South Koreans Struggle With Race

South Korea's development in the past half-century is a testament to the opportunities for prosperity globalization affords. Yet, despite South Korea’s export-led growth and its populace's near-obsession with learning English (particularly from foreign-born, white speakers), many South Korean’s are hostile to foreigners living and seeking work among them. Such reactions are likely informed by the country’s sensitivity to being dominated in the past by its neighbors China and Japan as well as the US. Indeed, ultra-conservative forces in South Korea have elevated the idea of a “pure-blood” society in the nationalist rhetoric. Despite having doubled in seven years, the numbers of foreign residents remain a low. Today, with the economy on relatively shaky ground amid the global recession, xenophobic incidences are on the rise. The government, in turn, is considering adopting anti-discrimination laws. But reactions to the proposed legislation have been strident and divisive. Part of South Korea’s success has been its ability to open its borders to diverse products and ideas; can it open itself to diverse people too? – YaleGlobal