couldn't help but be touched by the grandpa that tried his best to speak english. given he probably spent his entire life living in korea, at his age, english wasn't nearly as big of a focal point in the education system and yet he speaks better english than my korean grandparents that have lived in canada for more than 30 years. his vocabulary amazes me too as he probably doesn't have too many opportunities to even practice and use the language either.
I have had many experiences with elderly Koreans like this. They often approach me in public, and they are so excited to speak English. Most are ex-military, usually having spent time in joint service or whatever you call it, in America. One guy, I think he said he was in his 80s, had an encyclopedic knowledge of US history. It really put me to shame. He knew everything. Names, dates, major events, minor events I had never even heard of until then. He had a subscription to a dozen US magazines on a wide range of topics and spent his retirement studying them daily. A lot of foreigners here complain about racist elders, and those do exist, but in my own personal experience, I have had nearly entirely positive experiences with them.
i know they're just trying to be nice, but as a korean-american, i am neither korean, nor american. i am korean-american. there's absolutely no way i'm the same as a white american. and there's also no way i'm the same as a korean-korean. i'm somewhere in between, a merge, a mixture, a blend, of the two, which is in itself a separate identity.
I am a Korean American living in NY. I wish people can understand that, it really depends on the circumstances you were raised in as a Korean American in the United States. My parents are still very Korean-centric, and raised me and my siblings with Korean values. We still celebrate Korean holidays, use Korean customs. When I was younger, I looked at myself more of an American, but as time passed by and I became older, I looked at myself as an American, but also embraced my Korean culture and my heritage. They need to realize the struggles Korean Americans, and minorities in general, go through. Sometimes we feel like we are neither American nor Korean. I don't know how to explain it, but to say that I am American, but I am also Korean as well. I hope that when I visit Korea, I will not be treated a certain way. I can speak Korean-albeit not super fluently- to the point where Koreans are surprised, but I digress. I am in my early 30s, and I don't know how to explain it, but I feel my "mother country" calling for me. I feel like I have to visit soon. Cheers. Appreciate the episode.
I get it, the identity crises is always going to be there but it depends on you what you want to do and how you want people to look at you and i know it can be hard because I'm going through the same for many years now but we can always try and feel better, also sometimes living life without thinking about it too seriously is something good don't put too much pressure because sometimes we do and it's not really necessary.
I'm a 32 year old white man who identifies as both Italian and American despite the fact that only half my blood is Italian, and I'm 4 generations removed from the immigrant generation. Embrace it. It's not an identity crisis. We have the best of both worlds in America. Everyone has 2 identities in America. Your family lineage identity, and your national identity. I wouldn't have it any other way for Americans. Our ancestors chose to come to America because they saw it was a special place where everyone can have a united identity and separate identity at the same time.
I met kyopos in Seoul who had no intention of going back to the places where they were raised, but many more who felt too "foreign" in Korea. Language is a BIG differentiator. Temperament is another. Are you cool with always being treated as a bit "exotic"? If so, you'll be fine. It's the people who are looking to be treated or feel "like everyone else" that experience a lot of disappointment.
seems like you really want nothing to do with America yet lived for 20 years sounds sucks why still here thou ?? not trying to be rude but would have been easier if you grew up in Korea to actually have full Korean experience I mean its's a prefect country right
Thank you for these interviews. I’m a Korean American. This is its own unique culture. I never believed this until I visited Korea and felt so foreign there… culture changes and I will always honor my Korean heritage, but I am an American.
I feel the same. I dont get offended being viewed as a foreigner in South Korea as I am American that happens to be of Korea decent. I don't think it is that different across countries to be honest.
I’m a Korean living in the US and totally agree with your idea. Korean Americans are as foreign to Koreans as much as 조선족 or 재일동포 are foreign to us. Still I greatly appreciate the hodpitality your community display to Koreans living abroad in the US. Hope I’ll have a chance to return the favor when I’m back in Seoul.
@@danielkim672 this is true, i am Korean japanese but everyone only look at me as japanese even though I grew up in Korean culture in Japan as well, and in Japan people that know about that don't accept me as japanese lol it's really confusing, now I'm living in america and i don't even know how to explain this sometimes! People still get confused
Korean American, and I've been living in Korea since I was 23 (2008). While I can relate to them, I can never 100% claim to know what it's like to be natively Korean. Our upbringing, attitudes, way of mannerisms, dress, etc., screams the image of Gyopo in the eyes of Koreans. Nothing is more evident that the two are more different than alike than Steven Yeun in the "Conan in Korea" series. He looks kind of nervous and awkward and like a fish out of water; it's pretty evident that it may be his first time in his motherland without a parent or guide. EDIT: I guess even Steven Yeun admits he was unreliable in a podcast recently with Conan (czcams.com/video/-DmnzrxAn88/video.html) and that "the gaze of the country reflects off me differently than you" line is something that really hits home. If you are Korean American, and visiting Korea but don't know anything, you may not be as welcomed as a foreigner who doesn't know anything and may even be criticized for not knowing. But, if you are earnest and eager to learn and show them you are, it can also be welcomed.
Can we please appreciate the man with the blue hat. He did such a great job, while speaking English. I know it's hard for them and since I learn Korean, I understand their struggles with English. So this man has my respect, of course the others too who are in this video 🥰
As someone who's Filipino American, I am definitely seen as a foreigner in the Philippines LOL. so it's interesting to see what it's like for Korean Americans. Honestly feeling 'accepted' in your home country just depends on how well you can assimilate to the culture & it's easier if you were raised with the language and culture.
If they were interviewed maybe they would regards Filipinos abroad as Filipino too just like we've seen here. I'm Jamaican but born in the UK and it's the same. They know I'm from overseas and in many ways regarded as a foreigner but ultimately they know I'm of the same blood.
@@LeiSalazar the locals usually assume i'm a foreigner even when im not speaking tho, i think it's the way i'm dressed? i guess it's the same with how koreans can tell korean americans apart from appearance
@@l2727as a Filipino, we will judge you how you speak act and think. If you think Filipinos are not asians but Pacific Islanders., its a red flag for us and you will not be accepted in the community
@@s2oop436 hmm at least with my cousins from the philippines, they definitely see me more as american than filipino. one even asked me why i was eating rice if i'm american LOL. i can understand it tho, i'm culturally american so i'm not expecting to be treated like a local. i'd say i have more in common with any other asian from america than a filipino from the philippines. it's not that i feel unaccepted, but i do kinda feel 'othered' if that makes sense. it's not necessarily a bad thing tho.
I'm a Korean who lived in the US for 16.5 years. I came to the states when I was 13. I had some opportunities to meet Koreans in an online game. Long stories short, their perspectives and opinions in general things were completely different on so many different levels than mine. My beliefs and perspectives were more diversified and Americanized than Koreans who grew up in S.Korea. It's really really hard to explain. But I realized that I will never be the same as them.....
Same, came here at age 12 and now in my 30s. I don't fit in with local Korean people and it's like I don't completely fit in with Americans. It seems I get along best with American born Koreans or those who also immigrated early to this country
@@madil5974 interesting. I'm Korean American, lived in Korea 16 years or so and fit more with Korean people than other Korean Americans. I think mainly due to I actually lived in Korea both as a kid, was born there, and lived there early as an adult so I was more familiar with customs as opposed to those who only lived in the US. I actually have ties there outside of just parents (e.g. my hometown, my childhood, etc.). There were a few incidents where I disagreed on actions/views in Korea, but I always understood why they occurred the way they did
@@whereismyyoung fob? Not really except used jokingly between close friends. Been called other things for being korean or half korean or asian, but not by that term by people who intend to offend that I can recall. Maybe once as a kid. It's kind of an old outdated term to discriminate asian people
My friend Yohann in Chicago moved to Mexico City with his family when he was 3 and speaks Mexican Spanish as if it were his first language although they spoke Korean at home. Besides being a student at Loyola Univ, he works as a part-time Spanish-Korean interpreter for a Korean doctor who caters to Mexican and Central American patients.
;) we have huge community of Koreans in Mexico and they love it there and we love them too ;D there are 2 very famous korean CZcamsrs in Mexico, they are called "cocinando corea" and "changu amiga" ;D
@@davidgarcia-rv3fs it was kinda tough in the early 2000s ngl. I'm ethnically Korean but was born and raised in cdmx. That was before Korea was a familiar country to Mexicans so Koreans would be usually seen as either Chinese or Japanese. Kinda hurt sometimes and I think various Korean mexicans had identity crises growing up. Im super glad at how much perception has changed in Mexico the past decade though and also the relationship between Mexicans and Koreans. Talking specifically about the topic though, I think Latinasians hold yet another culture from Latinos, Asians, and Asian Americans. While it is a bit sad to know the reality in how we will never be perceived as fully Korean/mexican/american or any other country we settle in, I think there's value in the amalgamated cultures that we retain and gain over time.
Sir in the blue hat & blue earmuffs was very endearing in his response & I appreciate his broad perspective to the Korean War & it’s affects. I like this video 👏🏾
as an ethnic korean born in the us, this was rly interesting to watch :) I’ve always been curious about what korean koreans think of us. and tbh being a korean american has given me a lot of identity issues/insecurities, esp since I’m not fluent in the language and have never been to korea before. but I’m trying my best to study korean and come to peace w all the diff parts of me (my korean heritage, american nationality, and african upbringing since I’ve lived there since I was 5). anyways, tysm for making this video, it means a lot.
If you are born in America, you are american. That is your identity. Since I am not a Korean American, sometimes I don't understand why you guys have identity issues.
Love the video. Yeah being a Korean American was hard. Since I didn’t belong in either countries. Honestly from my experience, I don’t feel as comfortable with friends who are Korean-Korean. I just feel like I’m myself with my American friends because I don’t have to constantly worry that I don’t know my own culture well or the language.
As 1.5 gen Korean immigrant, this is difficult. Came to the States as a 10 yr old, tried and thought I assimilated--played football in HS because I didn't want to be picked on, went/dropped out of college, eventually graduated college and law school, became a pretty decent lawyer..... but still feel empty inside, completely, when I realize that I do not know who I am now that I am in my mid-40s. All I can think about is the friends I had back in Korea in 4th grade when I left.... But that Korea no longer exists, I know. Nonetheless, I would love to sit on top of Woojangsan in Seoul, overlooking the Kimpo airport as I did when I knew who I was. Almost feels like I have no home in the States and when I go back to the home I cherish in my heart, it no longer exists.
fellow 1.5 gen korean here. I can completely understand what you are feeling. It feels empty and if I do go back to Korea after not being there for 16.5 years, I will definitely feel more comfortable being treated as foreigner than korean...
I have taught in Korea for the last 16 years, mostly as a computer science teacher. I've worked at 2 international schools so I have a great deal of experience with Korean students who have lived overseas for a large portion of their lives. I've also taught briefly at Korean public schools. The difference between the attitudes and personalities of the students is night and day. It almost feels like teaching two totally different nationalities. I'm not saying one is better or worse than the other, but there's a kind of maturation that only seems to develop when one has lived and worked/studied overseas. I suspect a lot of it has to do with evading the extremely competitive educational system and work life.
As Someone who is Nigerian-American (American Born & Raised Nigerian) I can also relate to the sentiments expressed here. I have told the people around me that there is a substantial difference between a Nigerian born and raised in Nigeria and a Nigerian person that has spent their entire lives in the United States. It truly depends on how tied & connected to their Parents or Grandparents culture they are.
My grandfather served in the South Korean military before and during the Korean War. He left his motherland to find new opportunities in Brazil and America but he never let us forget that we were Koreans.
Never quite understood this. He was clearly Korean. Good offspring abroad? Well, let them figure out who they are without their father badgering then about who they are supposed to be.
Grandfather Korean and were you born in Brazil? I think it's not considered as Korean anymore since you guys are already 2 generations apart it's difficult to consider as Koreans because there's a cultural break right, even the relationships in the future can be very difficult I've met some Brazilian Korean and Brazilian japanese married to japanese and Korean woman they didn't know how to act when it was time to celebrate many family celebration.... So that's why we don't think you guys are the same anymore... Can't follow the culture genuinely and still follow Brazilian holidays etc.... The behavior towards people are different also.
@@seomeiя в корне с вами не согласна. Да,они не хангуки, но они корейцы. Я-кореянка из России. Моих бабушек и дедушек вывезли японцы в далеком 1938 году на о. Сахалин. У меня все в роду-корейцы, Мой муж-кореец, его отец родился в Корее и был репатриирован вместе с матерью. К сожалению, мои бабушки и дедушки не дожили до этого, никогда больше Родины не увидели. Но мы всегда знали,что мы -корейцы. Также, как и раньше , наши бабушки и дедушки отмечали все праздники. И бабушка часами рассказывала про свою жизнь, историю рода. Когда открылись границы, мы нашли родственников,они помнили еще наших бабушек. Мою вторую бабушку тоже искали родственники, но она уже была очень плоха. Свекровь же родственники узнали, она очень была похожа на своего отца. Нас обвиняют в том,что мы плохо згаем язык. Но простите, во-первых, язык за почти 100 лет изменился, во-вторых, у нас не было ни корейских школ, ни учебников, раньше в таких далёких годах интернета тоже не было.
