Why Are Some Koreans Biased Toward Southeast Asians?
In July 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded in Hanoi, Vietnam. Two South Korean women were caught on security footage assaulting a group of young Vietnamese women at a self photo studio. According to reports, the Vietnamese group was still within their book time when the Korean women became agitated, physically grabbing their hair, punching, and even kicking them to the ground. The footage quickly went viral across Vietnamese media and social platforms. And this wasn’t just a minor outburst. One of the asalants was identified as an employee of Sajjang Vina, a Korean-owned company operating in Vietnam. The company publicly apologized, fired the individuals involved, and offered compensation to the victims. A move that, while necessary, didn’t stop the wave of anger already spreading online. This incident has reignited a long simmering conversation across Southeast Asia about behavior, cultural sensitivity, and respect when traveling or living abroad. across Reddit and other forums. Some speak out of experiences from themselves and friends in South Korea. Some face severe discrimination from the locals. They invested years to learn Korean and stay in Korea for many years. One of the Reddit comments such as had a Vietnamese friend Mayot who was fluent in Korea had did his bachelors here. He was close to tears telling me how he had spent so many years here trying to integrate and build a community while still in uni. So, it wasn’t the making friends as an adult is hard time we all face. But Korean women avoided him like the plague and Korean guys just pretended he didn’t exist. Some pointed out that Korean tourists allegedly shoving a head in cues, raising voices at service staff, or displaying what they describe as a sense of ethnic superiority, dismissing locals, mocking accents, or acting with entitlement. Of course, these are individual accounts and opinions, and they do not reflect the behavior of all Korean travelers, but perception matters. And right now, in parts of Southeast Asia, like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, their perception is becoming more negative. Korea is one of the largest sources of tourists to many of these countries, and the vast majority of Korean visitors are respectful, curious, and welcomed with open arms. But when these highly visible incidents occur, like the assault in Hanoi or aggressive outbursts in public spaces in Pia, Thailand, they undermine that goodwill. It also raises a double standard because many Southeast Asians face challenges when visiting South Korea. In recent years, dozens of Thai tourists were denied entry upon arrival, even when holding valid documents. There are stories of travelers being grilled at immigration, detained for hours, and sent home with little explanation. In one now viral case, a Thai tourist said she was denied entry because she didn’t know how many trees were near her hotel. These types of stories build resentment when Southeast Asians feel unwelcome in Korea but see Korean tourists behaving poorly in their countries. It creates friction. But what causes this kind of behavior? Part of it could be cultural differences. South Korea is a hierarchical society and in unfamiliar environments. Some travelers may project expectations or habits that come across as rude. Some may lack exposure to Southeast Asian cultures beyond what they see in resorts or online. Another part is the rapid globalization of Korean tourism. As Korea’s middle class grows and more people travel abroad, not everyone is prepared with the cultural knowledge or humility to engage respectfully. And finally, there’s a need for better education on both sides. For Korean tourists, it’s crucial to learn the basics of local etiquette. avoid condescension and treat service workers with dignity. For Southeast Asian hosts, set clear boundaries, but also promote more crosscultural understanding so that visitors feel welcome without being given a free pass for bad behavior. Because at the end of the day, tourism is about respect, exchange, and mutual growth, not superiority, not entitlement. The actions of two individuals in Hanoi shouldn’t define a whole nation, but they should serve as a wakeup call, a reminder that how we behave abroad matters. It shapes how we’re seen. It influences trust, and it either builds bridges or burns them. So, if you’re traveling, remember the passport you carry doesn’t make you better than anyone else. It just gives you access to other people’s homes, and that comes with responsibility. Thanks for watching. If you like the content like this, don’t forget to subscribe. See you in the next one. [Music] [Music]
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Are there biases toward Southeast Asians by Korean immigration?
From a viral assault case in Hanoi to reports of rude tourist behavior in Thailand, Korean travelers have recently drawn criticism in Southeast Asia. At the same time, many Southeast Asians say they face harsh treatment at South Korean immigration.
In this video, we discuss the rising tension between Korean tourists and local communities in Vietnam and Thailand, and the growing frustration among Southeast Asian travelers going to Korea.
What’s behind these incidents? Is it a cultural misunderstanding or something deeper?
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45 Comments
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Cultural understanding before traveling? Do you think these same women will conduct such act, beating local, in America or in Any other wester countries?
