Being Black in Korea | The Pros and Cons | Melody Alisa
VloĆŸit
- Äas pĆidĂĄn 3. 05. 2016
- Grow closer to God surrounded by a community of women who also love Jesus đ Join the Created For This Membership Club: bit.ly/joincftclub
Wondering what it's like to be black in Korea? Or what it's like to work in Korea as a black EPIK teacher foreigner? From the stares to the questions about my hair, I cover it all in this video!
// S O C I A L
Instagram âą / melody.alisa
// L I N K S
» Christian Online Therapy (sponsored): www.faithfulcounseling.com/melody
» shop all my AMAZON favorites: bit.ly/MelodyAlisaAmazon
ă°ïž Get your free 'Walking in Purpose' Workbook: bit.ly/WalkInPurposeWorkbook
ă°ïž Get the For His Glory 7 Day Bible Study: bit.ly/FHGDevotional
// J O I N
đđŸ Join the Created For This Membership Club: bit.ly/joincftclub
ă°ïž Get your * free * copy of the For His Glory 7 Day Bible Study: bit.ly/FHGDevotional
ă°ïž Join the For His Glory Sisterhood on Facebook: bit.ly/ForHisGlorySisterhood
// My Monthly N E W S L E T T E R
Sign up âą bit.ly/MelodyAlisaNewsletter
// C O N T A C T
For business inquiries:
âą hello@melodyalisa.com
NEW HERE?
-
Hi! My name is Melody Alisa - welcome to my channel. I lived in South Korea for two years where I met God and I documented my life as an English teacher (check out my Life in Korea playlist for more on this!) Now, I call Atlanta home. On my CZcams channel, I share my Christian faith and life as a creative, a newlywed, a soon-to-be first time mama through weekly new videos!
teaching jobs in korea moving to korea being black in korea storytime korea vlog epik teacher, teaching jobs in korea, korea vlog, travel girls, korea jobs
I went to a Korean karaoke place and the guy said âyour hair, I like it, is it weaveâ đđđđ girl I had to sit down I was shook. how did he know what weave was? it was my natural hair too đ
they know weave because it's more common there, just like men in makeup
đđđ
And plus itâs their hair yâall wearing lmfao
@@Caramelboii91 Korean hair?! Not that popular lol weaves are usually made from Indian or Latino hair (excluding black latinas). They're much more thicker and easy to make wigs from. The only reason I know this is because I worked in a factory that made wigs. I'm Arab so I don't really use weaves so don't @ me lol
You know those men who wear makeup on their plastic i think their K-pop or something
"black girl magic, your hair defies gravity" i died
Jee Why?
BTS-taetae Trash lol what why, what's there to why
BTS-taetae Trash because it's funny
Jee How is it funny though?
BTS-taetae Trash Because she says it's magic by people who naturally have that super curly hair that doesn't fall down the shoulders like flatter hair, so it defies gravity. It's just a really funny way of articulating. Understood now?
In Japan, I was super happy when I saw another black chick lol! And you give each other that look like 'yeahhh girl!'
Miss Mac is it common to see black people in Japan?
Nope lol, I felt like a sore thumb! But ppl are very polite & curious as to where I come from :)
Miss Mac ohh, I thought it was common in Tokyo though?
yesss!
I went to Nagasaki for a short visit and me and another Black girl got jumped by these two other Black girls that were hella drunk. They just stopped dead and went "... BLACK GIRLS OMG" then stumbled over to hug and were just going "You guys I don't see us... y'all out here all melaninated and pretty... I'm so happy to see you, askdjlkasd" then they hugged again before stumbling off into the night while a worried and more sober looking guy trailed them. It was hysterical.
When walking through predominantly white areas and I see a black person I get so excited
*makes eye contact* *internally says "WE OUTCHEEAA"*
Right!
Mhm
"Not going to bend myself to fit their standard of beauty" YAAAAASSS girl !!!!!!!!