Interesting video 🫶🏻 Can you try to do it with 입양 (either them directly or interview people in the streets) I’m curious because when I lived in Seoul I didn’t really get to know what people like me thought, how hard it is for them or how they are actually perceived by Korean people~
Being biracial from the states then coming to Korea, there are Koreans I've met who see me as a foreigner (especially since I'm half) and then others who see me as Korean (ethnically) because I identify with both of my ethnicities. Having a parent from the US and one from Korea has left me being able to adapt to each culture relatively well. I will say though that because I grew up never having lived in Korea, I learned to grow an appreciation of my Korean heritage and culture while in the US. Then after graduating and moving to Korea, I grew fonder of my Black (African-American) culture because I had never been away from it for long. Living in both places has helped me become more confident in identifying with both of my ethnicities. Of course there will always be people on both sides who see me as an outsider, but for every person who has conservative views, there are many people like in this video who leave it to me to decide how I identify :)
I think being biracial is yet another different spectrum in the "Koreaness". This video, the definition of gyopo and people's perception of that word, is really about nationality and not about ethnicity. Oh , and there is a difference between the two.
@@michaellim4165 i see your point, but I identify as gyopo when Koreans ask why my Korean is so good or why I know so much about Korean culture. Biracial Koreans have citizenship too or at least can apply for it :)
@@michaellim4165 it depends on the person, I'm biracial Korean japanese my father is Korean my mom is Japanese but in Japan we lived in a Korean bubble since when i was a kid, didn't really had interactions with japanese and even my mother speaks Korean at home because that's how my father's family communicate as well, we always followed Korean traditions instead of japanese and we are 4 kids with dual citizenship Korean and Japanese, I'm the only kid in my family that didn't wanted to identify as Korean but my sisters identify as Koreans only and only use their Korean passport but for me it's different i feel I'm very something in between i feel bad if i only see the Korean side. So even for mixed kids cases it depends on the person and the familiar environment because some people they are mixed but they don't know anything about Korea or don't have direct contact with Korea as well but some of them are fully into the culture and lifestyle!
@미스 서 Again, my statement was to focus on the difference between ethnicity vs. nationality. Your story revolves around ethnicity (blood line, of which you can not easily change, regardless of how you identify culturally), whereas the video focuses on nationality and the word "gyopo" ( which asks the can an ethnically Korean person be still labeled as a Korean to those living in Korea). Your case is, like I've mentioned to another commentor yet another different aspect in the Koreaness spectrum.
As a Korean American that grew up in socal, I always had an identity crisis. I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood and they would innocuously make fun of me since I would be asian or different. Also, whenever I would visit Korea they would label me as a “gyopo.” The idea of being different on both sides made me a go getter. No one was going to make my life easier. I had to do it on my own. I’m sure this story resonates with a lot of Asian Americans. All I want to say is that I feel disappointed with my fellow Koreans in Korea. It isn’t my fault that my parents decided to leave Korea for America. I still deeply respect the Korean culture and I will make sure my children learn Korean. We aren’t all sleezy and we arent all loud. I apologize for the experiences you’ve encountered but I can assure you that we have outstanding Korean Americans here.
Well said, and understood. Continue to instill those go getter values and your culture in your children, and they will outshine all the potential negativity in life.
Woah another David song with similar background. I grew up in Korea until I was 5 and have lived near the Philly area since. Grew up in a predominately black neighborhood in the city and was constantly picked on. Then I went to Korea when I was 12, and forgot a bunch of my Korean and people looked down on me there too. Now that I’m much older, those experiences changed me for the better because I treat people as individuals, not by their ethnicity or skin color or whatever their backgrounds are. It’s made me who I am. And when I went back to Pyeongchang in 2018 for the Winter Olympics having improved my Korean, people over there treated me as though I was a normal Korean. So now I finally feel like I have 2 “homes” instead of none.
@@Backroads23 Well said. Great story. Glad you rose up above the abnormal life as you perceived as troubling, but others may see as you finding out who you really are which is much more important. Stay positive.
한국말 잘 하신다고 하셨으니 한국말로 적을게요. 한국속담에 피는 물보다 진하다라는 말이 있어요. 교포들이 한국에서 한국한국인들과 다른 취급을 받는다고 느껴도, 한국말을 못해도 ..한국인들 마음 깊은 곳엔 교포들이 같은 혈통이란 생각이 뿌리깊게 있습니다. 그걸 지울 수는 없어요. 설령 교포들이 나는 한국인이 아니야라고 주장해도, 한국한국인들은 마음 깊은 곳에선 그래도 넌 같은 조상에게서 났잖아 하는 마음이 있어요. 그 마음을 없앨 수는 없어요. 혈통이 중요하다고 믿고 자란 한국한국인들은 그 어느나라에 사는 한국인들보다 그렇게 느낄겁니다. 같은 혈통에 대해 느끼는 형제애같은 것. 몇백년 동안 조상에게 제사를 지내며 지내온 민족이잖아요. 오랜 세월 동안 다른 민족적혈통의 대규모 유입이 없이 한반도에서 고립되어 독특한 고유 문화를 유지 발전시킨 민족이니, 약간 유태인과 비슷한 민족정체성일까요? 한국인 피가 있으면 어디에 있어도 한국인이다 그런 마음. 이거는 내 주관적인 생각이 아니에요, 한국한국인이면 다 똑같은 이런 마음이 있어요. 아마도 집단 무의식이라고 할까? 그래서 한국에 사는 다른 인종 외국인들이 이런 점에대해 섭섭함을 느낀다고 말하죠. 한국인의 깊은 속까지는 섞여 들어갈 수 없다고.
It's really weird hearing the females saying they aren't considered Koreans. America is just a location not a bloodline, a person born from Korean parents in USA is still a Korean.
The American ethos has a different take on this. While we may see the 1st generation of an ethic group as whatever the original was, by 2nd generation the people are American. It comes through in behaviors, mannerisms and orientation to the world around them. This dynamic has affected every cultural group present in American society. That is why there is usually cultural tensions within the families that have 1st & 2nd generation members. But here’s an additional consideration. Too many racist people in American try to weaponize the “otherness” of the non-White people in our society. So I greatly appreciate the efforts of ALL Asian-American groups to emphasize they are 100% American-but proud of their ethnic representation within the American tapestry. And just like those of us who are Black Americans, I see Asian Americans as Americans! No one should try to make them walk away from or reject what they have now paid for with their blood, sweat & tears.
@@Bosnia123 I believe I’m also talking about nationality. During WWII White American leaders interned Japanese Americans because they saw them as Japanese people who were living in America rather than as Japanese American citizens. Those racist decision makers would have gladly accepted your interpretation of “Korean is a Korean regardless of place” because that sentiment is parallel to the legal argument used to justify the roundup & internment of the Japanese Americans at that time. The racist argument held that no matter how long these people had lived in America they were Japanese first & would be loyal to Japan before being loyal to America.
Great episode! I never knew that this was a thing. Of all the Korean Americans I’ve met, most have parents that teach/taught them how things are done in Korea, so culturally they’re not outcasts at all. Plus most Asian groups that I’ve witnessed first hand seem to try to gravitate in most cases towards their own “people” and want to live and learn about their motherland. Often times Korean Americans hang out and only date Koreans too, so again still anchored to Korean culture. On a side note, I just have to mention the girl in the blue is really pretty!
I'm really glad you did this topic bro. Maybe you could've asked what the biggest difference between korean americans and native koreans were, and/if native koreans and native koreans are able to get along, but that seemed to be sort-of answered in the latter half of the video.
I was born in Seoul Korea and immigrated to the United States when I was 8 years old with my parents. Upon arrival, I enrolled in grade school as a third grader. It is a fact, my outer appearance suggest that I am of the Korean descent however I like to believe that I’m an American by heart. Although I consider myself as an American, this does not deter me from celebrating South Korea when I see them in the news in a positive light. I.e. The World Cup, etc. I enjoy the K-food over any other food as well. But i would be lying if I said that I did not crave a burger and fries. From time to time. I just have it now with a side of Kimchee. 😊
Yeah you're definitely more influenced by the culture. I think it's pretty dope. I'm from Ohio. I left at age 13. I moved to New York at age 19 and have been here for almost 15 years. I feel more connected to New York than I do to Ohio.
@@CodyCha He's a proud Korean-American because he became a naturalized citizen and has been culturally raised there most of his life while keeping his traditions lmfao, not that hard to understand.
Very interesting content! Thank u! I call myself 'Korean born and raised in Argentina' and I thankfully have double nationality (both of my parents are Korean). When I was young, I considered myself Argentinian. I wanted to be like all my friends, but deep in my heart I knew I was different. It was hard as a kid, because I felt I didn't belong to any group... I used to have resentments and identity crisis. As long as I grew up, I started interacting with other kyopos and Koreans, and that made me embrace my roots. Now I'm in my 30's and decided to come to Korea and explore it's culture, history and I wanna improve the language, too. I think it doesn't matter where u where born, it's important how u consider yourself, despite others opinions :) (I want to connect with other kyopos/Koreans born or raised abroad so I started a blog and found this video!).
So interesting. I'm confused by the gyopo term though. It seems some of the folks defined it as a Korean living abroad, which isn't the same thing as foreign-born people of Korean heritage. And then others did define it that way. My parents said they were gyopo but we (their kids) aren't gyopo. They said we're Americans since we're American-born. I just realized I do mostly view South Korea as a foreign country despite being of Korean heritage after watching this...
What your parents said to you is right. Gyopo means Korean live abroad with Korean nationality(citizenship). If you have only American citizenship, then You are 'Dongpo' which means Korean ethnics without korean citizenship.But many people confuse these two words in daily life actually just as you see in this video So You can be ragarded as a gyopo. You are a 재미교포 2세
You are right. Most Koreans consider naturalized foreigners as Koreans more than Korean Americans. From what I feel while living in Korea, there seems to be quite a lot of antipathy toward Korean Americans in Korea..
한국인으로서 미국에 사는 한국계 미국인들은 미국인이라고 생각합니다. 특별히 부정적인 의미 이거나 이제 너희는 우리나라 사람이 아니네. 이런 의미가 아니라 그나라의 사람인지는 어느 나라의 여권을 가지고서 세금을 내고 가정을 꾸리면서 삶을 살아가는지에 있기 때문이라고 보기 때문입니다. 현재 한국에도 필리핀, 태국, 베트남, 말레이시아, 중국, 일본 등 다른 나라에서 태어났지만 현재 한국 국적을 취득하고서 살아가는 사람들이 점점 많아지고 있습니다. 이런 사람들도 제가 보기에는 한국인 이기 때문입니다. 또한 이건 인터뷰가 조금 이상하다는 생각도 합니다. 특별히 크게 생각해 본적이 없는 문제이며 그냥 한국계 미국인이지만 그들이 원해서 한국에서 생활하거나 미국에서 한국인들과 주로 어울리며 생활한다고 하면 '아 그런가 보구나' 할것입니다. 반대로 한국계 미국인들이 '이제 나는 한국인이 아니고 미국인이야' 라고 생각하면서 한국의 문화에 어색함을 느끼고 미국생활에 완전히 적응했다면 이것 또한 저는 '아 그런가 보구나' 할 정도의 문제이기 때문입니다. 이건 결국 한국계 미국인들의 정체성에 대해 본인들이 선택할 문제이며 한국에서 살아가고 있는 한국인 입장에서는 한국계 미국인들이 선택한 방향을 존중합니다. 같은 한국인의 피가 흐르는 만큼 어떤 선택을 하던지 응원합니다.
i feel like a lot of these people were confused what it means to be "gyopo" . gyopo literally just means someone who is of korean descent that is from another country. i'm a gyopo even though i've never been to korea. and you don't need to be mixed..smh
A "Korean-American" here. Personally, I think of myself as someone who was born in Korea holding US citizenship. Nothing more, and nothing less. I was born and grew up in Korea, but only in first 11 years of my life, meaning I have effectively been outside the Korean cultural sphere of influence since then. Furthermore, there are many things in Korean culture that I do not agree with. If I were to transplant myself in Korea right now, I would be a foreigner for all intents and purposes. My manner of Korean speaking would most likely to be viewed as old-style and I am still struggling with newer Korean words invented since I left Korea. So, I do not like using the "Korean" label. Meanwhile, although I have mostly been living in the US, there are many things in American culture that I do not agree with, thus I also do not like using the "American" label. When making introductions, I do not even like to talk about my nationality if I do not have to. In sum, I find myself in a limbo, although I do not mind too much. In general, when dealing with ethnicity in general, two components--i.e., biological and cultural--must be scrutinized.
