not disappear. What must we do to prevent another Arisselle, another death? We must answer the profound questions that the final cries of those who perished pose to our society, so that the prosperity built upon their sacrifice is no longer a source of shame.

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A long time ago
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Hope blossoms in a foreign land, their story written with sweat.

Finally, the Day I Was Called 'Boss'The moment the first customer entered Chaminda's shop from Sri Lanka, his past days filled with the roar of factory machinery and the smell of sweat flashed through his mind. To the awkward yet heart-swelling phrase, "Boss," he suppressed the tears welling up behind his forced smile. He sensed that the dream he had protected through countless falls and setbacks in a foreign land was finally becoming a brilliant reality within this small space, today.Korean Learned Through Tears on Nights When Machine Sounds CeasedHis success was by no means an overnight achievement. By day, he toiled in shipyards and plating factories, enduring arduous labor, and frequent accidents left scars on his body and mind. Yet, in the deep nights when the machine sounds stopped, he studied Korean in his clumsy handwriting, sacrificing sleep. The desire for a better tomorrow, the earnest dream of one day standing tall under his own name, was the only light that sustained his weary nights.The Warmth of 'Us' Held in a Handful of Chestnuts and a Fried EggEven amidst the cold reality, he had a place to lean on. A few chestnuts silently offered by an ajumma he met on a hiking trail, a piece of fried egg the restaurant owner gave him, calling him 'younger brother.' This selfless kindness and simple 'jeong' were a warm embrace that melted the frozen heart of a stranger. Behind Chaminda's success lay the unseen encouragement and support built by these unknown neighbors, serving as a solid foundation.Now, New Steps Heading from the City to the Rural AreasAs Chaminda's story becomes a seed of hope, another challenge is beginning. Young foreign students are bringing a new wave of energy as they head to depopulated rural areas. Their inexperienced hands are going beyond mere labor to revitalize our countryside and serve as a bridge connecting cultures. Above their healthy laughter, another hope for our society, living together, is growing strong.

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A long time ago
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Why are human rights violations of foreign seasonal workers repeated?

[Source: Jeollailbo]Operation of a system left unattended for years due to lack of legal basisThe foreign seasonal worker system was introduced in 2015 to address labor shortages in rural and fishing communities, but it has been operated based on internal directives from the Ministry of Justice without a clear legal basis. This has led to persistent human rights violations such as broker involvement and unpaid wages.Wage exploitation and passport seizure, damage revealed by statisticsThe National Human Rights Commission confirmed cases of broker involvement, passport seizure, and wage exploitation in the process of sending seasonal workers from the Philippines and Korea in 2023. Reported cases included 49 instances of wage exploitation, 7 instances of bank account seizure, and assaults/unpaid wages.Structural causes: legal loopholes and poor management Management and supervision were insufficient as the system operated under directives rather than laws. There was a lack of legal measures to penalize broker involvement and illegal intermediation. The reporting and support system for victim protection was inadequate. Systematization and improvement, but what challenges remain?On July 3, 2025, an amendment to the Immigration Act was passed, establishing a legal basis for the seasonal worker system. The amendment includes protective measures such as broker penalties and the designation of specialized agencies. However, even after the legal revision, complementary tasks remain, including effective supervision, victim protection, and transparent information disclosure.Institutional trust and surveillance require public attention The foreign seasonal worker system must be operated in a structure that resolves labor shortages in rural and fishing communities while also protecting the human rights of workers. Moving forward, public oversight of the system's execution process and continuous efforts for institutional improvement must be carried out in parallel.

