Brief Summary
This documentary explores the lives of Koryo-saram, ethnic Koreans from former Soviet Union countries, who have migrated to South Korea. It highlights their struggles with visa issues, financial difficulties, cultural adaptation, and discrimination, while also showcasing their resilience and efforts to maintain their Korean heritage. The documentary also touches on the historical context of their displacement and the challenges they face in achieving stable lives in Korea.
- Koryo-saram in South Korea face visa issues and discrimination.
- They struggle with financial difficulties and cultural adaptation.
- Their Korean heritage is still alive despite generations of displacement.
Introduction
The video opens with scenes of Koryo-saram (ethnic Koreans from former Soviet countries) working in a 배 (pear) orchard in Naju, South Korea. It introduces the concept of Koryo-saram, explaining that there are approximately 40,000 living in South Korea, primarily from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Despite having Korean heritage, they face challenges and are often seen as foreigners in their ancestral homeland.
Koryo-saram Working in Agriculture
The documentary shifts to a 딸기 (strawberry) farm in Gwangju, where Koryo-saram are employed. These workers, who arrived from Uzbekistan three years prior, maintain elements of Korean culture, such as singing traditional songs like "Doraji." Despite being 3rd generation Koryo-saram, having been born and raised in Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, they still retain Korean traditions. Employers appreciate their work ethic, noting their diligence and lack of complaints. They share meals that include both Korean and Russian dishes, showing a blend of cultures.
Koryo-saram Community in Gwangju
In Gwangju, there is a concentrated community of Koryo-saram, supported by a center that assists with Korean integration and employment. Many Koryo-saram have come to Korea due to economic hardships in their home countries and the need for labor in South Korea. While employers value their work ethic and diligence, the language barrier remains a significant challenge.
Historical Context of Displacement
The documentary provides historical context, explaining that the Koryo-saram's loss of the Korean language is a result of the forced relocation of Koreans in 1937 by the Soviet Union to Central Asia. This displacement, driven by political motives, resulted in the deaths of many and the suppression of Korean identity. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rise of nationalism in newly independent states led to further displacement and a sense of statelessness for Koryo-saram.
Challenges Faced by Koryo-saram Families
The video focuses on the struggles of Koryo-saram families in South Korea, highlighting their living conditions and financial difficulties. One family from Kazakhstan lives in a small room and faces challenges with education and employment. The mother works in a factory to support her daughters, emphasizing the sacrifices made for their education and future.
Visa Issues and Employment Barriers
The documentary explores visa issues that prevent some Koryo-saram from working legally. Marina, a 3rd generation Koryo-saram, works as a hairdresser, but her son Igor, a 4th generation Koryo-saram, is unable to find employment due to his visa status. Igor's father, who arrived in Korea earlier, works in a factory, highlighting the generational differences in visa eligibility and the frustration of being unable to work.
Cultural Identity and Concerns
The family shares a meal that includes both Russian and Korean dishes, reflecting their blended cultural identity. They worry about Igor's visa situation, which requires him to leave the country every three months to renew it. The legal complexities prevent 4th generation Koryo-saram from obtaining stable visas unless they pursue higher education or acquire specific qualifications, which is difficult due to language barriers.
Visa Struggles and Illegal Employment
The documentary highlights the visa struggles faced by many Koryo-saram in South Korea. Bladi, a 4th generation Koryo-saram, works illegally to earn money for his education and to support his family back home. Many young Koryo-saram resort to illegal employment due to the difficulty of obtaining visas and the need to earn money for language studies and living expenses.
Legal Loopholes and Scams
The documentary discusses the limitations of the 재외동포법 (Overseas Koreans Act) and the challenges faced by 4th generation Koryo-saram in obtaining appropriate visas. It also uncovers instances of fraud targeting Koryo-saram, such as a scam involving promises of 영주권 (permanent residency) through 조리사 (chef) certifications. Victims, like Rita Mara and Lano, lost significant amounts of money, highlighting their vulnerability due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with Korean systems.
Navigating Immigration and Discrimination
The documentary follows a nun assisting Koryo-saram with immigration issues. Ksenia and Natalia, who are related, face different visa requirements due to their generational status. Ksenia, a 4th generation Koryo-saram, has more restrictive visa conditions compared to Natalia, a 3rd generation Koryo-saram. This illustrates the complexities and inconsistencies in the application of 동포 비자 (Overseas Korean visa) based on regional origin and legal classifications.
Education Challenges for Koryo-saram Children
The documentary addresses the educational challenges faced by Koryo-saram children. Those without proper academic records attend 예비학교 (preparatory schools) to learn Korean before entering mainstream schools. However, many parents struggle to support their children's education due to work commitments and language barriers. Some students, like Zina, face difficulties adapting to the Korean education system and ultimately choose to return to Russia.
Living Conditions and Financial Hardships
The documentary portrays the difficult living conditions and financial hardships faced by Koryo-saram families. Nadezhda, a single mother from Russia, works in a factory to support her five children, who live in a small 원룸 (one-room apartment). She struggles to provide for her children's needs and worries about their health and education.
The Cycle of Departure and Return
The documentary follows Natalia as she prepares for her sixth departure from South Korea to renew her visa. The constant cycle of leaving and returning highlights the instability and challenges faced by Koryo-saram seeking to build a life in Korea. The documentary concludes by questioning whether they can truly settle in Korea, given the historical and ongoing challenges they face.
Historical Neglect and Current Reality
The documentary criticizes South Korea's historical neglect of Koryo-saram, contrasting it with the support offered to ethnic Germans and Japanese by their respective countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite being of Korean descent, Koryo-saram have been treated as foreign laborers, highlighting a sense of abandonment by their ancestral homeland. The documentary ends by emphasizing that Koryo-saram continue to wander the world, seeking a place to call home.