It’s complicated. I’ve lived over a decade in both SK and the US, having been born in SK. When I first came to US, I faced discrimination from some of the Korean Americans. I never truly felt I belonged with them. So I had lots of friends who were recently from Korea like my self and this continued even in university. I see myself as more Korean than American if slightly so.
Awwww sorry you had that experience....I think it was because you came when you were older and by then the cultural difference and language barrier was too much to let you guys get closer. I came when I was 5 and since English was easier by the time we went to Junior high, there was definitely different groups..... The Koreans who spoke Korean hung out and Koreans who spoke English hung out. I think it has a lot to do with language and how we can communicate better with someone who speaks our language....plus we didn't share similar life experiences
But I'm envious of you....I believe ppl who come at the age of 9-10 can truly be bilingual. For me, since I never went to school in Korea....I can speak Korean but not quite comfortable and my vocabulary is at an elementary level
The guy at 3:07 though… I’m Korean British and I live in the UK but my parents are in Seoul. I do speak fluent Korean, however whenever I visit Seoul people would ask me stuffs like “so do you get a lot of girls” which really confuses me. I can’t do anything about what happened in the past but hope they can simply perceive us as who we are.
This really opened my eyes. I always felt like Koreans don’t consider me Korean (born in America) but I guess everyone has their own opinion on it and at least in this case it seems overwhelmingly positive. I also like the few people who just said, if they want to be accepted then I’d accept them. That’s very sweet. It makes sense.. if someone was born elsewhere but came back to Korea and really put in the effort to immerse back then why wouldn’t they be considered Korean? It’s quite beautiful really 🥹❤️
Thank you for making this thoughtful video. As a gyopo myself, this video was hard for me to watch because it's an ongoing struggle to have to explain dual identity to Koreans. The man in the green jacket also couldn't understand the concept of a dual identity of being Korean-American. When I am in Korea, it's easier for me to navigate Korea by just saying I am a foreigner and an American, even though I know I am Korean. I feel sad that I have to limit my self expression and hide parts of my American identity when I'm in Korea because I don't want to be a negative gyopo stereotype, but that is the reality for how gyopos have to act in a society that is homogenous and does not interact with people from other races and ethnicities on a daily basis. I don't care if I'm accepted by Koreans or not because I am Korean and some people will understand that (like many of the people in this video) and others will hold those negative stereotypes of gyopos and never validate that you are Korean (sort of like the man in the green jacket).
it's so hard. i was born in the US and spent the first 10 years of my life there, but have been living in Korea since 4th grade. however, i went to an international school while i was here, so i continued to speak English. i now work in Korea in a job that requires me to speak English, but i constantly feel excluded by my coworkers (though i know it is unintentional). i feel the homogeneity and "we are Korean, not you" vibes everywhere i go that requires me to interact with people because my Korean isn't fluent. i struggle every day to feel accepted here, but i also don't feel accepted in the US. i hate being asked where i'm from, because i honestly don't know. i don't feel like i belong in either place, but i long to feel like a "true" Korean even though i probably never will feel that way.
I heard that most Koreans consider naturalized foreigners as Koreans more than Korean Americans. From what I feel while living in Korea, there seems to be quite a lot of antipathy toward Korean Americans in Korea..
I feel the same. It may sound weird but I almost feel kind of "triggered" watching these videos in the sense that I feel kind of hurt because of deep identity issues growing up that were only further compounded due to being biracial and people always trying to categorize my identity
My wife moved to the States at the age of 22. She is now a citizen. I'm not sure if she's Korean or Korean American. And I'm not sure she is sure about her status, either. She still has a Korean accent. But keeps up with Korean culture. Visits every year for a month at a time. Her Korean slang, though, is completely out of date. She does notice that Korean Americans who were born in the States tend to be stuck in the era that they immigrated from. So, all the signage in LA Korea Town, looks like it's from the 70's.
I am Korean who immigrated to the US as a 12 year old. I am 44 yo now. I also have a US citizenship as well. While I am truly blessed to be living in the US - America is the greatest country in the world - I never doubted my Korean identity. This is because my heart and my soul says I am Korean. This is how I feel 100%. Also, I go to korean church, eat korean food, and love the Korean World Cup National Team.... even more than the US World Cup Team. ❤️🇰🇷❤️ I am Korean. No doubt.
I was born in Dominican Republic ( fifth generation) and my family moved to the USA when I was 8 years old. In the USA I was treated like an Ilegal Emigrant even though we came here legally and when I will go to Dominican Republic every summer, I use to get treated different like an American. This to me was very annoying, in both countries I felt like I didn’t belong. The last time I visit my birth country was when I was 18 years old and since then I decided to identify as an Dominican American. I remember visiting Dominican Republic and my aunts been surprised I know how to cook, clean a house and even dance music that we normally listen too. Bachata, Merengue, Salsa. Guys will think that I was going to be “open minded” just because I live most of my live in the USA. 😂🤣😂 my parents raised me with the same value they were raised just in another country. Most people think that In America women are easy and don’t know how to do anything, move out of their parents house at age 18, this is not true it depends of your family background.
could just be that i'm in a weird mood right now but as a korean diaspora this video made me cry. i often feel like i've lost my roots and i'll never truly be connected to most of my family. not like in a weird nationalist sense but just. man. there's so much of this culture that my parents and my grandparents and generations before that live through that i have no idea about because i was born here instead. i'm trying to learn more about korea and study to get better at the language. my grandparents are old and they'll probably be going away soon. i hate how even now it's hard for me to express my thoughts to them comprehensibly i wish i had tried harder earlier
As an ethnic Korean Canadian-born-American I feel like we aren't real Koreans because we aren't culturally Korean, but there's no doubt that we are proud to be ethnically Korean. We face a different life experience, discrimination, and racism that native Koreans do not. We are the ambassadors for Korea to our fellow Americans, Canadians, Europeans, etc. that we live and work amongst. I agree with one of the girls' opinions that if a gyopo can speak Korean and has been exposed to Korean culture growing up they can be seen as "real Koreans" or what they say in our community, "Korean-Korean."
I think recent newborn should learn their Langauge and culture ....because nowadays technology has advanced so much that the only reason you haven't learnt is because of their own laziness.
@@manz007 I agree, it is important. I plan to spend a few years in Korea so my kid can go to school there so he can get immersed in the culture and master the language.
I mean... korean americans are good at distinguishing the 'fobs' from themselves anyways and usually disapprove them as the part of the community. The difference is quite apparent.
that's true. if they aren't seen as Korean, the reason might be they don't speak Korean or not fluent. the society of South Korea might look like English friendly cos there's always English signs and stuff you can see everywhere here but not many people can communicate in English. so no matter how much they look like Korean, if they don't speak Korean then it's almost impossible to blend in
@K Explorer - thanks for a great vid topic. The term gyopo. I'm Korean-American and this word has always left me hanging. Recently, what I've come to understand is that the defintion of gyopo is a Korean national who relocates and lives overseas. I've been told it can sometimes be used in a derogatory way. Whereas the term for Korean American is 미국계 한국인 and does not hold any negative connotation. 미국계 한국인 also seems like it might be a more recent word to describe Korean-Americans as neither I nor my parents remember it being used back in the 80s and 90s. In the vid, some people were talking about gyopo, but one of the interviewees used the term 미국계 한국인. Not 100% sure the people being interviewed were all referencing the same type of person. IMO there are cultural differences even between Korean-Americans and gyopo. Shout out to the person at 2:45. I will totally be your friend!!
교포 is a pretty general term now, maybe various years back it could've been used in a derrogatory way but rarely nowadays. I personally like it a lot BC it is quite inclusive, I think it is a good umbrella term for any Korean living abroad. While there are differences between Korean Americans and other 교포s inherently we are grouped together in Korean standards anyways, not to mention the perceived stereotypes are also the same BC to a some Koreans the world consist of two: Korea and not Korea. I've been called 검머외 recently and that one's been a more frequently used word to describe Koreans who lived abroad in a negative way. I honestly see potential in these words tho where we can reclaim it and use them to empower the tck identity.
It's always an interesting question of nationality vs culture... what makes someone a "real Korean," where they come from or the culture they subscribe to?
IMO there are two deciding factors when it comes to national identity; ethnic and cultural. I may be ethnically Korean, but culturally I have become Canadian, and I identify with my Canadian cultural values. Yet bc I lived in Korea until I was 10, my wife who is Canadian tells me that my thoughts and actions do reflect some Korean traits. Our children certainly do not identify themselves as Koreans. Not only do they culturally identify as being Canadian, but bc they're only half Korean, even ethnically they have less reason to identify as Koreans than myself.
It's the same for anyone who is an ethnic Chinese but doesn't live in China. I'm an ethnic Chinese from Singapore, grew up learning English and Chinese Mandarin as my first languages in schools. When I was in China, mainland Chinese can tell I'm not a native of the country not because I can't speak fluent Mandarin (although not on the same level of fluency as them since English is mainly the medium of instructions and business here) and they can tell since I don't speak Mandarin with a native accent , which is usually with a tinge of Beijing accent, esp those who are educated in China. Hence I'm an overseas Chinese, not a China Chinese. Also I see myself first as a Singaporean (my nationality), then my race (ethnic Chinese) whenever I'm abroad. The cultural perspective and opinions on certain matters differ too since a lot of it is influenced by western thoughts through my own education. The upbringing is also quite different.
I respect the ajusshi in the middle who said, "They can decide who they want to be." Technically, they grew up in both cultures so they can choose for themselves. But at the same time, it is an advantage to completely choose one over the other and eliminate the "middle" stance. Also, based on my full Korean gyopo friends' experiences, it is weird how Korean Koreans look down on gyopos as being "lesser" than. I suppose it all boils down to cultural difference and familiarity with society. Though 1.5 generations in my experience definitely socialize more with people directly from Korea.
I very much respect the ajusshi as well. From my understanding the Koreans that look down on Koreans that live abroad and mainly in the USA, is because of envies. Korean Americans are raised by their Korean parents whom speak fluent Korean at home, and still teach their children the culture they grew up with in SK. The SK that don’t speak English are the ones that are so jealous and intimidate and resent Korean Americans. They are upset because they haven’t been able to leave or visit other countries abroad mainly the English speaking countries. They feel embarrassed they are grown and can’t speak or translate a word in English. They could have done better. They could have self taught themselves, but they would rather resent Korean Americans and make them feel less than, than to look in the mirror and see where the breakdown is. Korean Americans know the SK manners, and respect for the culture. Their parents installed this in them. But, Korean Americans have so much swagger and world views, it blows non speaking SK out of the progression of life game. This is their prejudice toward their own people just because they are bilingual and have advanced incredibly well by living and being born abroad. The bloodline is still there no matter where you live.
The same can be told about Koreans Americans, as they didn't have to write KSAT... I speak 4 languages, and I still envy Koreans Koreans who passed KSAT
@@tatjana7008 You have exceeded the norm if you speak 4 languages. You’re very smart. There is no need to envy anybody if you speak 4 languages. Languages and Mathematics are the key to success. So, cheer up. You are in a totally different lane of success for now and forever. Do you know how many people envy you? Four languages, what a blessing.😊
@@patriciajackson6285 um.. are you even Korean or Korean American? Koreans don’t look down on Korean Americans because of envy lmao 😂 I am Korean American and I know specifically the reasons they look down on us. They think we are people who went abroad and forgot our own culture, forgot our roots, some even daring to assume that we are ashamed of our roots. Perhaps that was frequently the case in the past, as Asian Americans were so mocked and ridiculed in wester culture, but I feel like that is less of the case now as US For the most part, has gotten more open minded. Most Koreans I’ve met have been very kind and caring towards me, but one guy particularly has made me feel ashamed of how I still needed help with some Korean words and always insinuated that I was not Korean at all. Koreans are not envious that we are so much of another culture as you state, they look down on us for that very fact. This is not just the case with Koreans, I’ve had my Chinese American friend tell me that the name they are called by mainland Chinese people are ABC; American born Chinese. And that they get treated like they are not Chinese at all. Other posts in the comment section of people of different ethnicities are stating similar experiences of how they are also treated like foreigners in their home countries. This is the experience of an immigrant. Our experiences have formed us an identity that is different than the people in our nationality and our original ethnic country. Also korean koreans that ik speak more languages than typical Americans. Most of them can understand English if they can’t speak it, but many also know Chinese and Japanese and a lot of young people are choosing to learn Spanish, Turkish and some African languages as well. They are a people that’s not afraid to take on learning and enjoy traveling around the world . Idk why they would be jealous of Korean Americans for these things that they already have under their belt
@@clorozweepvmundosalazar5153 Well stated. Umm..no, am not Korean. Just been around Korean Koreans for the last 20 years and counting with different business affairs, and general conversation about their lives growing up there and them comparing their present lives. Which, they prefer the latter. There is someone from Busan, and said he is never going back, and do not visit. They receive and rely on their children point of views when they visit their relatives in Korea. They share with their parents their experiences which themselves will say; I prefer not to live there, but visiting is fine. Some of the conversations with them are in depth on their beliefs, culture and food. But, for them their children do experience what you have mentioned, and some of the Korean Americans are frown upon because of the versatility to travel back and forth as they wish. Some Korean Koreans cannot and do not have that luxury in life. So, this is very much envied. English is universal, and preferred by many when traveling, because it is the one language that the world understands the most. If you can’t speak it or understand it, or write it, it hinders your growth no matter who you are or where you’re from.