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A long time ago
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"Invisible Death" - The Hidden Reality of Migrant Workers in Korea

"Dying as if Breathing" – The Deaths of Migrant Workers are Foretold TragediesMigrant workers arrive healthy, only to leave as cold corpses within months. Those who succumb to death not from illness but from overwork, not from accidents but from indifference, are victims of what can truly be called 'invisible deaths'.In 2022, the number of migrant worker deaths reported to immigration offices reached 3,340. However, only 6.4% of these had their cause of death or personal information recorded. The remaining 93.6% were processed as blanks in administrative documents, with only their names remaining. Their deaths are not systematically recorded, and even social mourning is not permitted.Actual Death Count is 4 Times Higher Than Industrial AccidentsFrom 2018 to 2022, 729 migrant workers were recognized as having died from industrial accidents. However, the number of actual reported deaths during the same period exceeded approximately 3,000 each year. This indicates that causes such as overwork, poor living conditions, and medical neglect, which are not recognized as industrial accidents, are systematically omitted.Suicide Rate is Also Higher Than the Korean AverageIn 2022, the percentage of migrant worker deaths classified as suicide was 4.1%. This figure is higher than South Korea's overall suicide rate of 3.4%. However, experts point out that since the majority of deaths are classified as of unknown cause, the actual suicide rate could be much higher.Deaths Caused by 'Structural Violence'The National Human Rights Commission and researchers from Seoul National University analyzed cases of migrant worker deaths and defined the risks they face leading to death not as simple accidents, but as the result of 'structural violence'.The study identified the following 8 social risk factors: Dangerous and violent work environments Long working hours, night shifts, and chronic overwork Low wages and wage arrears Inhumane housing such as vinyl greenhouses and containers Limited access to healthcare Exclusion from industrial safety systems Insecurity due to undocumented status Administrative neglect after death Barriers Remaining Even After DeathThe process of receiving the body of a deceased migrant worker and repatriating it to their home country imposes a significant financial burden on the bereaved family. Airfare, funeral costs, and visa issuance issues hinder the family's return. In many cases, bodies are processed as unclaimed due to the lack of a systematic support system.Government Response is Still in its Nascent StagesStarting in 2024, the National Human Rights Commission has been conducting research to analyze the causes of migrant worker deaths and establish a support system. They are proposing policy recommendations such as securing systematic death statistics, establishing a support system for bereaved families, strengthening industrial safety, ensuring access to healthcare, and providing support for repatriation costs. However, institutionalized practices have not yet been implemented.Experts' Warnings "The deaths of migrant workers are not individual misfortunes. They are the result of systemic gaps and neglect. The more we turn a blind eye, the more these deaths will be repeated." – Seoul National University Research Team

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A long time ago
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Unregistered foreign workers trapped in the shadows of 'fake small businesses with less than 5 employees'

