Korean Job Discussion Forums

Zenpickle · Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Location: Anyang -- Bisan

We recorded a very powerful show on the SeoulPodcast on Sunday. We had three family members of foreigners who died with no answers and little respect for their remains.

This is important because you need to be aware of what your rights are and what the embassies can do for you in a time of emergency. It also is disturbing how there is a pattern of incompetence and apathy with both Korean and American authorities when it comes to helping foreigners in emergencies, finding answers to their deaths, or even respecting their remains.

Diane Blower's story about her brother David Gearson will kick you in the gut.

Give a listen and be careful out there.

http://www.seoulpodcast.com/archives/364

kprrok · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Location: KC

I'm listening again right now.

Spread the word, this is worth the time to listen to.

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

I'm also listening to it... it's turning my stomach and making me feel very paranoid.

Worth listening to though. Really sad.

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

Great cast! I must say that it also did turn my stomach somewhat listening to the way they did those autopsies and how much they need just to tranlsate the police report.

I know there was a fund for Michael White last year and alot of us donated to it. Perhaps we can get a 2nd round going to help alleviate this financial burden that shouldn't even be one. Or maybe theres alot of Gyopos out there willing to help translate?

Just a thought.

GreenlightmeansGO · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Location: Daegu

I'm at work now, but I'll give it a listen when I get home. Classes begin in...7 minutes.

Css · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Location: South of the river

Was really hard to listen to the enormously melodramatic intro....ill try again when im more in the mood for that kind of thing..

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Some scary stuff!

Zen, I was on TBS eFM today, and mentioned your podcast.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

Sorry, not going to listen. -zzz-

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Foreigners' Rights Denied Even After Death
Chosun Ilbo (February 13, 2007)
The Column was contributed by Chun Hyun-seok, from the Chosun Ilbo�s National/Society Desk.
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200702/200702130032.html

Foreigners treated unfairly here
by Kevin Were, JoongAng Daily (September 10, 2007)
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880291

Zenpickle · Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Location: Anyang -- Bisan

SHANE02 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003

The part with David's sister was really upsetting.

NoExplode · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

Good information, listened to the podcast at the gym, but...you gotta finish your sentences and thoughts, dude. And speak faster. But keep it up, good info.

BrianInSuwon · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Location: Korea

I listened to the portion about David Gearson and now I'm sitting here trying to see where to start. What can come from this story?

How should a body be handled after death?
How do other countries handle this?
How long does it normally take for family to be contacted?
What do other countries charge for 'storage' until the body is claimed?
Do you think there was a cover-up? Why would the doctor want to falsify the report?
Why wouldn't someone mention the school at which he taught?
How can someone be sued for stating a fact like, "David taught at XYZ from 2004 until the time of his death"?
Why isn't the school help responsible for accounting for his personal belongings (clothes, laptop, ....)?

What needs to be changed in the system and what can people do to bring about these changes?

I just did some research on google, searching for "dying abroad"; found an interesting article.

http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=176&catID=14

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

John_ESL_White · Joined: 12 Nov 2008

I think a lot of the problem is the language barrier.

If you die in any English speaking country, other than your own, there will be some misunderstandings, questions, uncertianties, etc., left for your family.

If you die in a non-English speaking country (other than your own), compound those uncertainties, misunderstandings, questions by ten or even 50.

Having a family member inexplicably die in France, Spain, Argentina, etc., would be difficult for a US citizen.

I'm sure it's frustrating (to say the least) for the family members, but it's to be expected with the language barrier alone.

AND- The US federal government isn't known for its graciousness in reaching out to its citizens in country. Why would it bend over backwards when the citizens are overseas?

If you have a complaint with the embassy here, or anywhere, or one of its staff, call your congressman, write notes, and pay his/her office a visit. Action from a congressional representative is the only thing that will make a federal employee quake in his/her boots enough to answer questions or make a change in policy.

Image dying in Vietnam, China, or Laos. Image dying in most African countries.... jesus, it would be super terrible for your family. At least here, the family can somewhat maneuver through the system, even the screwy, non-sensical system that it is.

Anyway, I guess we should all be careful and try not to die in Korea or any other developing nation.