I am a Korean American and that is my identity! I do NOT have to be 100% American nor 100% Korean, Korean. I am a Korean American. That is my identity and am MAD proud of it!
I wish I was as brave as the older gentleman to speak in Japanese or Korean. His pronunciations are actually really really good. I can understand every English word he says
super interesting video. I moved to US when I was 7 and my kids are half white with interest in korean language and culture. I just hope if they ever want to go to korea to live in the future, they are welcomed instead of discriminated against
Isn't it simple? If your bloodline is Korean all along no matter if u are born in Korea, lived there or a gyopo or adopted... U will still be Korean anywhere u go... Not by citizenship but by race... U can't suddenly be a white or black or latina right....
I am a Kazakh American and feel the same way. My friends living in new york who had just moved here last month act totally differently then me even though I am Kazakh blood I am still American mostly. Hahaha too Kazakh to be American and too American to be Kazakh
I'm sorry, normally I am really focused on the video and all the responses they are giving but my god the girl in the blue jacket is so pretty! I can't help but be distracted 😂😂
i already knew that i'll never be 'truly' korean to koreans before watching the video because even if we 'look the same,' there will always be subtle differences that make them pause and see korean-americans differently. we see it happen in media all the time. some people try to be respectful by saying that "gyopos are korean" but it's never really the case, especially if the difference comes from even the thinnest language barrier. the fact that you have to 'hide your foreignness' or 'act korean' well to be seen as korean is already a sign that korean-americans can't be seen as koreans even if they are of korean blood. personally, i've always thought i would have been happier if i were born and raised in korea (not that korea is perfect but neither is america) so i wouldn't have to deal with the whole identity crisis that non-whitewashed (for a lack of better words) korean-americans tend to have. i feel uncomfortable here but would feel uncomfortable in korea just the same in this life because i would be viewed as a foreigner, and being conscious of that has always been disheartening.
Even if you're born overseas, if any of your parents had Korean citizenship at the time of your birth you are considered Korean citizen by Korean govt. this law was put into effect because in the past so many Koreans gave birth overseas to obtain dual citizenship and avoid military service.
It’s not true. If you’re born abroad, you get an F-4 visa in Korea and I NOT have to do anything like military and can come to Korea and even start a business. It’s indeed a massive advantage.
@@DRK0114 I'm born in Japan and i have dual citizenship, japanese and Korean as well, never got a vida to enter in Korea because i always enter with my Korean passport, and use my japanese one to enter Japan, i don't know if you are saying only in the case of boys because they need to go to the military but my cousin is also with dual citizenship from Japan and Korea and he's going to the military in Korea right now just like another normal Korean guy !!!!
@@DRK0114 I said if either one of your parents at the time of your birth was Korean. You have dual citizenship until the age of 16 and then you have to either rescind your Korean citizenship or remain as Korean citizen. This was a big thing here in US among 2nd generation Korean Americans who didn't even know this law existed. Korean Constitution court ruled in favor of Korean Americans who petitioned so the age limit to decide whether to keep dual citizenship or not has been extended, but the fact that you're give dual citizenship at birth remains and can cause some issues with military service duty if you stay long term in Korea.
you have the option of dual citizenship until you're 18 I believe. I was given that option, but my parents got rid of it so I would not be drafted into the Korean military despite not having a Korean passport.
So many Koreans have this all wrong. You’re supposed to be tight with Korean Americans so that you all can do international business together. We need to start helping each other out bc if we start working together like that then no one will be able to beat us!
I would say from experience Korean Americans come off with the behaviors of foreigners though. When you're in Korea, the expectation is that you blend in with the culture and its customs. More often than not, Korean Americans I've seen while living there ignore a lot of that and instead of trying to blend in, they act like any other American foreigner
Korean American here. My parents brought our family here in the mid 70's for a better life. So greatful they did. I was raised with Korean values (conservative) but I am American. It was insightful to hear their opinions about us.
That was the most satisfying broken English I've ever heard. I love the middle-aged Korean man's answer out of all of them. His answer comes from a place of great understanding and gives a profound meaning to the questions being asked by the interviewer.
I am Korean-Latino (born in South America to Korean parents). I speak Korean decently (not PhD level, but decent for everyday life) and I know Korean history (bookworm) and culture quite well (Korea centric conservative parents, and I also worked in S. America and Korea for Korean and other countries' companies). Going to grad school in the US in a few months. To me, Korean-Americans and Koreans are different categories and that must also be the case for other variants as well: Koreans born or who he spent a big chunk of their lives in other regions, there are some 8MM Koreans spread all over the world after all. Do I feel more Korean or Latino? I think it depends on the day and subject at this point and I'd say I just embrace (identity crisis in years past but not anymore). I criticize/defend either depending on the circumstances. My blood is 100% Korean, Culturally/Value-wise I am mix leaning slightly towards Korean but I also cherish the fact that I could live in this part of the world. It gave me friends (Latin Americans and other Koreans here), education and just a happy life up to this moment. Good ride.
I m a kyopo and consider myself as a hybrid between korean and american. when it comes to food, I pick korean over american anyday. but i do love other national foods too.
Of course they are Americans. They have American citizenships not Koreans. And I feel some kyopos sometimes take advantage of being Korean. Especially, first gen immigrants use Korean medical system without paying taxes.. Also Steven Yu case proves bad side of kyopo.
I know of a Korean guy who lived in Europe since he was a little boy when his family moved here. He lived in Korea for a short while in his early 20s. And although he could speak Korean, his way of thinking and way of life was so European that he wasn‘t able to fit in well, had difficulties making Korean friends and eventually came back to Europe.
Wait a minute, is "gyopo" the same or different as "e-sae" because from what I know "e-sae" is a Korean American who is born or grew up in America and doesn't live in Korea but visits on vacation because they have Korean relatives (which is what I am). Also, on my last visit there my cousin from Korea told me most Koreans think of us e-saes as complete foreigners and not as real Koreans. That we're basically like any other foreigner who just happens to look Korean. That was over a decade ago so maybe perceptions have changed a bit over the years with the younger generation.
As a Korean American I agree that we are a 3rd culture. When I went to Korea I was shocked how people would say "they're foreigners" in Korean and I would say "uh...I'm Korean" and they would give me a confused look. I might have been born in the states but I've never considered myself fully American. Even though I was born in the US, served in the military, I always considered my mother country to be Korea. When my family and I went to Hawaii my kids loved that there were so many people just like them. People who looked just like them, who didn't speak their mother tongue but shared similar customs and courtesies, a mish mash of Asian culture. I feel like Hawaii is the perfect microcosm for Asian Americans in general. Maybe that's why people on the islands live longer than any other state.
unfortunately it's a highly divisive topic especially in countries like Korea that are so insanely homogeneous....a lot of Korean people have never seen or spoken to a non-Korean person in their life, much less traveled abroad. that paired with the fact that Korea westernized and modernized so quickly (from a poor country during the Korean War to one of the most economically powerful in the world in a matter of decades), topics like these have come to the forefront because Korean society is being exposed for how backwards it is. there is so much racism here (i.e. we have no anti-discrimination laws) and so many people who refuse to see Koreans with any experience living abroad, as "true" Koreans. i know because i'm Korean-American and have been told to my face that i'm not a true Korean.
The Ahjussi is so correct on Koreans living abroad, especially in the West. They work hard, majority are profoundly successful, and there is no limit on the money they will spend on their children’s education at some of the best schools in the West. They eat well, live very well, own their own businesses, drive nice cars, and present themselves in society as very respectful people. Their children are bilingual and are meeting their parent’s expectations daily, and becoming model citizens with good jobs and a good life. This could not have happened for them if the parents had stayed in SK. In SK by standards, you’re either wealthy or poor. There is nothing in between that. In the West they don’t have to live by those standards, because they live a rich full life. This one gentleman owns a business and said he hasn’t been back to SK in over 30 years. That speaks volume anyway you look at it. The Korean parents that live abroad with their children that is born aboard, knows they have done them a good deed. Now, if the children choose to go back to SK, their advantage on the society changes, and makes them very marketable because they are fluent in English, Korean, and some speaks other languages as well. But, their goal is to write, read and speak English. It’s their parents goal for them. The parents aren’t going back, they will have to give up too much of a hard worked life that has given them years of joy and prosperity.
@@davidmhat4774 David, no doubt. But, his questions were about Koreans living abroad (mainly in the West) to Koreans. Although, I respect your response.
僑胞 originally referred to overseas compatriots, mostly emigrants. I suppose it really depends on the experience. Some of them felt strong discrimination in South Korea. Others loved it and moved back to South Korea.
I am a Korean born but immigrated at 10. As such, I am now an American. What is the definition of an American? It is people like me. We make up a diverse society gathered from all corners of the world to make this country great. While I look at Korea with fondness (and travel there to enjoy the culture, environment and interaction), I am now an American.
I have MAD respect for that man 4:30 for speaking in English with his limited vocab as a way of respecting the interviewer. And his opinion is true to a large extent for the first generation immigrants who keep their mother culture and language alive in their children. This gets more and more difficult for the 1.5 generation and higher.
I once knew three girls from a Korean university on an exchange program to our school. Their one distinguishing characteristic was that all of them were dressed to the nines no matter when I saw them. It was crazy, or rather impressive. Monday morning: ALL of us in sweats, hung over, who didn't finish their papers? Korean girls: dressed up like they're going out Friday night, in heels! Asked one of them about it once and they told me in Korea most of the girls in university get dressed up. Said getting into university was the struggle. Afterwards it's party time. Very interesting explanation.
Heres how i know Im more Korean than American, when America identifies me as only being Korean, but most of the time assume im from China actually. Americans: Where are you from? Me: Los Angeles Americans: No, where are you really from? like where is your parents from? Me: Los Angeles Americans: What is your ethnicity? Me: Korean Americans: Oh, I love Korean BBQ and Kpop Me: Me too
couldn't help but be touched by the grandpa that tried his best to speak english. given he probably spent his entire life living in korea, at his age, english wasn't nearly as big of a focal point in the education system and yet he speaks better english than my korean grandparents that have lived in canada for more than 30 years. his vocabulary amazes me too as he probably doesn't have too many opportunities to even practice and use the language either.
I have had many experiences with elderly Koreans like this. They often approach me in public, and they are so excited to speak English. Most are ex-military, usually having spent time in joint service or whatever you call it, in America.
One guy, I think he said he was in his 80s, had an encyclopedic knowledge of US history. It really put me to shame. He knew everything. Names, dates, major events, minor events I had never even heard of until then. He had a subscription to a dozen US magazines on a wide range of topics and spent his retirement studying them daily.
A lot of foreigners here complain about racist elders, and those do exist, but in my own personal experience, I have had nearly entirely positive experiences with them.
i know they're just trying to be nice, but as a korean-american, i am neither korean, nor american. i am korean-american. there's absolutely no way i'm the same as a white american. and there's also no way i'm the same as a korean-korean. i'm somewhere in between, a merge, a mixture, a blend, of the two, which is in itself a separate identity.
exactly. most of us are too korean for america and too american for korea.
Sounds like an identity crisis. You are not the only one.
They are trying to be nice. I really hate to say this, but we consider you guys as our friends, not the same people.
yea definitely tougher if you have not lived in the US for a majority of your life.
Same as a Latino American who’s white but I view myself American
I am a Korean American living in NY. I wish people can understand that, it really depends on the circumstances you were raised in as a Korean American in the United States. My parents are still very Korean-centric, and raised me and my siblings with Korean values. We still celebrate Korean holidays, use Korean customs. When I was younger, I looked at myself more of an American, but as time passed by and I became older, I looked at myself as an American, but also embraced my Korean culture and my heritage. They need to realize the struggles Korean Americans, and minorities in general, go through. Sometimes we feel like we are neither American nor Korean. I don't know how to explain it, but to say that I am American, but I am also Korean as well. I hope that when I visit Korea, I will not be treated a certain way. I can speak Korean-albeit not super fluently- to the point where Koreans are surprised, but I digress. I am in my early 30s, and I don't know how to explain it, but I feel my "mother country" calling for me. I feel like I have to visit soon. Cheers. Appreciate the episode.
I get it, the identity crises is always going to be there but it depends on you what you want to do and how you want people to look at you and i know it can be hard because I'm going through the same for many years now but we can always try and feel better, also sometimes living life without thinking about it too seriously is something good don't put too much pressure because sometimes we do and it's not really necessary.