ⓒ Provided by Finding Rights Union (Gwonyuhada)Undocumented foreign workers employed at a lodging facility in Seoul endured extreme labor conditions, working in 24-hour shifts on alternate days. They received no overtime pay or severance pay, and were even subjected to harassment by management. All of this occurred under the guise of being a "workplace with less than 5 employees," despite the actual number of staff significantly exceeding this figure. Left in a blind spot of the law, they became victims of a structural loophole known as a "fake workplace with less than 5 employees."24-Hour Alternate Day Shifts and a Reality Without AllowancesMr. A, an undocumented foreign worker who worked at a lodging facility in Jongno, Seoul, repeatedly worked 24-hour shifts followed by a day off. Beyond his basic salary, he received no overtime pay, night shift pay, or holiday pay. "The manager used to curse at me and harass me," Mr. A said. "The work was too difficult, and later I quit because I wasn't even getting paid allowances."The problem was that this workplace was registered as a "workplace with less than 5 employees," the key threshold of the Labor Standards Act. However, there were only 4 undocumented foreign workers, and including day shift workers, laundry staff, and the manager, the total number of employees exceeded seven.Circumventing the Labor Standards Act: The Structural Problem of Fictitious RegistrationThe current Labor Standards Act applies major provisions such as overtime pay, night shift pay, holiday pay, annual paid leave, notice of dismissal, and severance pay only to businesses that consistently employ 5 or more workers. Consequently, some businesses conceal their actual employee count of 5 or more and falsely register as "less than 5 employees."The lodging facility in question was found to have evaded the protections of the Labor Standards Act by falsely reporting itself as a workplace with fewer than 5 employees. As a result, undocumented foreign workers employed there received no legal protections, including various allowances and limits on working hours.Undocumented Foreign Workers Outside the Protection of the LawThe seriousness of the problem is also evident in their status as "undocumented foreign workers." It is difficult for them to report their suffering to the outside or assert their legal rights. Even when the Ministry of Employment and Labor conducts labor inspections, their undocumented status leads to complications with violations of the Immigration Control Act, making it difficult to provide proper protective measures.Some workers at the lodging facility endured these issues and filed claims for unpaid wages. The Ministry of Employment and Labor confirmed that the actual number of employees was 5 or more and launched an investigation.The Reality of Fictitious Workplaces and the Structural Risks of Labor Blind SpotsThis incident is not merely a case of illegal employment. It is a structural problem created by the combination of employers' fictitious registrations, the authorities' neglect of blind spots, and the limitations in the application of the law. An official from the Ministry of Employment and Labor stated, "There are not a few cases where businesses employing foreign workers evade the Labor Standards Act through fictitious registration," and added, "We will take legal action against those found to be in violation."Such structural evasion pushes undocumented foreign workers into even more vulnerable positions and has become a breeding ground for human rights violations and long working hours.Calls for Institutional Improvements Are Also OngoingExperts point out the need for the following institutional improvements: First, **strengthened on-site investigations into the criteria for workplaces with less than 5 employees and stricter penalties for fictitious reporting** are necessary. Second, **institutional mechanisms must be established to resolve the dual blind spot, ensuring that undocumented foreign workers can be protected under labor standards laws**. Third, **the labor inspection functions of the Ministry of Employment and Labor need to be enhanced, and information-sharing systems between related agencies must be made more robust**. This incident is not an isolated event at a single workplace. As long as the boundary of the "less than 5 employees" system is unclear and structural circumventions exist to exploit it, another victim can arise at any time. Our society is now at a point where we must re-examine the legal framework for un Fprotected workers.

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A long time ago
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"We weren't just fired. The responsibility also disappeared with us."

Provided by SonjabgoIn October 2022, following a fire at the Korea Optical Hi-Tech plant in Gumi, the company chose to liquidate its corporate entity. Consequently, 17 foreign workers who refused voluntary resignation were unilaterally dismissed. The dismissed workers have been staging a rooftop protest for 537 days, from January 2023 to the present, appealing that “the dismissal was unjust.”They initiated legal action, arguing that foreign investment companies in Korea must also bear legal responsibility once they employ workers. However, the first instance court's judgment differed.Court: “Dismissal Justified”…Union: “Ruling Based Only on Formality”On June 27, 2025, the Seoul Administrative Court dismissed all lawsuits filed by the Metal Workers' Union and seven workers seeking the cancellation of reconsideration rulings for unfair dismissal and unfair labor practices. The court ruled that “Korea Nitto Optical, which succeeded the business, is a separate legal entity,” and that the dismissal was a “normal dismissal through proper procedures.”This ruling has drawn criticism for being “based solely on formal corporate personhood.” Choi Hyun-hwan, head of the Korea Optical branch of the Metal Workers' Union, stated, “Our voices demanding rightful employment succession due to being a foreign-invested workplace were ignored, and the court effectively condoned the employer’s evasion of responsibility.”Tak Seon-ho, the lawyer representing the workers, also criticized, “The court judged based only on the apparent corporate structure, disregarding the economic reality.” He added, “It did not hold accountable the circumstances where the Japanese parent company manipulated its corporate structure for relocation to avoid responsibility for domestic employment.”Restructuring of Foreign-Invested Enterprises: A Signal of Permitted Exemption?The workplace where the dismissed workers belonged continued to operate in a manner that effectively inherited the same operations and clients, yet legal succession was not recognized. In response, the Metal Workers' Union warned, “This ruling could set a precedent that justifies unfair restructuring and dismissals in foreign-invested companies.”Indeed, this case is currently undergoing mediation proceedings at the ‘OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises National Contact Point (NCP)’ under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. A determination is underway to ascertain whether Japan's Nitto Denko, the parent company of Korea Nitto Optical, has fulfilled its worker responsibilities in accordance with international standards.Experts point out the urgent need for the following institutional improvements: Strengthening legal responsibilities based on substantial employment succession during the restructuring of foreign-invested enterprises. Revising systems to include automatic employment succession when the same production and assets are inherited. Ensuring the effectiveness of domestic mediation and sanction systems for foreign-invested companies that do not comply with international standards. Although the workers were dismissed, the results of their labor remain, still being used for the company's profits. The legal entity has changed, but the factory, the products, and the labor itself have not. If so, we ask: Who should bear the responsibility for this labor? For whom is this ruling, which condones “employment without responsibility,” intended?

