Korean Job Discussion Forums

[annuayim]

Hey all,

I just got an urgent phone call from my twin sister. She couldn't speak long, as her next class was starting, but from what she told me, there was a heated discussion between her and two of her co-teachers, which resulted in the male co-teacher grabbing her/yanking her as she tried to exit the room, and commanding her to stay put.

She works in a public school for one of the three main English Programs in Korea. Is there any recourse? What would you suggest we do? I am very surprised by this behavior, and it is taking my best willpower not to walk to her school right now and give this co-teacher a boot up his trasero.

What upsets me the most about this, is that the argument stemmed from nothing important. My sister telling the students the format (not answers, etc.) of an upcoming test was deemed inappropriate. Fair enough. When my sister tried to acknowledge her fault as well as figure out how to reasonably avoid these problems in the future, it became another "THIS IS JUST KOREA!" mantra, resulting in the physical altercation.

My sister just re-signed her contract for year two, and everyone that she worked with seemed very nice and accommodating. Yes, the school is very sexist (the principal refuses to hire female after-school teachers who are married because they might "get pregnant and leave"), and women aren't very high on the totem pole, but I expected more of her co-teacher.

Has anyone experienced this before?

[Snowkr]

COMPLETELY UNNACCEPTABLE.

I'm sorry but your sister needs to resign from her job and submit a formal complaint to the principal and to the organization (GEPIK/EPIk/SMOE... whatever).

The only reason I suggest this is because that man needs to be fired from his position but it is safe to say that he will not be. It will probably turn into his word against hers, but he's right "This is just Korea." Foreign teachers (especially women) should not put up with that kind of childishness from the Koreans, even if it is just one time.

In the states, a teacher could press charges over something like that. If I were her, I would go as high up the ladder as I could, using than man's full name to discredit and shame him to anyone who will listen... in a tactful way, of course.


This is what I would do. As for notice, I'm not actually sure, since I'm not there. I would hate to just quit or to resign with less notice than what the contract states, but I might be inclined to do that if I suspected the situation could get worse or if I felt threatened. It's unfortunate that this kind of infantile behavior happens out in the open and even more unfortunate that there doesn't seem to be any real recourse.

[Fishead soup]

Contact either an English speaking supervisor in the POE (Kyo Yuk Cheong) in Korean board of Education. There are usually many Kyopos( Korean Americans) working with EPIK they can help her whether she would like to be transfered to another school

[NYC_Gal]

Private message sent. Please get back to me.

[afsjesse]

I would go to the police and file a complaint. Shame him for the scum he is. Even if the report turns into nothing, the school would know about it and this teacher would be dealt with in some way.

[oskinny1]

[afsjesse]

This is true. Perhaps it'll even make them deal with the scum without that hassle.

[magnolialove]

I agree with other posters that she should report it to the school, the program, the labor board, police, etc. If the school tries to turn a blind eye, I say take the story to the press. That will get them where it hurts and hopefully serve as a preventative measure against this sort of thing in the future.

I really feel bad for her. No one should have to put up with that, no matter where they are from or where they are working.

[ChilgokBlackHole]

This is assault. It is a police matter.

[annuayim]

Thank you all very much for your replies. My sister is still very shaken, and just called me from the bathroom. They are waiting for her in the teacher's room, so I know something is about to go down.

I think our best recourse is for her to get transferred away from the school. He's always been such a nice person, these actions aside.

I think she is just very surprised and hurt by his actions. She told me she had to pry his hands off her. She is going to call me back shortly to tell me what is going on. I would prefer she just leave work for the day, but she's not having it.

NYC_Gal, I got your PM. Sorry to say I'm not that gym buddy, but thanks for your concern!

I think we're just a bit nervous because we are foreigners and it seems as if we have no recourse, especially when it comes against the word a Korean man and a female foreigner.

[afsjesse]

Nice guy or not, he's a nut! File a report and make sure this doesn't happen to another person who replaces your sister!!!! This abusive loop needs to be rolled in and have his hands slapped with the bamboo stick a few dozen times.

[NYC_Gal]

[shcforward]

[annuayim]

Thanks again, everyone.

We have some Kyopo friends who are getting us in contact with their relatives who are lawyers. I am nervous about this, because things can spiral out of control once you get lawyers and bureaucracy involved.

We're worried about visa issues and retribution, but hopefully we can make the best of the situation.

afsjesse, you are certainly right! I wouldn't want this to happen to someone who might take my sister's place. Disgusting.

Thanks for all your advice! I will update with news of how the situation has been resolved.

[rollo]

this will be dealt with appropriately. I am certain. the male teacher is n a lot of trouble. Dont worry about retribution. This was unacceptable, and the Koreans will deal with it. the school has lost face, and your sisters co-workers may behave strangely for awhile. Sorry that this happened to your sister.