I'm so proud of her!!
your hair is goals
You have a very calm and soothing voice. It's so nice.
lol! thank you!
Estelle Lopez she does
Ikr
When I was on the subway. This guy said black people sing the best. It made me laugh. Then he tried to talk to me about Alicia keys but he didn't remember her name. He was like, "the song New York New York." I feel like my cons came mainly from Chinese students. I was in Seoul, and Korean people didn't seem phased by me. But I just noticed that the Chinese people were taking pictures of me when I was in Hongdae and asked me some very interesting questions I'll say.
Ooh I've heard that traveling in China it can be like that - the pictures without asking and such. Smh.
Mel on the Move yes, but I don't think they mean any ill will. my blonde teacher and blue eyes went to China and said people were talking photos of her everywhere. I think it's because they have never seen ppl like that before
My parents went to China years ago (1992 I think) and one Chinese couple asked to take a picture of my parents! Also, my mom had braces at the time as well as light hair and blue eyes and got a LOT of stares lol. Apparently they were the first white people many of the Chinese people they met had ever seen before.
I'm mixed race (black, Chinese, and a few others) and i can vouch for Chinese people being really really intrigued by black people. even my own relatives did that to me when i met them.
Having more melanin on you can make you face criticism not only in Korea but all over the world, It is all because of the image of beauty projected through media.I am an asian and was called 'brown' by my my very own friend with a fair complexion, well I told her that I have more protection from skin cancer than her and we are still friends.People may not change but perceptions do!
sure I agree! thank you
Andalib Warsi well said it's so funny they should love the more melanin because it's actually healthier!!!đless melanin is not good :/ people are so stupid đbut yes I agree the media plays a huge role !
faaaaaaax. but i have to say, i think that may be one the reasons some racist hate us soo much.
I donât know why we are all beautiful!
Same I'm. Asian and there's so much colourism
you are beautiful holy shit...i just kept staring thinking "she's gonna have some beautiful kids" lol!
haha! thank you
Naioki4 ikr
same
Naioki4 with meeeeeeee
my gawd yessss she is. i will walk to korea from here in ny over water and through storms to be the father of her children. lol. and her mind and spirit makes her even more amazing.
Hey Mel! I lived in Tokyo for almost 10 yrs so I know what's it's like to be different. Even in a major international city like Tokyo, with many foreigners (gaijin). A non-Japanese will get constant stares and like you said, "comments, can't get away from them"....kinda felt like I was in my own 'reality' show.
You are soooo cool, intelligent, and down to earth. I'm loving the natural hair (no weave) and the clean natural beauty! Awesome!!! I'm so glad you're a 'representation' of Black people (specifically a Black woman) in South Korea. I'm sure the people you're coming in contact with are definitely having a positive and enriching experience. Love ya vibe!
I agree with everthing said ~
YES!!!đ
Black people that go to Korea are very brave. Korea is super racist against its own asain people and I would never go there. I have lots of respect for people who visit. Im not brave enough to do that.
Koreans in bigger cities may be more aware / experienced with different kinds of people so I wouldn't count Korea out completely but they definitely have lots of room to grow!
I am so scared to go to Korea ,because of how racist they are, that's what other people say , I don't know if it's really true , I've never experience racism from Korean people.Some of my friends are Korean and they are not racist , I guess it's because they are use to being around black people, but that doesn't give them or any other race the right to hate another race.I am black ,and half of my friends are Asian , we talk about race some time and they are honest with me , they say that yes in their country some people don't like black people, like at all.One of my Korean friend asked me if I want to go to korea with her , and I was skeptical about it, she said don't be scared I'll protect you lol.So I guess not all Korean people are racist.But I really love Asian people , especially Korean people , so it's sad to hear other people saying that Korean don't like black, I love their drama , their songs too I hope one day I can have the courage to go their, and have my own experience, I hope it's a good experience.
TRUE! why be malicious and violent on Internet when the truth is true?!!!.