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A long time ago
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"Wage arrears, we will pursue them to the end"... The Ministry of Employment and Labor's strong response is showing resu…

3.5 million won, 6.7 million won. For foreign workers, this is money they must rely on for their livelihood, but for employers, was it a "manageable" amount that allowed them to evade responsibility for several months? However, the Cheonan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor pursued every instance of wage arrears to the end. Ultimately, by tracking employers in real-time, they apprehended them, and the unpaid wages were returned to the workers. How Did the Incident Occur? The Cheonan Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor confirmed that Mr. A, a foreign national and business owner of Vietnamese nationality, had absconded for over seven months after failing to pay 3.5 million won in wages to foreign workers. The investigation revealed that Mr. A evaded his obligation by not responding to summons for appearances. Consequently, the Ministry of Employment and Labor initiated real-time location tracking and apprehended Mr. A in Osan, Gyeonggi Province. After paying the withheld wages, Mr. A was handed over to the immigration office due to his illegal stay status. Around the same time, another employer, Mr. B, also evaded capture for seven months after failing to pay 6.7 million won in wages but was apprehended in an operation at a business site within Cheonan city. In this case as well, all outstanding wages were settled. Recurring Wage Arrears, Recurring Responses These cases are just a few examples. The Cheonan Branch has previously apprehended employers for minor wage arrears, such as 2.4 million won and 1.2 million won, through real-time tracking. The director of the branch personally visited five workplaces with high-value or numerous wage arrears, recovering a total of 1.7 billion won in wages and returning rightful compensation to 204 workers. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's response goes beyond mere enforcement; it sends a strong warning message regarding structural issues. In particular, with an increasing number of cases where employers exploit the vulnerability of foreign workers, who may be hesitant to report due to their residency status, proactive government intervention is being further emphasized. "Wage Arrears Threaten Livelihoods and Constitute Serious Criminal Offenses" Cheonan Branch Director Choi Jong-soo stated, "Wage arrears are serious crimes that threaten livelihoods," and added, "We will strictly enforce measures against employers who fail to comply with summons without justifiable reason or intentionally withhold wages, including issuing arrest warrants and pursuing compulsory investigations as a principle." Indeed, these apprehensions are being recognized not merely as the detection of rule violations but as the "fulfillment of responsibility" by the government to protect workers' right to survival. Experts point out the urgent need for the following systemic improvements: First, the surveillance system for wage arrears targeting foreign workers needs to be strengthened. Second, the standards for criminal penalties against employers who commit wage arrears must be clarified to prevent intentional evasion from the outset. Third, real-time response capabilities should be enhanced through information linkage between immigration and employment and labor administration. Numerous foreign workers who cannot send money back to their home countries or afford medical expenses due to not receiving their wages. In this case, we can clearly see the message that their rights must be protected within the framework of the law. For the simple principle that "wages must be paid for labor" to function as reality in Korean society, such decisive enforcement must continue.