I'm a 32 year old white man who identifies as both Italian and American despite the fact that only half my blood is Italian, and I'm 4 generations removed from the immigrant generation. Embrace it. It's not an identity crisis. We have the best of both worlds in America. Everyone has 2 identities in America. Your family lineage identity, and your national identity. I wouldn't have it any other way for Americans. Our ancestors chose to come to America because they saw it was a special place where everyone can have a united identity and separate identity at the same time.
I met kyopos in Seoul who had no intention of going back to the places where they were raised, but many more who felt too "foreign" in Korea. Language is a BIG differentiator. Temperament is another. Are you cool with always being treated as a bit "exotic"? If so, you'll be fine. It's the people who are looking to be treated or feel "like everyone else" that experience a lot of disappointment.
seems like you really want nothing to do with America yet lived for 20 years sounds sucks why still here thou ??
not trying to be rude but would have been easier if you grew up in Korea to actually have full Korean experience I mean its's a prefect country right
@@ko-Daegu lol what? If that’s what you got out of my comment, then you need to develop critical thinking skills
Thank you for these interviews. I’m a Korean American. This is its own unique culture. I never believed this until I visited Korea and felt so foreign there… culture changes and I will always honor my Korean heritage, but I am an American.
I feel the same. I dont get offended being viewed as a foreigner in South Korea as I am American that happens to be of Korea decent. I don't think it is that different across countries to be honest.
I’m a Korean living in the US and totally agree with your idea. Korean Americans are as foreign to Koreans as much as 조선족 or 재일동포 are foreign to us. Still I greatly appreciate the hodpitality your community display to Koreans living abroad in the US. Hope I’ll have a chance to return the favor when I’m back in Seoul.
@@danielkim672 this is true, i am Korean japanese but everyone only look at me as japanese even though I grew up in Korean culture in Japan as well, and in Japan people that know about that don't accept me as japanese lol it's really confusing, now I'm living in america and i don't even know how to explain this sometimes! People still get confused
you will always be foreign in every land.
Korean American, and I've been living in Korea since I was 23 (2008). While I can relate to them, I can never 100% claim to know what it's like to be natively Korean. Our upbringing, attitudes, way of mannerisms, dress, etc., screams the image of Gyopo in the eyes of Koreans. Nothing is more evident that the two are more different than alike than Steven Yeun in the "Conan in Korea" series. He looks kind of nervous and awkward and like a fish out of water; it's pretty evident that it may be his first time in his motherland without a parent or guide.
EDIT: I guess even Steven Yeun admits he was unreliable in a podcast recently with Conan (czcams.com/video/-DmnzrxAn88/video.html) and that "the gaze of the country reflects off me differently than you" line is something that really hits home. If you are Korean American, and visiting Korea but don't know anything, you may not be as welcomed as a foreigner who doesn't know anything and may even be criticized for not knowing. But, if you are earnest and eager to learn and show them you are, it can also be welcomed.
Can we please appreciate the man with the blue hat. He did such a great job, while speaking English. I know it's hard for them and since I learn Korean, I understand their struggles with English. So this man has my respect, of course the others too who are in this video 🥰
As someone who's Filipino American, I am definitely seen as a foreigner in the Philippines LOL. so it's interesting to see what it's like for Korean Americans. Honestly feeling 'accepted' in your home country just depends on how well you can assimilate to the culture & it's easier if you were raised with the language and culture.
If they were interviewed maybe they would regards Filipinos abroad as Filipino too just like we've seen here.
I'm Jamaican but born in the UK and it's the same. They know I'm from overseas and in many ways regarded as a foreigner but ultimately they know I'm of the same blood.
🤔 unless you’re half-American not just born and raised in the US, you will still look like a Pinoy.
@@LeiSalazar the locals usually assume i'm a foreigner even when im not speaking tho, i think it's the way i'm dressed? i guess it's the same with how koreans can tell korean americans apart from appearance
@@l2727as a Filipino, we will judge you how you speak act and think. If you think Filipinos are not asians but Pacific Islanders., its a red flag for us and you will not be accepted in the community
@@s2oop436 hmm at least with my cousins from the philippines, they definitely see me more as american than filipino. one even asked me why i was eating rice if i'm american LOL. i can understand it tho, i'm culturally american so i'm not expecting to be treated like a local. i'd say i have more in common with any other asian from america than a filipino from the philippines. it's not that i feel unaccepted, but i do kinda feel 'othered' if that makes sense. it's not necessarily a bad thing tho.
I'm a Korean who lived in the US for 16.5 years. I came to the states when I was 13. I had some opportunities to meet Koreans in an online game. Long stories short, their perspectives and opinions in general things were completely different on so many different levels than mine. My beliefs and perspectives were more diversified and Americanized than Koreans who grew up in S.Korea. It's really really hard to explain. But I realized that I will never be the same as them.....
Same, came here at age 12 and now in my 30s. I don't fit in with local Korean people and it's like I don't completely fit in with Americans. It seems I get along best with American born Koreans or those who also immigrated early to this country
@@madil5974 interesting. I'm Korean American, lived in Korea 16 years or so and fit more with Korean people than other Korean Americans. I think mainly due to I actually lived in Korea both as a kid, was born there, and lived there early as an adult so I was more familiar with customs as opposed to those who only lived in the US. I actually have ties there outside of just parents (e.g. my hometown, my childhood, etc.). There were a few incidents where I disagreed on actions/views in Korea, but I always understood why they occurred the way they did
Quuck questions for all of you above, have you ever been made fun of as being a FOB? I'm Korean-Korean, just learned about this term and curious
@@whereismyyoung fob? Not really except used jokingly between close friends. Been called other things for being korean or half korean or asian, but not by that term by people who intend to offend that I can recall. Maybe once as a kid. It's kind of an old outdated term to discriminate asian people
한국이 문화적 경제적으로 잘나갈때는 당신은 한국인인척 할거고
한국에 경제위기나 전쟁위기 닥치면 당신은 미국인 될겁니다.
원래 인생이 그런거임ㅋㅋ 좋은때는 빨아먹고 나쁠때는 가차없이 뱉는거입니다.
My friend Yohann in Chicago moved to Mexico City with his family when he was 3 and speaks Mexican Spanish as if it were his first language although they spoke Korean at home. Besides being a student at Loyola Univ, he works as a part-time Spanish-Korean interpreter for a Korean doctor who caters to Mexican and Central American patients.
That’s pretty awesome.
;) we have huge community of Koreans in Mexico and they love it there and we love them too ;D there are 2 very famous korean CZcamsrs in Mexico, they are called "cocinando corea" and "changu amiga" ;D
@@davidgarcia-rv3fs it was kinda tough in the early 2000s ngl. I'm ethnically Korean but was born and raised in cdmx. That was before Korea was a familiar country to Mexicans so Koreans would be usually seen as either Chinese or Japanese. Kinda hurt sometimes and I think various Korean mexicans had identity crises growing up.
Im super glad at how much perception has changed in Mexico the past decade though and also the relationship between Mexicans and Koreans.
Talking specifically about the topic though, I think Latinasians hold yet another culture from Latinos, Asians, and Asian Americans. While it is a bit sad to know the reality in how we will never be perceived as fully Korean/mexican/american or any other country we settle in, I think there's value in the amalgamated cultures that we retain and gain over time.
Sir in the blue hat & blue earmuffs was very endearing in his response & I appreciate his broad perspective to the Korean War & it’s affects. I like this video 👏🏾
Now the world is one.
These street interviews are great content, keep it up
as an ethnic korean born in the us, this was rly interesting to watch :) I’ve always been curious about what korean koreans think of us. and tbh being a korean american has given me a lot of identity issues/insecurities, esp since I’m not fluent in the language and have never been to korea before. but I’m trying my best to study korean and come to peace w all the diff parts of me (my korean heritage, american nationality, and african upbringing since I’ve lived there since I was 5). anyways, tysm for making this video, it means a lot.
If you are born in America, you are american. That is your identity. Since I am not a Korean American, sometimes I don't understand why you guys have identity issues.
@@user-xj5ig9yy2v 이해 못하는 거 자체가 그쪽이 얼마나 식견이 좁은지 나타내는 거임. 적대적인 글 그만 좀 써요
@@user-d2fiv91no1 적대적인 글이 아니라 제 생각을 나타내는 겁니다.
@@user-d2fiv91no1 저랑 같은 생각 하시는분들 한국에도 분명 있습니다.
@@user-xj5ig9yy2v 그건 그쪽 생각이구요. 굳이 본인이 한국인으로써의 정체성을 지키고 한국어 공부 하려는 사람한테 너는 미국인이다라며 선 긋는 소리를 왜 하시는 거죠? 어떻게 생각하든 말든 그냥 예의가 없잖아요 지
Love the video. Yeah being a Korean American was hard. Since I didn’t belong in either countries. Honestly from my experience, I don’t feel as comfortable with friends who are Korean-Korean. I just feel like I’m myself with my American friends because I don’t have to constantly worry that I don’t know my own culture well or the language.
As 1.5 gen Korean immigrant, this is difficult. Came to the States as a 10 yr old, tried and thought I assimilated--played football in HS because I didn't want to be picked on, went/dropped out of college, eventually graduated college and law school, became a pretty decent lawyer..... but still feel empty inside, completely, when I realize that I do not know who I am now that I am in my mid-40s. All I can think about is the friends I had back in Korea in 4th grade when I left.... But that Korea no longer exists, I know. Nonetheless, I would love to sit on top of Woojangsan in Seoul, overlooking the Kimpo airport as I did when I knew who I was. Almost feels like I have no home in the States and when I go back to the home I cherish in my heart, it no longer exists.
fellow 1.5 gen korean here. I can completely understand what you are feeling. It feels empty and if I do go back to Korea after not being there for 16.5 years, I will definitely feel more comfortable being treated as foreigner than korean...
I have taught in Korea for the last 16 years, mostly as a computer science teacher. I've worked at 2 international schools so I have a great deal of experience with Korean students who have lived overseas for a large portion of their lives. I've also taught briefly at Korean public schools.
The difference between the attitudes and personalities of the students is night and day. It almost feels like teaching two totally different nationalities. I'm not saying one is better or worse than the other, but there's a kind of maturation that only seems to develop when one has lived and worked/studied overseas. I suspect a lot of it has to do with evading the extremely competitive educational system and work life.
I love your page! Please do a video on what Koreans think of Korean adoptees:)
As Someone who is Nigerian-American (American Born & Raised Nigerian) I can also relate to the sentiments expressed here.
I have told the people around me that there is a substantial difference between a Nigerian born and raised in Nigeria and a Nigerian person that has spent their entire lives in the United States. It truly depends on how tied & connected to their Parents or Grandparents culture they are.
Do you know the difference between ethnicity and nationality / citizenship? They are not interchangeable.
My grandfather served in the South Korean military before and during the Korean War. He left his motherland to find new opportunities in Brazil and America but he never let us forget that we were Koreans.
Never quite understood this. He was clearly Korean. Good offspring abroad? Well, let them figure out who they are without their father badgering then about who they are supposed to be.
Grandfather Korean and were you born in Brazil? I think it's not considered as Korean anymore since you guys are already 2 generations apart it's difficult to consider as Koreans because there's a cultural break right, even the relationships in the future can be very difficult I've met some Brazilian Korean and Brazilian japanese married to japanese and Korean woman they didn't know how to act when it was time to celebrate many family celebration.... So that's why we don't think you guys are the same anymore... Can't follow the culture genuinely and still follow Brazilian holidays etc.... The behavior towards people are different also.
Tu é br tbm?
@@seomei that’s true but when it comes to blood they still are some part of both
@@seomeiя в корне с вами не согласна. Да,они не хангуки, но они корейцы. Я-кореянка из России. Моих бабушек и дедушек вывезли японцы в далеком 1938 году на о. Сахалин. У меня все в роду-корейцы, Мой муж-кореец, его отец родился в Корее и был репатриирован вместе с матерью. К сожалению, мои бабушки и дедушки не дожили до этого, никогда больше Родины не увидели. Но мы всегда знали,что мы -корейцы. Также, как и раньше , наши бабушки и дедушки отмечали все праздники. И бабушка часами рассказывала про свою жизнь, историю рода. Когда открылись границы, мы нашли родственников,они помнили еще наших бабушек. Мою вторую бабушку тоже искали родственники, но она уже была очень плоха. Свекровь же родственники узнали, она очень была похожа на своего отца. Нас обвиняют в том,что мы плохо згаем язык. Но простите, во-первых, язык за почти 100 лет изменился, во-вторых, у нас не было ни корейских школ, ни учебников, раньше в таких далёких годах интернета тоже не было.