East Asians peoples, Chinese, Japanese, and especially Koreans are very racist.They think that they are higher than the South and Southeast Asians, African and Latin American because they have white skin. But why is the Korean "idols" interested in the rap, rnb, hip-pop, jazz, soul,rock music etc..? .I don't understand,who has creates all this music?.I will tell you, African American, sorry for you, but I am proud of my origins: black and white and my tan skin.God bless you!
Korea is EXTREMELY racially homogeneous. That may create racism and narrow mindedness because of lack of exposure. Please look at the reality.
Cos of this world we living..no matter where u go will be some good some bad..this is no exception for Korea..but the good will overcome evil..our biggest task??
im not black, but I an a person of color and I find these videos so helpful
awesome :)
Dhana Dant me too :)
Mel on the Move do u have to speak Korean
Dhana Dant Um are u Indian o Hispanic? Cause usually people of color are blacks đ
Misz Bella Benzz people of color are anyone who's origin isn't White e.g Hispanic, Indian, African, Pacific Islanders (e.g. Samoa, Fiji...) etc and yes I am Indian
Wow.. When you said, that you have the power/opportunity to shape how they view a particular race (yes, that can be considered generalizing, but it's true it makes sense) by being the first person of a particular race they meet, wow that opened my eyes like crazy. Thanks for the tip/advice
"I MUST'VE PERMED THE SHIT OUT OF IT" LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D You're welcome!!
for a country that are known to focus on education i have come to believe they are pretty ignorant in the world outside of korean idk maybe i just dont know korea
Sofia I agree and I'm not Korean đđż
Sofia true dat we are crazy about education * but mostly study for tests and etc not about the outside world...
koreans dont care about the outside world and theres no reason that they should
@@honggildong3876 I disagree but i guess the rest of the world should have just ignored the whole dam country then.
I really want to live in Korea for a while but I've always been a little hesitant because I'm southern Asian and not eastern like them.
+Tina So you brown???...btw same i have always doubted it
Dhana Dant yes I am :)
Tina same lmao
same
well they do have a weird obsession with being fair so you know...you could be judged
Thank you for this video Iâm a 15 year old Black male currently living in Atlanta. Iâve been very interested in Korean culture, but all videos I see are about a white perspective... itâs not a bad thing but I just want to know what the expectations will be because everyoneâs perspectives are different. Thanks again though nice to know their some more beautiful Africans warriors destroying the stereotypes from the world and making the black communities a brighter place âđż stay woke sister :D
lol I thought "We out here" too when I saw other black women in Japan!! :D
I refused to straighten my hair haha too.... the best part was being pet like cat lol.
Some black ppl feel it's offensive, but there are folks that are genuinely mesmorized by our natural hair because we're the only ones that got it lol
Im in Japan and I also refuse. I reserve touching for small children after very bad experience...actually a few (some of which my fellow program members have experienced).
in the Czech Republic a few years back a family ask to take pics with me and other artist. the mother and young daughter ask to touch my locks. they carefully poked it and ran away giggling to the obvious chagrin of the father and brother. it was both hilarious and super weird. i learned to get over it.
Imagine walking up to asians/caucasians and asking to touch their hair, stroke their skin... Try doing it to their kids, too..
Bryson the Mad Pencil that's just wrong
oh my god you are so fucking pretty like holy shit. YOU'RE JAW IS AMAZING LIKE
lol!! thank you!
I'm afro Latina and I just left Korea a couple weeks ago. I don't exactly regret going, but I definitely would never live their again. Never ever ever again.
there*
I feel ya! Where you in a small town or just encountered a lot small minded people?
+Melody Williams I was in Ulsan. In comparison to stories I've heard, I didn't even have it that bad. But it was just a very unhappy experience for me. Being from NYC and having traveled alot before Korea just killed my patience for the kinds of things I saw and experienced. I couldn't stand the bully culture there. The education system. The hierarchy. The way people treated eachother probably bothered me just as much as how I was treated. My students having their parents push them to get plastic surgery, and the way they talk about their friends and tear each other down. The lack of compassion and basic understanding of things like disabilities and just being different. I couldn't deal. It just all felt so superficial and hateful, on top of ignorant. And it all seemed encouraged, like a total unquestionable norm. Just 100% NOT for me.