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A long time ago
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"Korean is difficult, and private education is a dream"... Multicultural youth face academic dropout crisis amid neglect

Chungnam Provincial Council's 'Research Group on Multicultural Students' Education and School Dropout Issues' Inauguration CeremonyLanguage Barriers and Economic Disparities… Why Do Multicultural Students' Frustrations Repeat? “I want to study, but I don’t understand what they’re saying.” The desperate cries of multicultural youth are no longer unfamiliar. The reality of those who must live together as members of Korean society being excluded from the classroom. Where has the principle of 'inclusive public education' gone? Giving Up School Due to Language and Cultural Adaptation Issues There are increasing cases of children from multicultural families refusing to attend school because they cannot understand the lessons. Especially as they enter middle and high school, the difficulties in reading and writing Korean accumulate, leading to lower academic achievement. Language barriers and cultural unfamiliarity effectively prevent them from even reaching the starting line of education. Dropout Risk Revealed by Statistics As of 2023, the average school dropout rate for all high school students was 1.55%, whereas for multicultural high school students, it was higher at 2.05%. Furthermore, the university enrollment rate for multicultural students was 40.5%, compared to the overall average of 71.5%, clearly demonstrating the educational gap. This suggests that even if multicultural students graduate from high school, they are likely to face disadvantages in their subsequent career choices. Identity Confusion and Psychological Isolation Beyond language and cultural differences, discrimination and lack of communication from their surroundings deepen identity confusion and feelings of isolation among multicultural youth. Parental neglect, distance from teachers, and exclusion by peer groups prevent them from adapting to the school community, leaving them as 'outsiders.' This situation can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anger, and apathy, ultimately encouraging the worst choice of dropping out of school. The Blind Spot of Private Education… Economic Disparities Lead to Broken Opportunities More than half of multicultural households have a monthly income of 3 million won or less, and 10% belong to the poverty class with an income of 1 million won or less. Such low household incomes limit opportunities for private education, which in turn leads to academic underachievement. The achievement gap directly leads to a college admission gap, resulting in a vicious cycle of dropping out of school. Exclusion from educational opportunities is not just an 'educational problem' but also a 'perpetuation of poverty' problem. Policies Exist, But On-Site Experience is Lacking While the Ministry of Education and local governments operate various support programs for multicultural students, critics point out that their practical effectiveness is minimal. Due to issues such as insufficient budget and professional personnel, and disparities in support between schools, multicultural students still remain in a blind spot. Despite research findings that 'social capital' connecting family, teachers, friends, and the community is crucial for school adaptation, there is a severe lack of policy linkages to activate it. Experts: "Especially Risky During Middle and High School… Structural Support is Essential" “The period between the second year of middle school and the second year of high school is the most vulnerable. During this time, parental supervision decreases, and if the support system within the school is weak, the risk of dropping out significantly increases.” This finding from a longitudinal study of multicultural youth emphasizes the importance of early intervention and continuous attention during this period. Experts point out the urgent need to strengthen Korean language education, expand psychological counseling support, enhance multicultural understanding education, and build community-based networks. Accordingly, there are opinions that the following institutional improvements are urgently needed: Expansion of customized Korean language education linked to school classes Strengthening psychological counseling and emotional support Building an integrated network connecting home, school, and community Establishing an early intervention and tracking system for students at risk of dropping out Securing and deploying counseling teachers and multicultural specialists The reality of multicultural youth leaving school alone can no longer be ignored. It is time for society as a whole to share the responsibility so that they can receive 'education with equal opportunities.'

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A long time ago
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"Discrimination was a structure, not an emotion" — The human rights situation of migrant workers revealed by the 2024 Gw…