It's better than Japan, even you polite to talk with people or trying make a friend's they'll hate you silently because you're foreign or they'll make you to difficult to getting inner circle friends to them
Koreans have been the most racist people I have encountered. Worst in Seoul.
More SKoreans are Christians that's why they more feel at home in the Philippines more dominantly Christians less cultural differences.
Genuine Korean K-culture is now in decline. It's still popular among young children, so they're just adding the 'K' to it for now.
Oh, they really think they're the center of the universe, don’t they? South Koreans seem to have this habit of looking down on Southeast Asians and even China as if mocking a country that’s wealthier, stronger, and way bigger somehow gives them extra points. Cute 😂. And protests? It’s hilarious more American flags waving than Korean ones lol. Makes sense though when you’re basically a polished up U.S. outpost pretending to be independent. If Uncle Sam ever decides to slap on sanctions they’ll be scrambling faster than K-pop fans after a ticket drop. But instead of throwing shade at other countries maybe they should worry about their own ticking time bomb ,a collapsing birth rate and a population decline that’s speeding toward extinction. At this rate they won’t even need enemies nature and poor planning are doing the job just fine. Who’ll be left to brag then? Maybe a museum display titled- Here once lived a nation that talked big.
日本には『実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな』という諺があります。
英語なら、「The boughs that bear most hang lowest.」
でしょうか？
日本では苦労して大企業を興した創業者とその家族に、自らを驕り高ぶる事を戒め、謙虚になるべきだと考える人達をよく見ます。
もちろん大し努力もないのに運良く地位を得たのに、傲慢で尊大な輩もいます。
こういう謙虚さのない人は頭の中も空っぽだから、実が腐って溶けて軽くなった稲のようにふんぞり返っています。
最近の韓国人はまるで産油国の成金のようにエネルギーを過剰に消費し、倹約を貧乏人のあがきと嘲笑い、まるでドイツ第三帝国時代のアーリア人のような優生種と自負し、世界の憧れる先進富裕国の支配民族だと壮大に勘違いした(したがる)傾向があり鼻についてならない。
もちろん謙虚で理性的な若者もいるが、韓国は大手メディアや知識人にこういう誇大妄想がつよい。
Freakin' hilarious. 🤣😂😍
I am not fond of koreans as much as I am with other Asian, especially highly respected and civilized Japanese. koreans are in the same behavioral league as those chinese. They are just ignorant. Not on both sides. The other sides didn’t do anything!
this racist behavior not only exclusive to koreans, but east asia people in general, China japan korea.
another way also you need to work people…stop being a corrupt country and compete…most asian more or less were look the same…see documentary photos and videos back then… more prosper more oportunities and could take care of your body better…ive seen many korean took surfing course in SEA…after couple days they can be darker than the local…actually even korean live in korea not everyone are look bright nor has slanted eye…
Personally i have a formula for these, the more cheaper the country the more sociopathic tourists you invite in, Wealthy tourists in the majority are often calm and passive but middle class tourists who became rich in the past decade are often rude and entitled and choose poor countries specifically for showing their rudeness and entitlement. There is a reason why Barcelona, Germany, Paris became a shithole after europe relaxed its tourist visa policies
Korean culture very superficial, but deep inside alot of anger inside, drinking culture of korean made people very emotional toxic, bad temper.
years ago I attended a church with Korean members, one of them works in Manila and she said her fellow SK were polite to their Filipino co-workers but when they speak in their mother tongue, all they say were complaints about the Philippines. I've never visited the main church in SK but have travelled to SK with my family on a group tour, the only experience I had that could probably count as rude was the staring (I'm not sure because I have dark skin, look Chinese, or both) and an elderly grandma shooed me and some fellow Filipino tourists away from her stall, clearly telling us she didn't want to interact with us
Many Indonesian should've seen this kind of news, many korean always do such foolish things especially toward us south east asian people.
If such mentality exist even for the ordinary people like what we seen on the news, then imagine what kind of mentality these *idols have, knowing they even have more power and wealth in the society.
I'm not racist but I feel very angry after seeing this, hopefully they learn their mistakes 🙇
also sorry for my broken english
why bother about country/people who will be GONE in few decades?
Don’t do in Myanmar 😂
I hate videos like these because the comments will always painted an entire nation with broad strokes of brush over the action of the few.
Ask yourself, does 100% of your countrymen behave well in other country.
Some? 99.99999%
Korean's 😂😂
Koreans are self-proclaimed Americans of Asia!