Leave her alone. She's talking about her experience in Korea and I don't blame her for never going again. Some Asians don't like blacks sadly....
+AshleyLaGata You should totally make a video about it. I'd love to hear more about your experiences.
1st pro "your black" fkkn dope! i loooove this women. wish i knew her personally. keep it coming sistah brown.
Do a "Being Black in America | The Pros and Cons"
I was tan, but they called me black.. I mean black people isn't bad but I was just tan -__-
they actually don't have a word for tan in korean. just black. or dark. so it could've been just a way to describe.
I'm in love with your hair. Give me hair tips please đđ
aw thanks! what's been the most crucial for me is regular trims!
k just gotta say this, but you are soooooo freaking pretty like I just kept staring at your eyebrows and your hair-goals btw-and your eyes just yeah, and then I really like how mature and frank you are. I've watched a lot of videos and it seems like each african american living in korea that gives their perspective responds to the experience differently but relays their feelings so...I don't know how to describe it...I just liked the way you explained yours okay ramble over now
Haha aw thank you so much!!
asha tali Right,when I first saw this video I was like she's so pretty and mature and woah-life goals right here.
Hey.. I am a black business man living in Korea too. Man do I have stories but you really nailed a lot of the "Black Experience" in Korea. I really enjoy your videos and you are a beautiful sister.
creaturebotman Do you have a korean gf? its like every black person that goes there can't get a gf/bf.
I do have many friends here in Korea. However, I haven't actively dated but that is only because I am so deeply dedicated to my work that I have not had the time for romance. I have been approached many times. I guess I haven't run into the right situation yet.
nice, haveyou picked up the language? are you American?
Yes. I am an American. Born in New York. I've lived here in Korea for a long time. I can write and read Korean but not proficient enough to carry on a fluent conversation but I do get by.
creaturebotman Have you ever felt some form of abrupt racism?
These videos are making my day. Thanks for sharing! You have moved Korea to top of my list.
i've noticed that koreans tend to talk about being progressive and inclusive and then proceed to make judgmental remarks or look down on certain groups of people, and that's one thing i'll never get over
(my parents do this...)
Can you give more examples of your experiences by any chance? I'm really curious. Like, you mentioned how there were stereotypes and crazy comments made to you. Are there any particular ones that stood out, since you kind of brushed over talking about them in the video ^-^ xx
gr8 video!! I can't wait to go back.... thanks for sharing!đ
+Ambie Gonzalez TV Thanks Ambie!! Glad you enjoyed!
love your hair, what a strong woman you are for doing you. keep it up all the best in korea.
Very analytical and I liked the emphasis you put on seeing things from a different perspective! Great vid
+Cathy bj Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed!
Well Spoken, Good Energy!
I really want to go to korea bc I love learning about other countries but I'm brown and I'm scared of how people would look at me like literally bc I hate being in the spotlight.
I feel bad for you, you're very brave
But some people in the comments are straight up judging, now I agree that it's very rude for people to laugh at you, but people in the comments c'mon Mel lives in a small korean town that is not diverse at all and people are ignorant about people they have never met and that is very normal qnd I wouldn't call it racism unless they feel superior, but still not okay to make fun of people
Dope video đȘđŸâđŸ
beeing different is cool đđ just keep smilling and cheer upđ fighting đȘđȘđȘ
:) thank you!
i loved the first pro!! the whole video was really interesting
Thank you!
I absolutely love your videos!
Melody, I am an Indian girl who is considering studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Is that something you would recommend? Do you see Indians in South Korea?
I have :)
There are A LOT of Indians who study abroad and those who live permanently in Korea.