Press Conference Denouncing Death of Migrant Worker[Provided by Jeonnam Migrant Worker Human Rights Network. Reproduction and database prohibited]The survey on the human rights situation of foreign residents conducted in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City in 2024 clearly showed how exposed the lives of migrant workers we encounter every day are to violence, disregard, and threats. According to the survey, 72.5% of respondents reported experiencing disregard from Koreans, 37.6% reported experiencing threats, and 35% reported experiencing verbal or physical abuse. This goes beyond mere unpleasant treatment, indicating that structural discrimination and human rights violations are being repeated as a daily occurrence."I couldn't lift my head" — Migrant workers whose daily lives are filled with enduring discriminationThis survey, conducted by Gwangsan-gu on over 500 migrants from six countries, revealed the vivid experiences of foreign residents. Some respondents stated, "I can't speak Korean well, and when I'm threatened, I can't even speak up," and "They threatened to report me if I did anything wrong, so I just lowered my head." This is not just an individual's misfortune, but proof that the structural environment they are in renders them powerless.These results are likely not an isolated phenomenon in one region but a problem recurring across the country. In particular, the label of 'illegal immigrant' serves as a tool of intimidation for migrant workers, becoming a social shield that tolerates verbal abuse and exploitation.Why were human rights protections omitted from the structure?The Korea Local Administration Research Institute, which conducted the survey, diagnosed the core of this problem as "vulnerability in status of stay, language barriers, and workplace power structures." In reality, many migrant workers cannot protest even when subjected to verbal abuse or unfair treatment by supervisors at their workplaces. This is because, in addition to language barriers, the instability of their residency status can lead to the risk of deportation simply by raising an issue.Furthermore, a significant portion of human rights violations occur at the workplace, with many employers failing to fulfill or even recognize their responsibility to protect human rights. As a result, the "right not to be discriminated against" becomes powerless in the field, and victims remain silent before receiving legal protection.The following are institutional improvement measures pointed out by experts:First, it is urgent to expand language support systems such as interpretation and translation. An environment must be created where migrant workers can immediately raise issues when they experience violence.Second, it is necessary to mandate human rights education for employers and managers and strengthen on-site human rights monitoring. This is a minimum safeguard to prevent violence that occurs within power imbalances.Third, education and counseling support on residency laws and regulations are needed. Beyond punitive policies focused solely on 'legal residency status,' the perception that they are within the scope of basic rights and protections must be expanded.Fourth, anonymous reporting and victim protection systems must be strengthened. Shelters, psychological counseling, and legal support should be systematically operated, and above all, the 'safe recovery' of victims must be institutionally guaranteed."They were not just workers, they were neighbors"The Gwangsan-gu survey did not just present numbers. It brought to the surface the 'hidden daily lives' that our society has long ignored. Verbal abuse, threats, and disregard are not just bad words or deviations but are structural consequences born from the blind spots of the system and societal silence. Now, we cannot help but ask: "Why were they not called human beings?" Unless we answer this question, we will continue to make someone bow their head.

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A long time ago
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“Blood flowed copiously”…Bloody brawl in the city center, citizen anxiety spreads due to foreign violence

A mass brawl among foreigners in the heart of Seoul has sent a strong shockwave of unease through citizens, extending beyond a mere clash. Individuals of various nationalities, including Mongolian and Uzbek, engaged in indiscriminate violence on the streets. The scene turned chaotic as footage captured one man repeatedly kicking an opponent who had fallen, with a witness describing the situation as "bloody" to convey its severity.Incident Occurrence and On-Site ResponseThis incident occurred in a bustling downtown area of Seoul with high pedestrian traffic. Released video footage shows several foreigners entangled in a fierce physical altercation, with some repeatedly assaulting individuals lying on the ground.The police were dispatched immediately after the incident, but it is understood that swift apprehension was hindered by communication barriers on-site and limitations in initial investigative responses. A police official explained, "In cases of violent incidents involving foreigners of various nationalities, it inevitably takes time to grasp the exact situation and secure testimonies."Spreading Fear and Citizen AnxietyAs footage of the violence spread online, citizen anxiety has intensified. Some online communities voiced concerns, asking, "If disputes among foreigners spill into public spaces, where can citizens find guaranteed safety?" Reactions also poured in with sentiments like, "Does being a foreigner automatically make one a criminal?" fostering an atmosphere of concern over the potential worsening of social perceptions.Structural Issues and Systemic LimitationsThe delay in the police's initial response stems from a shortage of investigative and translation personnel. Securing interpreters is crucial for investigations involving foreigners, but under the current system, very few police stations have resident interpreters. The reality is that external personnel are urgently sought when incidents occur, inevitably creating constraints on both the speed and accuracy of investigations.Furthermore, in violent incidents between foreigners, it cannot be ruled out that the involved parties may not be fluent in Korean or may be undocumented immigrants, necessitating significant time for identification and testimony acquisition. This, in turn, leads to prolonged investigations, hindering not only the resolution of the case itself but also the alleviation of associated public anxiety.Experts Point to Urgent Need for Systemic Improvements Including: Consistent availability of foreign language interpreters for on-site response Strengthening community safety networks in areas with foreign populations Expanding multicultural conflict prevention education and early intervention programs Establishing specialized response teams within the police for incidents involving foreigners This incident transcends a mere street assault, starkly revealing the institutional gaps we face on the path toward a multicultural society. Safety is a right for everyone, and coexistence cannot be established without institutional preparedness. What is now required is not an emotional response, but systematic review and policy enhancement.