Interesting video 🫶🏻
Can you try to do it with 입양 (either them directly or interview people in the streets) I’m curious because when I lived in Seoul I didn’t really get to know what people like me thought, how hard it is for them or how they are actually perceived by Korean people~
Being biracial from the states then coming to Korea, there are Koreans I've met who see me as a foreigner (especially since I'm half) and then others who see me as Korean (ethnically) because I identify with both of my ethnicities. Having a parent from the US and one from Korea has left me being able to adapt to each culture relatively well. I will say though that because I grew up never having lived in Korea, I learned to grow an appreciation of my Korean heritage and culture while in the US. Then after graduating and moving to Korea, I grew fonder of my Black (African-American) culture because I had never been away from it for long. Living in both places has helped me become more confident in identifying with both of my ethnicities. Of course there will always be people on both sides who see me as an outsider, but for every person who has conservative views, there are many people like in this video who leave it to me to decide how I identify :)
I think being biracial is yet another different spectrum in the "Koreaness". This video, the definition of gyopo and people's perception of that word, is really about nationality and not about ethnicity. Oh , and there is a difference between the two.
@@michaellim4165 i see your point, but I identify as gyopo when Koreans ask why my Korean is so good or why I know so much about Korean culture. Biracial Koreans have citizenship too or at least can apply for it :)
@@michaellim4165 it depends on the person, I'm biracial Korean japanese my father is Korean my mom is Japanese but in Japan we lived in a Korean bubble since when i was a kid, didn't really had interactions with japanese and even my mother speaks Korean at home because that's how my father's family communicate as well, we always followed Korean traditions instead of japanese and we are 4 kids with dual citizenship Korean and Japanese, I'm the only kid in my family that didn't wanted to identify as Korean but my sisters identify as Koreans only and only use their Korean passport but for me it's different i feel I'm very something in between i feel bad if i only see the Korean side. So even for mixed kids cases it depends on the person and the familiar environment because some people they are mixed but they don't know anything about Korea or don't have direct contact with Korea as well but some of them are fully into the culture and lifestyle!
@미스 서 Again, my statement was to focus on the difference between ethnicity vs. nationality. Your story revolves around ethnicity (blood line, of which you can not easily change, regardless of how you identify culturally), whereas the video focuses on nationality and the word "gyopo" ( which asks the can an ethnically Korean person be still labeled as a Korean to those living in Korea). Your case is, like I've mentioned to another commentor yet another different aspect in the Koreaness spectrum.
New favorite interviewer. Great interviews 👌
This is cool. I always wondered about this subject as well.
As a Korean American that grew up in socal, I always had an identity crisis. I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood and they would innocuously make fun of me since I would be asian or different. Also, whenever I would visit Korea they would label me as a “gyopo.” The idea of being different on both sides made me a go getter. No one was going to make my life easier. I had to do it on my own. I’m sure this story resonates with a lot of Asian Americans.
All I want to say is that I feel disappointed with my fellow Koreans in Korea. It isn’t my fault that my parents decided to leave Korea for America. I still deeply respect the Korean culture and I will make sure my children learn Korean. We aren’t all sleezy and we arent all loud. I apologize for the experiences you’ve encountered but I can assure you that we have outstanding Korean Americans here.
Well said, and understood. Continue to instill those go getter values and your culture in your children, and they will outshine all the potential negativity in life.
Woah another David song with similar background. I grew up in Korea until I was 5 and have lived near the Philly area since. Grew up in a predominately black neighborhood in the city and was constantly picked on. Then I went to Korea when I was 12, and forgot a bunch of my Korean and people looked down on me there too. Now that I’m much older, those experiences changed me for the better because I treat people as individuals, not by their ethnicity or skin color or whatever their backgrounds are. It’s made me who I am. And when I went back to Pyeongchang in 2018 for the Winter Olympics having improved my Korean, people over there treated me as though I was a normal Korean. So now I finally feel like I have 2 “homes” instead of none.
@@Backroads23 Well said. Great story. Glad you rose up above the abnormal life as you perceived as troubling, but others may see as you finding out who you really are which is much more important. Stay positive.
한국말 잘 하신다고 하셨으니 한국말로 적을게요. 한국속담에 피는 물보다 진하다라는 말이 있어요. 교포들이 한국에서 한국한국인들과 다른 취급을 받는다고 느껴도, 한국말을 못해도
..한국인들 마음 깊은 곳엔 교포들이 같은 혈통이란 생각이 뿌리깊게 있습니다. 그걸 지울 수는 없어요. 설령 교포들이 나는 한국인이 아니야라고 주장해도, 한국한국인들은 마음 깊은 곳에선 그래도 넌 같은 조상에게서 났잖아 하는 마음이 있어요. 그 마음을 없앨 수는 없어요.
혈통이 중요하다고 믿고 자란 한국한국인들은 그 어느나라에 사는 한국인들보다 그렇게 느낄겁니다. 같은 혈통에 대해 느끼는 형제애같은 것. 몇백년 동안 조상에게 제사를 지내며 지내온 민족이잖아요. 오랜 세월 동안 다른 민족적혈통의 대규모 유입이 없이 한반도에서 고립되어 독특한 고유 문화를 유지 발전시킨 민족이니, 약간 유태인과 비슷한 민족정체성일까요? 한국인 피가 있으면 어디에 있어도 한국인이다 그런 마음. 이거는 내 주관적인 생각이 아니에요, 한국한국인이면 다 똑같은 이런 마음이 있어요. 아마도 집단 무의식이라고 할까?
그래서 한국에 사는 다른 인종 외국인들이 이런 점에대해 섭섭함을 느낀다고 말하죠. 한국인의 깊은 속까지는 섞여 들어갈 수 없다고.
Yes and then Korean adoptees have it much worse
As a Korean, it is not a matter for native Koreans to decide, but for Korean Americans. If they realize that they are Korean, I think they are Korean.
I look forward to your enlightening interviews.
It's really weird hearing the females saying they aren't considered Koreans. America is just a location not a bloodline, a person born from Korean parents in USA is still a Korean.
The American ethos has a different take on this. While we may see the 1st generation of an ethic group as whatever the original was, by 2nd generation the people are American. It comes through in behaviors, mannerisms and orientation to the world around them. This dynamic has affected every cultural group present in American society. That is why there is usually cultural tensions within the families that have 1st & 2nd generation members.
But here’s an additional consideration. Too many racist people in American try to weaponize the “otherness” of the non-White people in our society. So I greatly appreciate the efforts of ALL Asian-American groups to emphasize they are 100% American-but proud of their ethnic representation within the American tapestry. And just like those of us who are Black Americans, I see Asian Americans as Americans! No one should try to make them walk away from or reject what they have now paid for with their blood, sweat & tears.
@@Bosnia123 I believe I’m also talking about nationality. During WWII White American leaders interned Japanese Americans because they saw them as Japanese people who were living in America rather than as Japanese American citizens. Those racist decision makers would have gladly accepted your interpretation of “Korean is a Korean regardless of place” because that sentiment is parallel to the legal argument used to justify the roundup & internment of the Japanese Americans at that time. The racist argument held that no matter how long these people had lived in America they were Japanese first & would be loyal to Japan before being loyal to America.
Korea and Koreans do not protect them.
So They are not korean🤔
@@PhilCherry3 I love you.
I 100% agree with them. A country is def not just a location. It's your nationality. You were born there, you are their people.
Great episode! I never knew that this was a thing. Of all the Korean Americans I’ve met, most have parents that teach/taught them how things are done in Korea, so culturally they’re not outcasts at all. Plus most Asian groups that I’ve witnessed first hand seem to try to gravitate in most cases towards their own “people” and want to live and learn about their motherland. Often times Korean Americans hang out and only date Koreans too, so again still anchored to Korean culture. On a side note, I just have to mention the girl in the blue is really pretty!
I'm really glad you did this topic bro. Maybe you could've asked what the biggest difference between korean americans and native koreans were, and/if native koreans and native koreans are able to get along, but that seemed to be sort-of answered in the latter half of the video.
I was born in Seoul Korea and immigrated to the United States when I was 8 years old with my parents. Upon arrival, I enrolled in grade school as a third grader.
It is a fact, my outer appearance suggest that I am of the Korean descent however I like to believe that I’m an American by heart.
Although I consider myself as an American, this does not deter me from celebrating South Korea when I see them in the news in a positive light. I.e. The World Cup, etc.
I enjoy the K-food over any other food as well. But i would be lying if I said that I did not crave a burger and fries. From time to time. I just have it now with a side of Kimchee. 😊
Yeah you're definitely more influenced by the culture.
I think it's pretty dope.
I'm from Ohio. I left at age 13. I moved to New York at age 19 and have been here for almost 15 years.
I feel more connected to New York than I do to Ohio.
dude, you're a Korean with US citizenship
This narrative is way too cool😊
@@CodyCha He's a proud Korean-American because he became a naturalized citizen and has been culturally raised there most of his life while keeping his traditions lmfao, not that hard to understand.
Very interesting content! Thank u!
I call myself 'Korean born and raised in Argentina' and I thankfully have double nationality (both of my parents are Korean).
When I was young, I considered myself Argentinian. I wanted to be like all my friends, but deep in my heart I knew I was different. It was hard as a kid, because I felt I didn't belong to any group... I used to have resentments and identity crisis.
As long as I grew up, I started interacting with other kyopos and Koreans, and that made me embrace my roots.
Now I'm in my 30's and decided to come to Korea and explore it's culture, history and I wanna improve the language, too.
I think it doesn't matter where u where born, it's important how u consider yourself, despite others opinions :)
(I want to connect with other kyopos/Koreans born or raised abroad so I started a blog and found this video!).
So interesting. I'm confused by the gyopo term though. It seems some of the folks defined it as a Korean living abroad, which isn't the same thing as foreign-born people of Korean heritage. And then others did define it that way. My parents said they were gyopo but we (their kids) aren't gyopo. They said we're Americans since we're American-born. I just realized I do mostly view South Korea as a foreign country despite being of Korean heritage after watching this...
What your parents said to you is right. Gyopo means Korean live abroad with Korean nationality(citizenship).
If you have only American citizenship, then You are 'Dongpo' which means Korean ethnics without korean citizenship.But many people confuse these two words in daily life actually just as you see in this video So You can be ragarded as a gyopo. You are a 재미교포 2세
You are right. Most Koreans consider naturalized foreigners as Koreans more than Korean Americans. From what I feel while living in Korea, there seems to be quite a lot of antipathy toward Korean Americans in Korea..
The ajusshi in the blue hat was so wholesome💙
한국인으로서 미국에 사는 한국계 미국인들은 미국인이라고 생각합니다. 특별히 부정적인 의미 이거나 이제 너희는 우리나라 사람이 아니네. 이런 의미가 아니라 그나라의 사람인지는 어느 나라의 여권을 가지고서 세금을 내고 가정을 꾸리면서 삶을 살아가는지에 있기 때문이라고 보기 때문입니다. 현재 한국에도 필리핀, 태국, 베트남, 말레이시아, 중국, 일본 등 다른 나라에서 태어났지만 현재 한국 국적을 취득하고서 살아가는 사람들이 점점 많아지고 있습니다. 이런 사람들도 제가 보기에는 한국인 이기 때문입니다.
또한 이건 인터뷰가 조금 이상하다는 생각도 합니다. 특별히 크게 생각해 본적이 없는 문제이며 그냥 한국계 미국인이지만 그들이 원해서 한국에서 생활하거나 미국에서 한국인들과 주로 어울리며 생활한다고 하면 '아 그런가 보구나' 할것입니다. 반대로 한국계 미국인들이 '이제 나는 한국인이 아니고 미국인이야' 라고 생각하면서 한국의 문화에 어색함을 느끼고 미국생활에 완전히 적응했다면 이것 또한 저는 '아 그런가 보구나' 할 정도의 문제이기 때문입니다. 이건 결국 한국계 미국인들의 정체성에 대해 본인들이 선택할 문제이며 한국에서 살아가고 있는 한국인 입장에서는 한국계 미국인들이 선택한 방향을 존중합니다. 같은 한국인의 피가 흐르는 만큼 어떤 선택을 하던지 응원합니다.
1000 likes! Congrats and thanks for the video. 🎉
Great video man
@4:59 it was a hard like from that point on. An elder saying truths and elevating the experience of others, it was refreshing to hear it.
This is a good topic 💯
Amazing video bro! 🔥
i feel like a lot of these people were confused what it means to be "gyopo" . gyopo literally just means someone who is of korean descent that is from another country. i'm a gyopo even though i've never been to korea. and you don't need to be mixed..smh
A "Korean-American" here. Personally, I think of myself as someone who was born in Korea holding US citizenship. Nothing more, and nothing less. I was born and grew up in Korea, but only in first 11 years of my life, meaning I have effectively been outside the Korean cultural sphere of influence since then. Furthermore, there are many things in Korean culture that I do not agree with. If I were to transplant myself in Korea right now, I would be a foreigner for all intents and purposes. My manner of Korean speaking would most likely to be viewed as old-style and I am still struggling with newer Korean words invented since I left Korea. So, I do not like using the "Korean" label. Meanwhile, although I have mostly been living in the US, there are many things in American culture that I do not agree with, thus I also do not like using the "American" label. When making introductions, I do not even like to talk about my nationality if I do not have to. In sum, I find myself in a limbo, although I do not mind too much.
In general, when dealing with ethnicity in general, two components--i.e., biological and cultural--must be scrutinized.
