Anti-immigrant hate resurfaces at 'Olgong' protests; 'Daerim-dong model' to counter

Anti-immigrant sentiment, fueled by conspiracy theories surrounding election irregularities, is resurfacing in South Korea, this time targeting individuals of Chinese descent. The protests, initially focused on an election counting station at Seoul's Olympic Park, have become a platform for xenophobic rhetoric. A symbolic moment occurred when a protestor asked Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok if his mother was Chinese, to which he responded, "You are cursing me now." This exchange highlights how anti-Chinese sentiment has become an accepted premise for conflict.

Concerns about anti-Chinese sentiment are not new in areas with large Chinese immigrant populations, such as Seoul's Daerim-dong. A year ago, over 200 citizens gathered to block a xenophobic rally, demonstrating the power of community solidarity. Now, these discriminatory slogans have shifted to the Olympic Park protests, continuing the cycle of prejudice.

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A year ago in Daerim-dong, we felt the efficacy of solidarity overcoming hate. But ultimately, the sites of 'anti-China rallies' seem to have spread further across South Korean society.

Park Dong-chan, a researcher on immigrant rights and an immigrant himself, noted the effectiveness of solidarity in Daerim-dong a year ago. However, he observed that the "anti-China rally" sites seem to have expanded across South Korean society. He expressed concern over politicians' remarks, questioning how a politician calling the term "Chinese" a curse would be perceived by a teenager with Chinese parents.

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A politician saying the expression 'Chinese' is a curse – how would that statement sound to an adolescent with parents from China?

To counter this trend more systematically, Park, along with public interest lawyers, teachers, and social workers active in Daerim-dong, formed the "Big Forest Guardians" network on June 11. The name "Big Forest" is derived from "Daerim" (大林), which means "big forest" in Chinese and is the name of the district where many Chinese immigrants live and work. This network aims to continuously monitor anti-immigrant sentiment and foster ongoing discussions. Park stated, "We want to spread the 'Daerim-dong model,' which successfully blocked anti-China protests last year, through a network that proactively responds rather than passively being dragged along by hate groups."

The "Big Forest Guardians" plan to hold a forum on July 9 addressing how far-right groups attribute all problems to China. On July 11, the one-year anniversary of blocking the Daerim-dong anti-China protest, they will discuss measures to combat discrimination and hate against immigrant youth.

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We want to spread the 'Daerim-dong model,' which successfully blocked anti-China protests last year, through a network that proactively responds rather than passively being dragged along by hate groups.