And SA young generation is so obsessed with K-pop stars, considering them like gods.
South East Asians fault for blindly worshipping K-pop celebrities…
Hi dudes, don't get wrong. Let me tell the truth.
Koreans have had a uniquely mutual trust society, which means they maintain social order, keep roads clean, do not throw trash on the road, and do not steal or cheat others. They work diligently, sincerely, and faithfully. When they see people who lie, steal, are lazy, cheat, spit anywhere, urinate in public places, break social orders, or are smelly from their bodies, they think them uneducated.
Even though not every SEA person does so, many of them do not obey the traffic laws, lie, cut in line without excuse, steal, etc.
Before foreigners (mainly from SEA) came to Korea, there were almost no cases of cell phones or belongings being lost on tables in restaurants, public places, or anywhere in Korea. Even though shops displayed goods outside, there were no theft cases. Now, the country is becoming increasingly lawless while becoming a multi-ethnic society.
I can vouch for that. Koreans really looked down towards tan skin Asians. Remember, politeness and kindness are two different things. They are polite but not that kind.
I’m Australian born chinese. Remember in high school, there were these 5 or so Koreans. They are also born in Australia, but would not befriend anyone other than of Korean ethnicity. They often mock other Asians, especially Indians. One of them even said, ‘there are Asians and there are Koreans’
If you are born and grew up in a western country and have this mindset, that is not normal. Shows a lot about their culture and upbringing.
Dude, Thai, dude South Koreans and Thai and Chinese, all three are same level of aggressive, toxic and look down to others.. When you see them, you better hide your cats
how i wish Filipinos did not help those south Koreans during the Korean war
Don’t forget that Suiside rate is extremely high in South Korea. They have a lot of pressure from work, community, parents…. Life is very stressful over there.
There are bad people in every country. Do not judge others as you don’t understand what they are going through. Peace ☮️
I like the music but not the behavior. 🇰🇷
Southeast Asians are the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. In this region, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, communists, democracies, and monarchies can live together.
Chinese, Arab, Indian, and even European descendants
Do you think all these ethnic groups went to poorer lands ??
All these ethnic groups came in the past in pursuit of prosperity, just as it's natural for you to pursue your dreams by going to America.
this region has been a sea trade route for thousands of years.
If Koreans can't get along with Southeast Asians, it's certain that Koreans can't get along with any other country.
Koreans are truly like frogs in a well.
like Japanese mentality before nuclearization. No wonder many East Asians are hated in the West.
If your country experienced almost 300 years of colonialism, you'll know how difficult it is to recover. They destroyed our history and dumbed down our society.
It's like restarting civilization.
When you are a foreigner live in a foreign country? You should respect and beware your surrounding and in public. Avoid trouble and headaches at all cost. Southeast countries dont have hierarchy cultural societies so dont bring that to their country or bring your entitlement into their country.
The body is white and the heart is black. They boast of fake beauty through surgery and makeup.
I’m Singaporean and I was slighted by Koreans not in Korea but in Japan… I wonder why? Is it my casual dress sense or speaking English actually triggers them to treat me badly? 😂 Anyone can perhaps explain to me why?
Their beauty consist of surgeries. They better look at the mirrors beforehand.
Because their kings looked like us brown skin.
I'm really curious how they can even tell Vietnamese and Korean people apart just by looking. To me, they look exactly the same. Is it the way they dress or something else?
Wtf??
Vietnamese are gentle and dont do anything to retaliate
im American, i saw it first hand how bad the racism is there in Korea especially the senior or old Koreans, my goodness, its the worst thing ive seen and experienced. Truly, Korea is Asia's most Racist Country.
Korea selatan memang rasis.manusia tidak punya ahlaq&sopan santun itu manusia korea selatan,jika kita semua tiap negara memboikot industri musik&film2 korsel,pasti korsel akan menjadi miskin lagi.
"Getting deported for not knowing how many trees in the hotel"?
Thats impossible. You need legal faults to do that regardless of nationality as its official business.
Koreans usually dislike people who come here for sexualiztion of Korean people, objectifying them sexually. The guy who complained about it seems very obsessed with it in my eyes.
Have any double checked it on the opposing side, confirming the full story?
Rude and racist. Plastic human
As an ASEAN person, I think Vietnamese people are more dignified than Korean people. They fought against France, America, China, and even Korea who invaded their country. Meanwhile, South Koreans without America are just Chinese clowns😆