Yes I am Indian living in Seoul
i wanna go to korea its my dream but im a dark south asian and im actually scared lmao
Your voice is so relaxing omg i love it
Why are you so beautiful I'm dead đđđ
cool video. You have a good attitude.
Thanks!
+Melody Williams has anyone ever told you that you are fine as frog hair... lol. You are gorgeous, though.
LOL, never in all my days have I heard that one! hahah but thank you.
Oh my god, "your hair defies gravity" I LOVE IT! I've never thought of my hair that way and now I appreciate it even more because of you, THANK YOU!
I love your positivity.....
So optimistic...
You're the most impressive person I have ever seen on CZcams
I enjoyed watching this Melody! I'm curious what it's like shopping in Korea. Is it hard to find clothes for different body types? I've never been to Asia so it would be cool to see what it's like there from your perspective đ
+Berry Beautiful Thanks Liz!! AH, shopping! I will definitely make a note to chat about this in the next video!
Yay! =D
+eathenbad I literally just saw you in travelingnats Video Lmaođđđđ
I was in her video?! haha whaaa?
+Melody Williams No Not You. Lol but I love your videos. đđ
Your makeup on fleek, your hair on fleek, your baby hair on fleek!
hahah always gotta slick down the baby hairssss! thank you!
I LOVE your first pro! Ya damn right!
:D
Your video was awesome,very interesting
Very insightful!
+Kathryn Weiss Thanks Kat!!
I was expecting some funny anecdotes but still thanks for sharing your experience
Thnx for the info and your voice is so beautiful and soothingđ
I love how you broke everything down. â€ïžâ€ïžâ€ïž
thank you!
Black girl magic đđ€ enjoyed your video. Gives a positive and honest perspective for people of color abroad. I plan to finally go spring semester , even though I know all these aspects it was yet very informative and interesting!! Thanks! ê°ìŹí©ëë€ đ
ë€!! I hope you enjoy your time here!!
Very insightful, I hope to be teacher there next year. And you given me some things to think about. Thank you.
Thank you! I'm glad this could help :)
No thank you.
Omg I love your personality, you are so calm and organized like no other... đ
thanks :)
You're so nice and kind, and ful of understanding and very funny... A very very beautifulâ€ïž earned yourself a subscriber!
Aw!! Thank you so much!! :D
I respect you so much for not straightening your hair as an act of bending to their "standard of beauty". Respect and goals!
Young mama im so proud of you being yourself out there. Kepp being real to yourself. Identity.
I started by watching got7 videos and ended up here, but I'm glad. Love your videos!!
haha I glad you ended up here too!! thank you!
This was an insight, i'm a white British person so I so i know i'll never be able to see it from your perspective but i kind of got lead here through yt bc I was curious about how Korea viewed the gay and lesbian community. Korea is a conundrum it so modern and yet so behind the times.
That's such a great way to put it. Technology wise they're so advanced but culturally speaking they are super behind. I think because the society is so homogeneous when someone or something is different, instead of trying to understand it, it's just written off as "wrong" or "bad". A conundrum ,indeed!
awesome vid!
thanks!
I'm in love with your hair
Aw thanks!
I love you so much, your positivity is amazing !!
:) Thank you so much!
great video and I just read some of your blog posts. you are amazing- I love your mindset/outlook on life. I look forward to more YT videos & blog posts!
+sndanim You're so kind, Thank you so much! What an awesome compliment!! :)
I feel that second pro living in West Virginia đđđđđ
Jasmane Jefferson I do too!
Jasmane Jefferson lol Im in Maryland
Jasmane Jefferson rip slavery states
Kiah43 rip white rich people states đđđ
i love the very first pro omg gurl yAs embrace and love yourself and the skin you're in!!
Yesss, all day! Thank you!
i've been watching your videos since a while ago and YOU'RE SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL, IM IN AWE đžđ
aw thank you!
Very informative, but I am going to take South Korea off my bucket list.
Please do not come, stay in your social utopia.
