Korean Job Discussion Forums

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

Hi.

What possible legal repercussions could I face for working at two Hagwons? My director has farmed me out to another Hagwon (one that is completely unrelated to his one, and is not mentioned at all on my contract) because apprently he can only afford to pay me for 3 days work per week now (business is slow, but I only started 4 weeks ago). My E2 visa is worked through my initial director, there is no mention of the other Hagwon on it at all.

I know this is illegal, and I know I'm in a potential nightmare situation, both financially and legally. I'll just have to chalk it up to life experience and be little less goddamned clueless in future... BUT, what I'm really concerned about is whether or not I could end up in prison because of this.

Any insights guys?

Thanks in advance.

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

Hmmm, I've heard of this happening before. Well, since you're probably not getting paid directly by the hakwon for working there, I guess the person who would end up going to jail would be your director or whoever hired you in the first place... since they're not following the contract, and basically "using" you to their own greedy advantage.

Feel sorry for you that you got such a raw deal. Hope you get out of it soon. Confront your director ASAP, and tell him your going to immigration tomorrow to see if what he is doing is legal. That should shake him up.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

Don't you have to get a second workplace added to your ARC? I don't really know but maybe you should check it out with immigration (like the first person said!)

babtangee · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject: Re: ARC?

poet13 · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:15 pm Post subject:

the fine that the hagwon owner may have to pay could very well be less than the severance money you would receive at the end of the year. Yes, they would have to get another foreigner, but the hardship to them is far, far less than what you will endure if you are picked up. I understand that getting kicked out of the country is the minimum.

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

Ah, thanks for the replies folks.

So basically, I'm in a really bad spot and there isn't much I can do about it because I've already incriminated myself by going along with their plans?

John Henry · Joined: 24 Sep 2004

No dude, just say you're not doing it until you go to immi. They are just being lazy.

The Hierophant · Joined: 13 Sep 2005

poet13 · Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:45 am Post subject:

"No dude, just say you're not doing it until you go to immi. They are just being lazy."

I think it's probably also an income tax evasion scam.....

ScottyG · Joined: 09 Jun 2006

i dont think its a big deal depending on where you are. if its in seoul and its in mokdong or something and there are lots of hakwons in the area....i'd definetely be worried. but if you are in pohang in an older neighborhood where there are not a whole lot of whities, you have very little to worry about. the thing you might want to work out is how much your boss is getting from the other school. chances are they are paying him 50,000 wan per hour or more for every class you teach. i think you should be getting something out of it.