It’s complicated. I’ve lived over a decade in both SK and the US, having been born in SK. When I first came to US, I faced discrimination from some of the Korean Americans. I never truly felt I belonged with them. So I had lots of friends who were recently from Korea like my self and this continued even in university. I see myself as more Korean than American if slightly so.
Sounds like my story as a Chinese who moved to Canada
Awwww sorry you had that experience....I think it was because you came when you were older and by then the cultural difference and language barrier was too much to let you guys get closer.
I came when I was 5 and since English was easier by the time we went to Junior high, there was definitely different groups..... The Koreans who spoke Korean hung out and Koreans who spoke English hung out. I think it has a lot to do with language and how we can communicate better with someone who speaks our language....plus we didn't share similar life experiences
But I'm envious of you....I believe ppl who come at the age of 9-10 can truly be bilingual. For me, since I never went to school in Korea....I can speak Korean but not quite comfortable and my vocabulary is at an elementary level
The guy at 3:07 though… I’m Korean British and I live in the UK but my parents are in Seoul. I do speak fluent Korean, however whenever I visit Seoul people would ask me stuffs like “so do you get a lot of girls” which really confuses me. I can’t do anything about what happened in the past but hope they can simply perceive us as who we are.
This really opened my eyes. I always felt like Koreans don’t consider me Korean (born in America) but I guess everyone has their own opinion on it and at least in this case it seems overwhelmingly positive. I also like the few people who just said, if they want to be accepted then I’d accept them. That’s very sweet. It makes sense.. if someone was born elsewhere but came back to Korea and really put in the effort to immerse back then why wouldn’t they be considered Korean? It’s quite beautiful really 🥹❤️
Thank you for making this thoughtful video. As a gyopo myself, this video was hard for me to watch because it's an ongoing struggle to have to explain dual identity to Koreans. The man in the green jacket also couldn't understand the concept of a dual identity of being Korean-American. When I am in Korea, it's easier for me to navigate Korea by just saying I am a foreigner and an American, even though I know I am Korean. I feel sad that I have to limit my self expression and hide parts of my American identity when I'm in Korea because I don't want to be a negative gyopo stereotype, but that is the reality for how gyopos have to act in a society that is homogenous and does not interact with people from other races and ethnicities on a daily basis. I don't care if I'm accepted by Koreans or not because I am Korean and some people will understand that (like many of the people in this video) and others will hold those negative stereotypes of gyopos and never validate that you are Korean (sort of like the man in the green jacket).
it's so hard. i was born in the US and spent the first 10 years of my life there, but have been living in Korea since 4th grade. however, i went to an international school while i was here, so i continued to speak English. i now work in Korea in a job that requires me to speak English, but i constantly feel excluded by my coworkers (though i know it is unintentional). i feel the homogeneity and "we are Korean, not you" vibes everywhere i go that requires me to interact with people because my Korean isn't fluent. i struggle every day to feel accepted here, but i also don't feel accepted in the US. i hate being asked where i'm from, because i honestly don't know. i don't feel like i belong in either place, but i long to feel like a "true" Korean even though i probably never will feel that way.
I heard that most Koreans consider naturalized foreigners as Koreans more than Korean Americans. From what I feel while living in Korea, there seems to be quite a lot of antipathy toward Korean Americans in Korea..
I feel the same. It may sound weird but I almost feel kind of "triggered" watching these videos in the sense that I feel kind of hurt because of deep identity issues growing up that were only further compounded due to being biracial and people always trying to categorize my identity
Shout out to the handsome interviewer. He speaks Korean well!
My wife moved to the States at the age of 22. She is now a citizen. I'm not sure if she's Korean or Korean American. And I'm not sure she is sure about her status, either. She still has a Korean accent. But keeps up with Korean culture. Visits every year for a month at a time. Her Korean slang, though, is completely out of date. She does notice that Korean Americans who were born in the States tend to be stuck in the era that they immigrated from. So, all the signage in LA Korea Town, looks like it's from the 70's.
I am Korean who immigrated to the US as a 12 year old. I am 44 yo now. I also have a US citizenship as well. While I am truly blessed to be living in the US - America is the greatest country in the world - I never doubted my Korean identity. This is because my heart and my soul says I am Korean. This is how I feel 100%. Also, I go to korean church, eat korean food, and love the Korean World Cup National Team.... even more than the US World Cup Team. ❤️🇰🇷❤️ I am Korean. No doubt.
Which World Cup are you referring to ?
No, you are American
Yet another banger video.
I would love to give that blue with white stripes jacket lady a quick insight on gyopo life as a gyopo myself living in the US
I was born in Dominican Republic ( fifth generation) and my family moved to the USA when I was 8 years old. In the USA I was treated like an Ilegal Emigrant even though we came here legally and when I will go to Dominican Republic every summer, I use to get treated different like an American. This to me was very annoying, in both countries I felt like I didn’t belong. The last time I visit my birth country was when I was 18 years old and since then I decided to identify as an Dominican American.
I remember visiting Dominican Republic and my aunts been surprised I know how to cook, clean a house and even dance music that we normally listen too. Bachata, Merengue, Salsa. Guys will think that I was going to be “open minded” just because I live most of my live in the USA. 😂🤣😂 my parents raised me with the same value they were raised just in another country. Most people think that In America women are easy and don’t know how to do anything, move out of their parents house at age 18, this is not true it depends of your family background.
I'm certain the Korean gyopos reading your comments can identify with your sentiment precisely.
that girls skin is glowing
could just be that i'm in a weird mood right now but as a korean diaspora this video made me cry. i often feel like i've lost my roots and i'll never truly be connected to most of my family. not like in a weird nationalist sense but just. man. there's so much of this culture that my parents and my grandparents and generations before that live through that i have no idea about because i was born here instead. i'm trying to learn more about korea and study to get better at the language. my grandparents are old and they'll probably be going away soon. i hate how even now it's hard for me to express my thoughts to them comprehensibly i wish i had tried harder earlier
It’s never too late dear go ahead and dive into ur Korean roots ❤
As an ethnic Korean Canadian-born-American I feel like we aren't real Koreans because we aren't culturally Korean, but there's no doubt that we are proud to be ethnically Korean. We face a different life experience, discrimination, and racism that native Koreans do not. We are the ambassadors for Korea to our fellow Americans, Canadians, Europeans, etc. that we live and work amongst. I agree with one of the girls' opinions that if a gyopo can speak Korean and has been exposed to Korean culture growing up they can be seen as "real Koreans" or what they say in our community, "Korean-Korean."
I think recent newborn should learn their Langauge and culture ....because nowadays technology has advanced so much that the only reason you haven't learnt is because of their own laziness.
@@manz007 I agree, it is important. I plan to spend a few years in Korea so my kid can go to school there so he can get immersed in the culture and master the language.
I mean... korean americans are good at distinguishing the 'fobs' from themselves anyways and usually disapprove them as the part of the community. The difference is quite apparent.
that's true. if they aren't seen as Korean, the reason might be they don't speak Korean or not fluent. the society of South Korea might look like English friendly cos there's always English signs and stuff you can see everywhere here but not many people can communicate in English. so no matter how much they look like Korean, if they don't speak Korean then it's almost impossible to blend in
Wow, interesting. What's your family name bro. I'm a Kim. 🌝🌝
Great video! It would be nice to see a similar one, but latinos from the US vs latinos from Latin America
Girl in the blue hoodie 💕. Pass the vibe check.
@K Explorer - thanks for a great vid topic. The term gyopo. I'm Korean-American and this word has always left me hanging. Recently, what I've come to understand is that the defintion of gyopo is a Korean national who relocates and lives overseas. I've been told it can sometimes be used in a derogatory way. Whereas the term for Korean American is 미국계 한국인 and does not hold any negative connotation. 미국계 한국인 also seems like it might be a more recent word to describe Korean-Americans as neither I nor my parents remember it being used back in the 80s and 90s.
In the vid, some people were talking about gyopo, but one of the interviewees used the term 미국계 한국인. Not 100% sure the people being interviewed were all referencing the same type of person. IMO there are cultural differences even between Korean-Americans and gyopo. Shout out to the person at 2:45. I will totally be your friend!!
Thanks for the great insight Mikko. I asked them specifically about 미국계 한국인/재미교포 so they were referring to Korean Americans.
교포 is a pretty general term now, maybe various years back it could've been used in a derrogatory way but rarely nowadays. I personally like it a lot BC it is quite inclusive, I think it is a good umbrella term for any Korean living abroad. While there are differences between Korean Americans and other 교포s inherently we are grouped together in Korean standards anyways, not to mention the perceived stereotypes are also the same BC to a some Koreans the world consist of two: Korea and not Korea.
I've been called 검머외 recently and that one's been a more frequently used word to describe Koreans who lived abroad in a negative way. I honestly see potential in these words tho where we can reclaim it and use them to empower the tck identity.
It's always an interesting question of nationality vs culture... what makes someone a "real Korean," where they come from or the culture they subscribe to?
@@evermoore66665 that is very unfortunate.
Interesting. I was unaware of this.
IMO there are two deciding factors when it comes to national identity; ethnic and cultural. I may be ethnically Korean, but culturally I have become Canadian, and I identify with my Canadian cultural values. Yet bc I lived in Korea until I was 10, my wife who is Canadian tells me that my thoughts and actions do reflect some Korean traits.
Our children certainly do not identify themselves as Koreans. Not only do they culturally identify as being Canadian, but bc they're only half Korean, even ethnically they have less reason to identify as Koreans than myself.
It's the same for anyone who is an ethnic Chinese but doesn't live in China. I'm an ethnic Chinese from Singapore, grew up learning English and Chinese Mandarin as my first languages in schools. When I was in China, mainland Chinese can tell I'm not a native of the country not because I can't speak fluent Mandarin (although not on the same level of fluency as them since English is mainly the medium of instructions and business here) and they can tell since I don't speak Mandarin with a native accent , which is usually with a tinge of Beijing accent, esp those who are educated in China. Hence I'm an overseas Chinese, not a China Chinese. Also I see myself first as a Singaporean (my nationality), then my race (ethnic Chinese) whenever I'm abroad. The cultural perspective and opinions on certain matters differ too since a lot of it is influenced by western thoughts through my own education. The upbringing is also quite different.
I respect the ajusshi in the middle who said, "They can decide who they want to be." Technically, they grew up in both cultures so they can choose for themselves. But at the same time, it is an advantage to completely choose one over the other and eliminate the "middle" stance. Also, based on my full Korean gyopo friends' experiences, it is weird how Korean Koreans look down on gyopos as being "lesser" than. I suppose it all boils down to cultural difference and familiarity with society. Though 1.5 generations in my experience definitely socialize more with people directly from Korea.
I very much respect the ajusshi as well. From my understanding the Koreans that look down on Koreans that live abroad and mainly in the USA, is because of envies. Korean Americans are raised by their Korean parents whom speak fluent Korean at home, and still teach their children the culture they grew up with in SK. The SK that don’t speak English are the ones that are so jealous and intimidate and resent Korean Americans. They are upset because they haven’t been able to leave or visit other countries abroad mainly the English speaking countries. They feel embarrassed they are grown and can’t speak or translate a word in English. They could have done better. They could have self taught themselves, but they would rather resent Korean Americans and make them feel less than, than to look in the mirror and see where the breakdown is. Korean Americans know the SK manners, and respect for the culture. Their parents installed this in them. But, Korean Americans have so much swagger and world views, it blows non speaking SK out of the progression of life game. This is their prejudice toward their own people just because they are bilingual and have advanced incredibly well by living and being born abroad. The bloodline is still there no matter where you live.