I'm Hispanic but I found this video very interesting ~.
Awesome!
Korean sister here! God led me to your channel today đ€ have a blessed day!
You're awesome! I really am trying to convince my friends to visit Korea with me
+Maya Hudlin Thanks Maya!! It's an awesome place to visit (and live) - I hope they come around!
Dont know how I came across this but man you are so funny and cool keep up the vlog
Haha, this is so true, I have locs and when I went to Korea that first time I thought I fell and woke up a celebrity,!!! what? my hair fascinated them so much and people constantly stopped me to take picture.... felt weird but going to Jejudo and the petite little old ladies rubbing my mocha chocolate skin was almost hilarious. No it did not rub off....:)
They tried to...they wanted to see if your blackness would rub off!?!! đđđ
LOL @ woke up a celebrity! Old people are the worst (but best) with their 1000% genuine curiosity but sometimes they have NO respect for personal space!
Wow you must have a great amount of patience! I Respect you greatly! đ»đ»đ»
I sure do try lol!
I love your vibe and your gorgeous subscribed and notifications turned on
I like the idea of perspective
Absolutely love Pro #1!!!
I finally got around to watching your video! And you deserve my first comment online. I watched numerous CZcams videos but this is the very first time to leave a comment. I just had to. I love all the perspective studies that you vocalized in such a fun and enjoyable way. Love it!
Aww thank you so much Yoon!! I love you!!
This speaks to me! i hope one day i can shape someones thoughts in a positive way. i was thinking as well, isnt there pros and cons to being black everywhere lol
Nice video. Glad to know there is one other black woman there. :) I'm taking first trip to Seoul this year and I'm excited and nervous about it.
Oh yes, we are out here! Seoul is awesome, you'll love it!
loved your vid mel. keep doing what you do :D
Thank you!! :)
Excellent video. This applies to being black in America as well depending on your social class.
I definitely want to visit Korea!
I like the way you express yourself plus you are extremely beautiful. Your skin blows me away.
Girl I would kill for your hair......its gorgeous.
so true so good and it's all good
Giiiiiirl you are BEAUTIFUL!!!
Aw thank you! :)
i honestly love these videos. Im extremely interested in korean culture and would one day like to go there. It's so nice to hear about what it's like from someone who is experiencing it first hand.
I'm glad you enjoyed!
Your awesome thank you!
Hey! Just wanted to say I LOVE YOUR VIBE!!!!!!!
Why thank you maâam!
Hey Mel, just wanted to tell you that your videos are great! Keep doing what you're doing. I am also a black natural haired woman living abroad (China) and it feels good to see someone else that I can relate with and feel empowered by! You have a new subscriber as well. #BlackGirlMagic !!!
thanks girl!
I really want to go to Korea one day but ths video will remind me of the mind set of different people and places thank you for the cool vid. New subscriber!
I'm glad it could help! Thanks for subscribing! :)
ahhhh you're so beautiful, i love you personality, the video was really interesting
Thank you so much !!
What a personality (aside from your beauty!)!! You need your own cable channel, Melody!! I LOVE this video! Blessings and love & joy in Korea!! Good lucky with all you do. Subscribed.
Black girls seem so strong and independent to me... You have all my respect! Stay strong and slay Ladys
a lot of the cons you talked about are very similar to being a poc in the south, especially the hair thing. it doesn't happen so much now when i'm in high school, but when i was in elementary school, everyone was completely baffled by my hair and kept touching it and said some "ignorant" things about it (i didn't really mind it though)
This video was SO cool and informative!
Pressure & power LOL. And I have natural hair and I always wondered how Koreans react to natural hair. I'm about to graduate & somehow I wondered over the Tubeverse looking at videos about living in Korea. You did an amazing job though. Keep making such videos!
Oh yeah - P&P! hahah. Thank you so much! Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I'll definitely be continuing to make more vids - keep an eye out :)
your awesome, I love your channel
:) thank you!