Korean Job Discussion Forums

Ianinilsan · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Location: South Korea

I've started a new thread because the other was becoming cluttered.

First, I'd like to say that the support has been unbelievable. The interest in my case has been very good to see. From what I've been told, there has been talk about my case all over Korea. I'd like to see this kind of interest happen every time a teacher is cheated by a hakwan, but I understand that can't happen.

Now, the case at Labor is over. I won on all counts. There were two hearings and the hakwan didn't bother to show for the first one, and the hakwan lost the second hearing. The hakwan had already acknowledged owing me for classes taught in February and early March, but I also won for wrongful termination. As of this date the school has refused to pay the awarded amount. I have tried to talk with them throughout this case and all they wanted to do was either threaten me or ignore me. That is a FACT. The case has progressed beyond Labor, but I can't talk about that, yet.

Yes, everything I have posted about the actions of the hakwan and allies working for the hakwan is true. Every attempt to intimidate me has met with failure. I am going to be in Korea long enough to collect my legal award.

A bigger question is why did I post about my case on Dave's ESL? Frankly, at first I feared for my own personal safety, and I still do, and I wanted others to know what was happening in case I disappeared. Some may scoff at that notion, but when you are alone in a foreign country, and the threats are coming from people pounding on your door at all hours and by private email, you must understand how frightening that can be. But, as the interest snowballed, I decided that I wanted to show that a teacher can stand up for their rights. It's important that honest teachers stop being intimidated by dishonest hakwan owners and directors and fight for their legal rights. There is a system in place for those of us who decide to follow the law. The system is weak and dealing with it can be frustrating, but the rights of honest teachers are important enough for me to make my life an "open book" and try to help others through example.

I have no plans to be a martyr. I plan to be a survivor and a winner after this case is finally resolved. I hope that, by bringing you into my world for a few months, I have allowed you to learn what can happen if you are being cheated and you stand up for yourself. Many of the posts have reflected my raw emotions when dealing with: threats, the stress, and the uncertainty of how things would go. I have not edited those posts because I wanted you to feel what I felt. Honest emotions are in those posts.I suspect that is why so many followed the story. Even your own self-doubt can be overcome.

This has been tough for me, but I had to fight for my rights and my dignity.

Many of my friends have been lifesavers for me. I did not fight this legal battle alone. I have had a great deal of personal support. I could never thank those people enough for what they've done for me.

I will post more as events transpire. Thank you.

soju pizza · Joined: 21 Feb 2007

You are an inspiration, Ian, and the results of your actions will benefit others. Well done.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Way to go. I'm delighted to hear about this, and so glad you decided to share the account here. I shall do my little part to warn off anyone I come across in what may be a long future in Korea about St Andrew's should I ever come across anyone considering working there.

Missile Command Kid · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

Excellent news! Warmest congratulations, Ian! I'm really glad to see that the system pulled through for you.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

I only ever lurked on the other thread, but I'm glad to see everything is starting to workout for you. Its been a tough few months, but I think you've really made a contrubution to the ESL community here. I think I speak for all members on this bored when I say congrats and we are happy for you.

riley · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: where creditors can find me

Congratulations for doing something very difficult and hard. Now comes the hard part, getting the money.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Hey, way to go Ian!

Dam man, you are a rock!

dmbfan

poet13 · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 11:19 pm Post subject:

Very cool. Glad it worked out for you. I have the 24th through 27th off. Without having sought the OPs' permssion first, anybody up for a gathering there on the Friday and Saturday?

Roch · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Ditto from a long time supporter!

You've got guts and are a role model for most of us.

R

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

Thank you for being a strong voice for those who would otherwise be too afraid or too exhausted to fight back. You really are an inspiration to all of us.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Great news. Very Happy

Are they the lemmings · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 11:44 pm Post subject:

Very courageous, Ianinilsan. Keep it up, bloke.

cbclark4 · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: Masan

Great job Ian. Good luck with phase 2.

cbc
edited because, the original post was type by my left hand

happygirl · Joined: 20 Feb 2006

This case sets a precedent that will be followed for many years to come. Thanks from all of us for having the courage to stand strong.

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:36 am Post subject:

Excellent, Skookum, Grade A, Whiz-bang, Marvelous, Supreme, Fantastic, First-rate, and bloody good job sparky!

Keep on!

!shoosh,

Ryst