When Koreans were the foreigners: 'Ode to My Father' revisited
Europe is once again arguing about immigration: who should be allowed in, what newcomers owe the countries that receive them and what those countries owe the people whose labor they need. But there is an uncomfortable historical irony here. The wealthy societies now debating how many foreigners they can accommodate were often built, in part, by people who left poorer countries to do the jobs…
In recent times, Europe finds itself embroiled in heated debates surrounding immigration. Questions are being raised about who should be allowed entry, what newcomers owe their host countries, and what the receiving nations owe to the individuals whose labor they require. However, there exists a striking historical irony in this current discourse.
The affluent societies presently grappling with the issue of foreign labor have, in the past, benefited from the contributions of those who migrated from less fortunate nations to fulfill roles that others deemed unworthy.
Korea, in particular, possesses a deep understanding of this complex situation. Prior to the global fascination with Korean music, films, and skincare products, Koreans were engaged in various occupations abroad. They served as laborers in West Germany's mines, healthcare providers in European hospitals, construction workers in Saudi Arabia's bustling sites, and soldiers on Vietnam's battlefields.
They were the foreigners, the workers, and the individuals whose labor was welcomed even when they themselves were considered outsiders.
To comprehend the experience of leaving one's homeland in pursuit of a better life, one can draw inspiration from the actions of others. This realization prompted me to provide my students with lectures encompassing a wide range of topics. These included the teachings of Confucianism and Buddhism, the historical events leading up to and following the Joseon Dynasty's fall in 1392-1910, the division of the Korean peninsula, the internecine Korean War, and the subsequent period of division.
Through these lessons, I aimed to illustrate the challenges and triumphs faced by those who venture beyond their borders in search of a brighter future.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- When Koreans were the foreigners: 'Ode to My Father' revisited koreatimes.co.kr