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“Where are discrimination and hate going?”… UN warns of surging racism in Korea

“Discrimination against Migrants, Muslims, and Chinese People Caught the UN's Attention”“I oppose the construction of a mosque in Daegu. I dislike Islam.” These phrases, repeated in Korean online communities and at protest sites, have now transcended mere complaints or expressions of inconvenience to become a “warning target” for the international community. In its concluding observations published in May 2025, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) expressed strong concerns about racist hate speech and actions pervasive throughout Korean society.The Committee specifically stated that “hate speech targeting migrants, refugees, Muslims, and Chinese people is increasing, both online and offline,” and pointed to instances such as opposition to the Daegu mosque construction, human rights violations during crackdowns on undocumented migrant workers, and hate speech.A Society Where Hate Becomes Routine, Scrutinized by the International CommunityIn its report, CERD noted that “hate speech in Korea tends to lead to violence,” citing existing cases where online hate speech has escalated into actual attacks. The Committee analyzed this as a consequence of institutional shortcomings and a lack of awareness within Korean society.In particular, the Committee highlighted the absence of clear laws penalizing hate speech in Korea, stating that it is urgent to establish legal deterrents such as “aggravated penalties for hate-motivated crimes” and “criminalization of hate speech.” It also emphasized the need for clear accountability and measures when politicians and public figures foster or condone hate speech.Key Improvement Recommendations Highlighted by CERD Include: Introduction of provisions for aggravated penalties for crimes motivated by hate. Legislation for criminal penalties for hate speech directed at specific racial, ethnic, or religious groups. Investigation and public condemnation measures for hate-inciting remarks by politicians and public figures. Establishment of a surveillance system for racial discrimination in broadcast and online content. Implementation of national policies for education and awareness improvement to counter hate speech. In response to these warnings, the Korean government stated, “We respect the Committee’s recommendations and will review follow-up measures in consultation with relevant ministries.” However, given that some politicians continue to make hateful remarks targeting Chinese people or specific migrant groups, it remains unclear whether substantive changes will follow. Every time hate surfaces, the question arises anew. “Whose safety is Korea committed to ensuring? And who remains excluded?”

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Where did the saying 'diligence is rewarded' go? The era of 5% foreigners, challenges that still remain

As of the end of 2024, South Korea is home to 2,650,783 foreign residents, accounting for approximately 5.17% of the total population, marking an all-time high. However, practical barriers such as language, culture, housing, and education remain. Despite evaluations that companies and universities are actively recruiting "global talent" and that advanced foreigner support policies are in place, difficulties with Korean language proficiency and adaptation are evident in various on-site situations.Presenting Cases and Raising Awareness of IssuesAs of the end of 2024, there are 2,042,017 long-term foreign residents (77%) and 608,766 short-term foreign residents (23%), indicating that long-term residents constitute the overwhelming majority. By nationality, those of Chinese descent number 958,959 (36.2%), followed by Vietnam with 305,936 (11.5%), Thailand with 188,770 (7.1%), the United States with 170,251 (6.4%), and Uzbekistan with 94,893 (3.6%). Notably, international students increased by 16.5% year-on-year to 263,775. The number of skilled professionals and multicultural marriage immigrants also significantly increased to 89,928 and 181,436, respectively, indicating a rapid expansion in the proportion of foreigners across the economy and society as a whole.The Gap Between Expectations and RealityKorean society is perceived by foreigners as a "country where diligent work is rewarded accordingly," but simultaneously, there are continuous criticisms that "lack of Korean language proficiency remains a significant barrier" and "adaptation to the nuanced culture is necessary." Complaints regarding housing instability and children's educational environments are also considerable, and despite the existence of policy support, difficulties in actual daily life are not easily resolved.Analyzing the Structural Causes of the ProblemForeigners' residency statuses are categorized into general stay (short-term/long-term) and permanent residency (F-5), and immigration laws and administrative services have been continuously improved. However, despite administrative convenience enhancements such as the implemented visit reservation system and mobile civil complaint services by language, the Korean language education infrastructure and housing/education linkage policies have not yet fully addressed systematic blind spots.Therefore, it is pointed out that in addition to improving the quality of foreigner support policies, it is urgent to expand Korean language education at the corporate and university levels, and to strengthen housing and education support programs in cooperation with local governments. In particular, there are calls to increase life-centric support by establishing immigrant integration centers and introducing case-based customized counseling services.Urging a DecisionA society's maturity is confirmed through the reality faced by its most vulnerable members. For Korea to transition into a "multicultural society," it is crucial to establish an integrated support system that can substantially improve the lives of foreigners across language, culture, housing, and education, moving beyond simple statistical figures. Only when the government and private sector take responsibility and address this task will the promise of "reward for diligence" truly become a reality.

