[Report] "When Will the Hate Vaccine Come Out?" Daerim-dong Chinese-Korean Residents' 'Resentment and Wounds' Remain Unchanged

One Year of COVID Vaccination... The First Step Toward Returning to Daily Life
Discrimination and Hate Against Chinese-Dongpo Left Unhealed Wounds
"We Just Lived as if We Were All Dead" - Sighs from Merchants Met at Daerim-dong Market

The way to Daerim-dong Jungang Market in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. Chinese signs are noticeable everywhere. Photo by So-Young Kim, Cho-Young Kim, and Joo-Mi Lee, intern reporters zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporters Lee Jumi, Kim Choyoung, Kim Soyoung] "We acknowledge that it originated in Wuhan, China. But is it really the fault of one country or one person?"

One year after the COVID-19 outbreak, vaccinations have begun and the first steps toward returning to daily life have been taken, yet the collective wounds of hatred toward Chinese compatriots have not yet healed.

On the 26th, when the Asia Economy reporters met merchants including Chinese compatriots at Jungang Market in Daerim-dong, Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, they were momentarily speechless or some even left when asked about the wounds of hatred they suffered due to COVID-19 starting from Wuhan, China.

Although COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, there is still no vaccine to heal the hatred they have endured. The horrific memories of collective hatred remain as fresh wounds.

One year after the collective hatred against Chinese compatriots caused by COVID-19 swept through, the market visited that day appeared lively like any other market. According to the merchants, it was the first full moon day of the lunar new year, so more people than usual visited the market. Also, notices stating "This store has completed COVID-19 prevention measures" were posted at store entrances, showing efforts to reassure customers that the market is safe to use.

However, the merchants left the hatred they experienced without any healing or consolation. Merchant Kim (57), who revealed that he has been in Korea for 22 years from Harbin, sighed as he struggled to recall memories of hatred.

Kim said, "There are no COVID-19 patients in Daerim-dong," adding, "We manage food very cleanly. Even when displaying food outside, everything is covered with plastic." He continued, "Still, at that time, there was so much criticism directed at us. We couldn’t do anything about it," and lamented, "Reading the articles hurt my heart so much." He added, "The wounds were so severe that even among merchants, we didn’t talk about it. We just lived as if we were all dead."

Kim briefly muttered, "Even though a lot of time has passed since COVID-19 first appeared, there are still many prejudices against us," and said, "But people live through all kinds of things, so I just think of it that way and live." He expressed hope, saying, "Now that vaccines have come out, the market seems to be gaining some vitality and business might improve."

The hand sanitizer placed in front of the store. It can be seen that more than half of the amount has already been used due to frequent use. Photo by interns So-Young Kim, Cho-Young Kim, and Joo-Mi Lee zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

The chaos created by COVID-19 has not only caused survival and economic crises due to the epidemic but also created dark aspects such as a hateful society with discriminatory views toward each other.

In fact, a survey showed concerns that anyone can discriminate or become a target of hatred. According to a survey by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK), 9 out of 10 respondents said they could become targets of hatred or discrimination during the COVID-19 phase. The survey was conducted nationwide from April 22 to 27 last year, targeting 1,000 men and women aged 19 and older, to explore policy directions for correcting discrimination.

The NHRCK survey results showed that 69.3% of respondents believed that targets of discrimination or hatred existed during the COVID-19 spread phase. Among them, nearly half said religious people (59.2%) were the biggest targets of discrimination. Citizens from specific regions (36.7%), foreign migrants (36.5%), and people with certain diseases (32.3%) followed.

Especially, when asked if they had ever thought, "I too could become a target of discrimination or a minority at any time" during COVID-19, 9 out of 10 agreed. Over 80% across all detailed groups such as gender, age, residence, and occupation empathized, indicating increased sensitivity to discrimination across all classes after COVID-19.

Also, 8 out of 10 citizens said the level of discrimination in our society is serious. When asked if discrimination has worsened compared to the past, 40.0% answered "yes." Respondents cited "economic inequality" (78.0%) as the biggest reason.