The same can be told about Koreans Americans, as they didn't have to write KSAT... I speak 4 languages, and I still envy Koreans Koreans who passed KSAT
@@tatjana7008 You have exceeded the norm if you speak 4 languages. You’re very smart. There is no need to envy anybody if you speak 4 languages. Languages and Mathematics are the key to success. So, cheer up. You are in a totally different lane of success for now and forever. Do you know how many people envy you? Four languages, what a blessing.😊
@@patriciajackson6285 um.. are you even Korean or Korean American? Koreans don’t look down on Korean Americans because of envy lmao 😂 I am Korean American and I know specifically the reasons they look down on us. They think we are people who went abroad and forgot our own culture, forgot our roots, some even daring to assume that we are ashamed of our roots. Perhaps that was frequently the case in the past, as Asian Americans were so mocked and ridiculed in wester culture, but I feel like that is less of the case now as US For the most part, has gotten more open minded. Most Koreans I’ve met have been very kind and caring towards me, but one guy particularly has made me feel ashamed of how I still needed help with some Korean words and always insinuated that I was not Korean at all. Koreans are not envious that we are so much of another culture as you state, they look down on us for that very fact. This is not just the case with Koreans, I’ve had my Chinese American friend tell me that the name they are called by mainland Chinese people are ABC; American born Chinese. And that they get treated like they are not Chinese at all. Other posts in the comment section of people of different ethnicities are stating similar experiences of how they are also treated like foreigners in their home countries. This is the experience of an immigrant. Our experiences have formed us an identity that is different than the people in our nationality and our original ethnic country. Also korean koreans that ik speak more languages than typical Americans. Most of them can understand English if they can’t speak it, but many also know Chinese and Japanese and a lot of young people are choosing to learn Spanish, Turkish and some African languages as well. They are a people that’s not afraid to take on learning and enjoy traveling around the world . Idk why they would be jealous of Korean Americans for these things that they already have under their belt
@@clorozweepvmundosalazar5153 Well stated. Umm..no, am not Korean. Just been around Korean Koreans for the last 20 years and counting with different business affairs, and general conversation about their lives growing up there and them comparing their present lives. Which, they prefer the latter. There is someone from Busan, and said he is never going back, and do not visit. They receive and rely on their children point of views when they visit their relatives in Korea. They share with their parents their experiences which themselves will say; I prefer not to live there, but visiting is fine. Some of the conversations with them are in depth on their beliefs, culture and food. But, for them their children do experience what you have mentioned, and some of the Korean Americans are frown upon because of the versatility to travel back and forth as they wish. Some Korean Koreans cannot and do not have that luxury in life. So, this is very much envied. English is universal, and preferred by many when traveling, because it is the one language that the world understands the most. If you can’t speak it or understand it, or write it, it hinders your growth no matter who you are or where you’re from.
As a Korean American, I clicked this video so fast lol
I am a Korean American and that is my identity! I do NOT have to be 100% American nor 100% Korean, Korean. I am a Korean American. That is my identity and am MAD proud of it!
I wish I was as brave as the older gentleman to speak in Japanese or Korean. His pronunciations are actually really really good. I can understand every English word he says
super interesting video. I moved to US when I was 7 and my kids are half white with interest in korean language and culture. I just hope if they ever want to go to korea to live in the future, they are welcomed instead of discriminated against
Isn't it simple? If your bloodline is Korean all along no matter if u are born in Korea, lived there or a gyopo or adopted... U will still be Korean anywhere u go... Not by citizenship but by race... U can't suddenly be a white or black or latina right....
I am a Kazakh American and feel the same way. My friends living in new york who had just moved here last month act totally differently then me even though I am Kazakh blood I am still American mostly. Hahaha too Kazakh to be American and too American to be Kazakh
I'm sorry, normally I am really focused on the video and all the responses they are giving but my god the girl in the blue jacket is so pretty! I can't help but be distracted 😂😂
this was a banger
i already knew that i'll never be 'truly' korean to koreans before watching the video because even if we 'look the same,' there will always be subtle differences that make them pause and see korean-americans differently. we see it happen in media all the time. some people try to be respectful by saying that "gyopos are korean" but it's never really the case, especially if the difference comes from even the thinnest language barrier. the fact that you have to 'hide your foreignness' or 'act korean' well to be seen as korean is already a sign that korean-americans can't be seen as koreans even if they are of korean blood.
personally, i've always thought i would have been happier if i were born and raised in korea (not that korea is perfect but neither is america) so i wouldn't have to deal with the whole identity crisis that non-whitewashed (for a lack of better words) korean-americans tend to have. i feel uncomfortable here but would feel uncomfortable in korea just the same in this life because i would be viewed as a foreigner, and being conscious of that has always been disheartening.
Born in japan to korean parents, grew up in USA, speak 3 fluent languages, served in US military for 6 years, I always say I am korean when asked.
good for you. I still struggle with identifying since I was born in the USA
Even if you're born overseas, if any of your parents had Korean citizenship at the time of your birth you are considered Korean citizen by Korean govt. this law was put into effect because in the past so many Koreans gave birth overseas to obtain dual citizenship and avoid military service.
It’s not true. If you’re born abroad, you get an F-4 visa in Korea and I NOT have to do anything like military and can come to Korea and even start a business. It’s indeed a massive advantage.
@@DRK0114 I'm born in Japan and i have dual citizenship, japanese and Korean as well, never got a vida to enter in Korea because i always enter with my Korean passport, and use my japanese one to enter Japan, i don't know if you are saying only in the case of boys because they need to go to the military but my cousin is also with dual citizenship from Japan and Korea and he's going to the military in Korea right now just like another normal Korean guy !!!!
@@DRK0114 I said if either one of your parents at the time of your birth was Korean. You have dual citizenship until the age of 16 and then you have to either rescind your Korean citizenship or remain as Korean citizen. This was a big thing here in US among 2nd generation Korean Americans who didn't even know this law existed. Korean Constitution court ruled in favor of Korean Americans who petitioned so the age limit to decide whether to keep dual citizenship or not has been extended, but the fact that you're give dual citizenship at birth remains and can cause some issues with military service duty if you stay long term in Korea.
you have the option of dual citizenship until you're 18 I believe. I was given that option, but my parents got rid of it so I would not be drafted into the Korean military despite not having a Korean passport.
Wow the older gentleman speaking english was absolutely amazing. Especially when he used the word simultaneously... my jaw dropped.
So many Koreans have this all wrong. You’re supposed to be tight with Korean Americans so that you all can do international business together. We need to start helping each other out bc if we start working together like that then no one will be able to beat us!
True but they don’t always think like that
I would say from experience Korean Americans come off with the behaviors of foreigners though. When you're in Korea, the expectation is that you blend in with the culture and its customs. More often than not, Korean Americans I've seen while living there ignore a lot of that and instead of trying to blend in, they act like any other American foreigner
Korean American here. My parents brought our family here in the mid 70's for a better life. So greatful they did. I was raised with Korean values (conservative) but I am American. It was insightful to hear their opinions about us.
That was the most satisfying broken English I've ever heard. I love the middle-aged Korean man's answer out of all of them. His answer comes from a place of great understanding and gives a profound meaning to the questions being asked by the interviewer.
I am Korean-Latino (born in South America to Korean parents). I speak Korean decently (not PhD level, but decent for everyday life) and I know Korean history (bookworm) and culture quite well (Korea centric conservative parents, and I also worked in S. America and Korea for Korean and other countries' companies). Going to grad school in the US in a few months. To me, Korean-Americans and Koreans are different categories and that must also be the case for other variants as well: Koreans born or who he spent a big chunk of their lives in other regions, there are some 8MM Koreans spread all over the world after all. Do I feel more Korean or Latino? I think it depends on the day and subject at this point and I'd say I just embrace (identity crisis in years past but not anymore). I criticize/defend either depending on the circumstances. My blood is 100% Korean, Culturally/Value-wise I am mix leaning slightly towards Korean but I also cherish the fact that I could live in this part of the world. It gave me friends (Latin Americans and other Koreans here), education and just a happy life up to this moment. Good ride.
I m a kyopo and consider myself as a hybrid between korean and american. when it comes to food, I pick korean over american anyday. but i do love other national foods too.
I think anyone would pick Korean food over American food 😂
@@moonlights9146 왜요?
Of course they are Americans. They have American citizenships not Koreans. And I feel some kyopos sometimes take advantage of being Korean. Especially, first gen immigrants use Korean medical system without paying taxes.. Also Steven Yu case proves bad side of kyopo.
That's is correct.
I know of a Korean guy who lived in Europe since he was a little boy when his family moved here. He lived in Korea for a short while in his early 20s. And although he could speak Korean, his way of thinking and way of life was so European that he wasn‘t able to fit in well, had difficulties making Korean friends and eventually came back to Europe.
Wait a minute, is "gyopo" the same or different as "e-sae" because from what I know "e-sae" is a Korean American who is born or grew up in America and doesn't live in Korea but visits on vacation because they have Korean relatives (which is what I am).
Also, on my last visit there my cousin from Korea told me most Koreans think of us e-saes as complete foreigners and not as real Koreans. That we're basically like any other foreigner who just happens to look Korean. That was over a decade ago so maybe perceptions have changed a bit over the years with the younger generation.
3:53 I like his candid confession.
As a South African who likes the idea of South korea, I learn a lot from this
As a Korean American I agree that we are a 3rd culture. When I went to Korea I was shocked how people would say "they're foreigners" in Korean and I would say "uh...I'm Korean" and they would give me a confused look. I might have been born in the states but I've never considered myself fully American. Even though I was born in the US, served in the military, I always considered my mother country to be Korea. When my family and I went to Hawaii my kids loved that there were so many people just like them. People who looked just like them, who didn't speak their mother tongue but shared similar customs and courtesies, a mish mash of Asian culture. I feel like Hawaii is the perfect microcosm for Asian Americans in general. Maybe that's why people on the islands live longer than any other state.
A real proud Korean American here! It's easy and also hard living in Korea as 교포... as w/ everything else in life, you just gotta make the most of it!
This is an interesting question, I never thought it was debatable but apparently, some Koreans think differently.
unfortunately it's a highly divisive topic especially in countries like Korea that are so insanely homogeneous....a lot of Korean people have never seen or spoken to a non-Korean person in their life, much less traveled abroad. that paired with the fact that Korea westernized and modernized so quickly (from a poor country during the Korean War to one of the most economically powerful in the world in a matter of decades), topics like these have come to the forefront because Korean society is being exposed for how backwards it is. there is so much racism here (i.e. we have no anti-discrimination laws) and so many people who refuse to see Koreans with any experience living abroad, as "true" Koreans. i know because i'm Korean-American and have been told to my face that i'm not a true Korean.
The Ahjussi is so correct on Koreans living abroad, especially in the West. They work hard, majority are profoundly successful, and there is no limit on the money they will spend on their children’s education at some of the best schools in the West. They eat well, live very well, own their own businesses, drive nice cars, and present themselves in society as very respectful people. Their children are bilingual and are meeting their parent’s expectations daily, and becoming model citizens with good jobs and a good life. This could not have happened for them if the parents had stayed in SK. In SK by standards, you’re either wealthy or poor. There is nothing in between that. In the West they don’t have to live by those standards, because they live a rich full life. This one gentleman owns a business and said he hasn’t been back to SK in over 30 years. That speaks volume anyway you look at it. The Korean parents that live abroad with their children that is born aboard, knows they have done them a good deed. Now, if the children choose to go back to SK, their advantage on the society changes, and makes them very marketable because they are fluent in English, Korean, and some speaks other languages as well. But, their goal is to write, read and speak English. It’s their parents goal for them. The parents aren’t going back, they will have to give up too much of a hard worked life that has given them years of joy and prosperity.
Based on recent narratives from Indians, Nigerians, Chinese, Koreans, and Ukranians, every immigrant group is "profoundly successful" in America lol.
@@davidmhat4774 David, no doubt. But, his questions were about Koreans living abroad (mainly in the West) to Koreans. Although, I respect your response.
僑胞 originally referred to overseas compatriots, mostly emigrants. I suppose it really depends on the experience. Some of them felt strong discrimination in South Korea. Others loved it and moved back to South Korea.
I am a Korean born but immigrated at 10. As such, I am now an American. What is the definition of an American? It is people like me. We make up a diverse society gathered from all corners of the world to make this country great. While I look at Korea with fondness (and travel there to enjoy the culture, environment and interaction), I am now an American.
born in Korea, growing up in south America, and now raising my kids in the states, my identity now, cosmopolitan
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@@evermoore66665 why ? he does his own thing, remember they were almost bankrupt. That would be like telling takashi he should work for Asian boss
i bet when they think of gyopo, they think of Jessi 😆😅🤣😂 they're first culture shock was watching her antics on korean variety shows... 😂
Next interview please ask them what do Koreans think of the ethnic Koreans in Japan
5:14 bro was impressed 🤣
I have MAD respect for that man 4:30 for speaking in English with his limited vocab as a way of respecting the interviewer. And his opinion is true to a large extent for the first generation immigrants who keep their mother culture and language alive in their children. This gets more and more difficult for the 1.5 generation and higher.
Those who were born in another country will only be a citizen of that country. But will be seen to others by their ethnicity.
I once knew three girls from a Korean university on an exchange program to our school. Their one distinguishing characteristic was that all of them were dressed to the nines no matter when I saw them. It was crazy, or rather impressive. Monday morning: ALL of us in sweats, hung over, who didn't finish their papers? Korean girls: dressed up like they're going out Friday night, in heels! Asked one of them about it once and they told me in Korea most of the girls in university get dressed up. Said getting into university was the struggle. Afterwards it's party time. Very interesting explanation.
Sheesh who’s the girl in the thumbnail? She’s beautiful good lord!
As a Korean American I couldn't tell how I was being treated cus I was drunk for the entire month I was in Korea. Soju is cheaper than water lol
Heres how i know Im more Korean than American, when America identifies me as only being Korean, but most of the time assume im from China actually.
Americans: Where are you from?
Me: Los Angeles
Americans: No, where are you really from? like where is your parents from?
Me: Los Angeles
Americans: What is your ethnicity?
Me: Korean
Americans: Oh, I love Korean BBQ and Kpop
Me: Me too
The interviewer is so impressive. I wish I could speak Korean.