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“Why was the child confined?”… 1-year-old infant also confined for 141 days

Why Were 886 Children Behind Bars, Not Under Protection?"When is Mom coming back?"Inside the Gyeonggi Foreigners' Protection Center, a social worker, unable to find words, could not answer a 3-year-old child's question. The child, who had never been outside and stared blankly at the wall, had been in 'detention' for 141 days. A child who was not a criminal and had not absconded was confined in that small space.According to data released by the Ministry of Justice, 886 foreign children under the age of 19 were held in protection centers over the past five and a half years. Some were detained for months, others for years. One 18-year-old youth could not leave the center for 631 days. Although detention was under the guise of 'protection,' the reality was no different from a prison."We don't pay taxes to lock up children," said Lee Jung-hyun, an activist from a human rights organization, swallowing tears.A System Called 'Protection', and its Blind SpotsForeigner protection centers are facilities that temporarily hold individuals subject to forcible expulsion under the Immigration Act. However, it has been pointed out that the system of accommodating not only criminals but also children who are merely in violation of their stay with guardians, without exception, is fundamentally problematic.The protection centers lack adequate educational facilities and medical infrastructure. The situation where infants under 3 years old and teenagers stay for several months to many years can have serious impacts on a child's psychological and emotional development. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is explicitly stated that "no child shall be deprived of his or her liberty arbitrarily or unlawfully."Rep. Han Chang-min strongly criticized, "The prolonged detention of migrant children is a measure that violates international human rights standards, and the state can no longer tolerate it."Repeated Warnings, Silent PoliciesThe civic group 'Coalition for the Rights of Migrant Children' has investigated over 30 similar cases in the past two years. As a result, numerous cases have been reported where children experienced mental distress, speech delays, and social withdrawal while being held in protection centers. Lawyer Jeong Young-hwa pointed out, "This is not a systemic problem but clear state violence," adding, "Structural intervention is urgently needed, especially since detention periods often extend based on parental stay review procedures."The Immigration Act does not limit the maximum period of protection, and the criteria for determining the detention of children and guardians are unclear. This creates a system that relies excessively on the discretion of administrative agencies, leaving a void in the state's responsibility to protect children's rights.Voices Demanding AlternativesExperts are urgently demanding the following systemic improvements: Full prohibition of child detention and clear specification of exceptions Establishment of a consultation-centered stay review process Creation of a temporary foster care linkage system Expansion of dedicated childcare facilities within protection centers Introduction of human rights education and monitoring systems in line with UN standards Rep. Han Chang-min is currently preparing a revision to the Immigration Act, which includes a provision for "prohibition of child detention," and civic groups warn that "the government must extend its hand before it is too late.""What did these children do wrong?"The children did not choose. They are not responsible for their parents' country of origin, their visa status, or inter-state agreements. Yet, now, children are growing up confined within the systems of adults. What are we protecting by detaining them? And, what are we losing in return?

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