The Intriguing Tale of Korean Diaspora! | KOREAZ Focus Ep.18

Summary

In this insightful conversation on KOREAZ Focus, host Lee He-seong and guest Lee Jinyoung, a director from Hawaii, explore the rich history and struggles of the Korean diaspora. They discuss the story of Picture Brides, women who migrated to Hawaii in the early 20th century, and the Koryoins, Koreans who settled in former Soviet countries. Jinyoung highlights the contributions of Korean immigrants, including influential figures like Mayor Harry Kim and Chief Justice Ronald Moon, and reflects on the challenges of bridging the gap between Koreans living in Korea and abroad. The discussion emphasizes resilience, community, and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Korean diaspora refers to Koreans living abroad, with over 7.5 million people spread across 180+ countries.
• 😀 Picture Brides were Korean women who married men in Hawaii by looking at their photos, a key part of Korean diaspora history.
• 😀 Hawaii's ‘Rainbow State’ nickname stems from both frequent rainbows and its rich multicultural heritage, including the Korean diaspora.
• 😀 The history of Korean immigration to Hawaii began in 1903, with Koreans working on sugar plantations under harsh conditions.
• 😀 In the 19th century, Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese immigrants faced tough labor in Hawaii, which led to the Picture Bride phenomenon.
• 😀 The Korean diaspora's resilience is highlighted by individuals like Mayor Harry Kim and Chief Justice Ronald Moon, descendants of early Korean immigrants.
• 😀 Chief Justice Moon established a free interpreter program in Hawaii to assist non-English speaking immigrants, showcasing his commitment to community support.
• 😀 The Koryoins, a group of Koreans in former Soviet Union countries, have a long history of migration, starting before the main wave to Hawaii.
• 😀 The Koryo Theater in Kazakhstan, the first national Korean theater outside the Korean Peninsula, used to perform in Korean to preserve cultural heritage.
• 😀 The 'Songs of Love' musical documentary commemorates the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States, honoring their dedication and sacrifices.
• 😀 The new Overseas Koreans Agency aims to improve cooperation and understanding between Koreans living abroad and those in Korea, helping bridge cultural gaps.

Q & A

What is the main topic of today's discussion?

The main topic of today's discussion is the Korean diaspora, focusing on Koreans living abroad, particularly in places like Hawaii and the former Soviet Union, and their contributions to Korean history and culture.

What is the significance of the term 'Picture Bride' in the context of Korean diaspora?

A 'Picture Bride' refers to women who selected their husbands solely based on a photograph, which was common in the early 1900s when many Korean women traveled to Hawaii to marry men working in sugar plantations. This practice is a key part of Korean diaspora history.

How did early Korean immigrants in Hawaii contribute to the community?

Early Korean immigrants in Hawaii, particularly those who came as picture brides, faced difficult working conditions, but they played a pivotal role in establishing families and contributing to the growth of the Korean community in Hawaii, paving the way for future generations of successful Korean-Americans.

What was the economic situation like for early Korean immigrants working in Hawaii?

Many of the early Korean immigrants worked long hours (up to 11 hours a day) on sugar plantations, earning as little as $15 to $16 per month, which created significant hardships and led to the practice of 'Picture Brides' to address the shortage of women in the community.

What was the role of Koryoins in the Korean diaspora?

Koryoins are Koreans who were displaced and settled in former Soviet Union countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. They represent an earlier wave of Korean immigration and have a long history, preserving Korean culture in areas where the language and customs were not widely spoken.

Can you explain the significance of the 'Koryo Theater' in Kazakhstan?

The 'Koryo Theater' in Kazakhstan is the first national Korean theater outside the Korean Peninsula. It was established to help preserve Korean language and culture, with performances in Korean, even though neither the performers nor the audience always understood the language. The theater has since adapted as language barriers grew.

What is a '1.5 generation' immigrant, and how does it relate to author Lee Min Jin?

A '1.5 generation' immigrant refers to individuals who moved to a new country as children, often losing their native language and culture but retaining a connection to their homeland. Lee Min Jin, author of the novel 'Pachinko,' is a 1.5 generation immigrant, as she moved from Korea to the U.S. at the age of seven and wrote in English about the experiences of Korean immigrants.

What were the key challenges faced by Korean immigrants in the early 1900s, and how did they overcome them?

Korean immigrants in the early 1900s faced significant challenges, including cultural adaptation, language barriers, and harsh working conditions. Despite these obstacles, they persevered through strong community bonds, family support, and hard work, contributing to the development of the Korean-American identity.

What inspired Chief Justice Ronald Moon to start the free interpreter program in Hawaii?

Chief Justice Ronald Moon, who grew up in an immigrant community, witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by non-English-speaking immigrants. His experiences motivated him to start a free interpreter program to ensure that all people in Hawaii could access the justice system, regardless of language barriers.

What impact do the new Overseas Koreans Agency aim to have on Korean immigrants abroad?

The Overseas Koreans Agency, launched in June, aims to streamline services for Korean immigrants by consolidating various resources under one institution. It is expected to enhance cooperation between Koreans in Korea and overseas Koreans, and address issues like cultural barriers and integration.