Gender (40.1%), employment type (36.0%), education and academic background (32.5%), disability (30.6%), and wealth gap (26.2%) followed. The response that "if our society continues to respond to discrimination as it does now, discrimination will structurally become entrenched and social conflicts will worsen" (67.9%) was more than twice as high as those who thought it would naturally ease or resolve (32.1%).

On the way from Daerim Station Exit 12 to Daerim Central Market. Merchants are selling fruits and other items. Everyone is wearing masks.
Photo by interns So-Young Kim, Cho-Young Kim, and Joo-Mi Lee zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

◆ "They say this is a dangerous area" Prejudice, discrimination, hatred... even fake news

Lee, a woman in her 50s from Dalian who has been selling seafood for 20 years, lamented that she is still struggling with sales recovery due to the COVID-19 situation. Lee said, "I think customers are afraid to come to the market. It’s definitely different." She sighed, "This is the hardest time. When the kids start school, I have to pay tuition, so this period is the most difficult."

Lee also expressed dissatisfaction with 'fake news.' She said, "Since many Chinese foods are sold in the market, local Chinese compatriots sometimes visit the market," adding, "But there was a rumor that if Chinese people get COVID-19, they won’t be treated at all in Korea." She lamented, "Because of that, business is bad. They say this place has many Chinese people, so it’s dangerous, and they don’t let people come or go. It’s very difficult."

The market, covered by hatred, was suffering a double hardship with sales decline due to COVID-19. A merchant in his 70s working in the food industry said, "The number of employees has decreased a lot. It used to be 5 or 6, but now it’s drastically reduced. They say it’s hard to pay salaries... Even now, there are no customers." He added, "It’s very hard. It’s like heaven and earth compared to before."

He especially said that Chinese compatriots working here are subtly aware of the hateful gaze. He said, "You can’t openly say you came from China. Anyway, it was hard. So if business goes well now, it would be okay. But look at this. It’s like this again. We can’t blame anyone... This is chaos right now," sighing repeatedly.

A store displaying two disinfectants along with a hand sanitizing sign. The efforts of merchants who pay attention to quarantine measures are evident. Photo by So-Young Kim, Cho-Young Kim, and Joo-Mi Lee, intern reporters zoom_0114@asiae.co.kr

◆ "We are people too," "Hatred creates more hatred and is a very dangerous emotion"

Chinese compatriots urged for a non-discriminatory view, saying they are also members of Korean society. Kim Yong-seon, Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Compatriots One Heart Federation, said in an interview with Asia Economy, "Compatriots mostly have no nationality but have lived in Korea for over 10 to 20 years, with 3 to 4 generations living here. They live as members of society. They should not be discriminated against as foreigners. Compatriots also pay taxes. Even though they are struggling and having a hard time, they have nowhere to speak out. Even if they speak, they get attacked."

Experts warned that hatred itself is a terrible violence that leaves indelible wounds. Professor Kwak Geum-joo of Seoul National University’s Department of Psychology said, "Hatred is a very dangerous emotion. Anger disappears when the other party apologizes, but hatred does not. Hatred against Chinese compatriots (Joseonjok) has existed for a long time. Looking at this phenomenon, I think 'COVID-19 is a disaster for humanity that divides people.'"

Regarding those who receive hatred, she said, "It is natural that those who face discrimination and hatred become withdrawn and hurt. Also, it is problematic that they might express hatred back to us. The initial hatred can create more hatred. This can cause conflicts and create further division."

Professor Kwak also diagnosed that hatred could eventually lead to a decline in national competitiveness. She said, "Although Korea is considered a homogeneous nation, many foreigners live here. Filipinos, Chinese compatriots, and others provide labor in this low birthrate society. In this situation, hatred toward foreigners could negatively affect future national development."

She added, "Immigrant countries like the U.S. educate children from youth about diverse societies. Korea lacks this education. Korea also needs education about a diversifying society. For adults, campaigns, promotions, and advertisements that can improve the image of foreigners such as Joseonjok should be conducted. Instead of directly saying 'Don’t hate,' it is important to find ways to naturally raise awareness."