Some Ugly Truths About Some Filipino Migrants in Korea


Filipino migrants in Korea have their own share of controversial issues. If you see them shining, shimmering and splendid on their Facebook photos, that’s because they only choose what to show to people. The truth is, living as a foreigner in Korea is not 100 percent fun. There are also struggles, discrimination and challenges. Every Filipino living in Korea is prone to controversy because the challenge that everyone is facing here is pushing one to the limit.

Homesickness, temptations, racial discrimination and confusions are among the factors that lead some Filipinos to do things that maybe against the law of the people and the law of God. Because of that, I have noted here the top 5 issues that may put a scar to the dignity of Filipino migrants in Korea. I must issue a disclaimer first that I write this article not to degrade the Filipinos in Korea but to provide useful information based on facts so that those who are planning to come and live here have the idea not only about the good things that the Filipinos are enjoying in Korea but also some ugly truths that they could avoid.

Top 5: ARTISTA na yan!!!!

Artista is quite a derogatory word for some because it means “illegal alien”. While it means an actress or an actor, if a person is called Artista in Korea, that means the person has no legal document to stay in the country and he or she is just acting out like he or she is legal.

As of this moment, Philippines is rank 4 in countries with most numbers of illegal immigrants in Korea following China, Thailand and Vietnam respectively.  There are more than 12,000 undocumented Filipinos in Korea, that is why the country is limiting the hiring of Filipino workers.
From the point of view of an “artista”, the reason why they choose to stay here illegally is because they could not afford to go home just yet. Either they are paying something or they haven’t saved enough money during their legal years that is why they could not lose their job. Some illegal aliens intentionally go to Korea and work. What they did was, they came here in Korea as a tourist and looked for jobs instead of the tour. As much as I want to believe that they are wrong, I understand their sentiments and struggles. If only they could find a job that could pay a decent salary in the Philippines, they will gladly choose to surrender and go back home.

Top 4: Pinoy versus Pinoy

Filipinos are generally sociable people. That is why here in Korea, there are hundreds of communities organized just so to accommodate people with the same interest, likes and tribes. To build up camaraderie among the communities, some activities like Sportsfest or basketball game are being organized. However, instead of strengthening the bond between different communities, sometimes these activities are the reason why there are heated arguments between groups.

Sometimes, the misunderstanding goes out of hand that it leads to almost killing a fellow Filipino. Some Filipinos have the guts to bring their “ugaling kanto” here in Korea. They feel like they are gangsters and they think they are “astig” if they can form a group that will give a chill to the bones of anybody that will go against their way. How many times I heard stories about a basketball game that suddenly turns out to be a riot. And who are fighting? It’s a group of Filipinos fighting another group of Filipinos. Aren’t we supposed to help each other since we are all in a foreign land?

The usual drinking session that leads to fighting is a common scene in the Philippines, but guess what, some Pinoys are also doing it here in Korea. The next thing you see, they are already trying to slit each other’s throat.


Top 3: Filipina Prostitutes, anyone?

A guy from the Philippines asked me why his girlfriend was asked to pose and introduce herself in a VTR when his girlfriend is just applying for a factory worker. That right there is a clear case of human trafficking. So I advised him to double check it because VTR is not necessary if you want to work as a factory worker. Some were promised for a decent job, an office job or whatnot but when they arrived here in Korea, they are forced to “entertain” people in the bar.

I heard a lot of stories about Filipinas being sold as sex slave. For somebody who is foreign in Korea and not equipped with the language, these girls have no choice but to sell their soul to earn money. Some tried to escape, but where else to go?

But don’t blame the Koreans for this. Most of the Filipina prostitutes in Korea are in the area where the U.S. Military base is situated. So that means their markets are the Americans and not necessarily the Koreans. But what is alarming about Filipina prostitutes here is that they are forced to do it. They usually come to Korea under the E6 Visa or the Arts and Performances. They expect to dance and sing, but apparently, they are forced to serve drinks and provide sexual services to the clients.

Top 2: The Unfaithful Wife

I have once befriended a girl I met at Hyehwa-dong, an area in Seoul where Filipino usually go every Sunday. She’s attractive and she has an interesting personality, so I started talking to her casually. She talked a lot, and in a few minutes of talking, I already knew too much information about her. She confessed that she’s cheating to her Korean husband and they are currently filing a divorce because her husband caught her in the arms of another man. I was speechless as I could not believe an angel looking lady can do this.

Recently, Korea has legalized adultery, but before the legalization of this, I heard a lot of stories about Filipina women being unfaithful to their Korean husband. I must say that not all are unfaithful. Of course I know a lot of Filipino Korean Spouses who are faithful and happy with their Korean husbands, but there are some who have the habit to blindside their husband. Some preferred a Filipino partner, so they are cheating their Korean husband to a Filipino. And yes, it is not a made up story.

Top 1: That thing Called “Ka-Couple”

I guess the “couple” thing is not only a top problem in Korea but also for other OFWs around the globe. Couple is a term to call a (excuse me for using these words) “Fvcking Buddy” or a friend with benefit. To add insult to the injury, a guy has a wife in the Philippines with 3 kids and a girl has a husband in the Philippines with 2 kids. Since they are longing for “sex” because of the long distance relationship, they decided to just do it together and keep it as a secret to their respective family.

However, some of the couples realize that their new found partner is better than their original partner, so they decided to leave their family behind and start a brand new life with their new partners here in Korea. It’s a very sad reality, but it is happening. How many times I received a private message on my Facebook page from a wife asking the whereabouts of her husband because her husband is no longer supporting them or calling them. Of course I have to ignore those kinds of messages because I don’t know how to answer.

As much as I want to remain oblivious about these ugly truths, you can’t deny the fact that Filipinos are not perfect human being. I am just hoping that everyone will become responsible of own action and will be willing to face the consequences of the mistakes made.

Nevertheless, I am still a proud Filipino.

Comments

  1. Reading this made me really sad but it's good to know the truth. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. welcome maam. There are still other ugly truths but so far, these 5 stand out.

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  2. Grabe totoo talaga to! matagal tagal n rin akong ngttrabaho d2 s korea at maraming beses ko na nririnig, nlalaman at nasaksihan ang mga gnitong pngayayari dto. Pro prang normal na lng ang mga gnitong eksena sa amin na medyo mahaba-haba n rin ang life experience bilang isang ofw dto s bansang korea.. Its very sad but it’s really true! :(

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    1. Sa sobrang rampant nagiging normal na lang yan sir, which is soooo wrong, baka kasi makaimpluwensiya sa mga baguhan..baka isipin nila ok lang pala ang mga ito.

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  3. of course "slit each other’s throat" is an exaggeration, otherwise the "more fun in the Philippines" campaign will be affected by this article. :) I still believe that very few out of the 52,000 Filipinos here in South Korea are guilty of this "controversial issues".

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    1. it is an exaggeration sir. That's why I put "SOME" in the title

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  4. Relate lang ako regarding sa discrimination.
    Masakit man tanggapin bilang Filipino walang magagawa kundi mag tiis at maging matatag.

    Regarding naman sa ibang issues. Masakit man tanggapin, OO ito ay nangyayari man sa ilang kababayan pero sa paniwala ko naman ay sa napaka babang porsiyento lamang.

    I am not contradicting bro, but reading this article is hurting my eyes, emotion and pride as Filipino here in Korea.

    Don't get me wrong just sharing my thoughts.

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    1. it's ok bro. There's "SOME" in the title just to emphasize that not all pinoys are like that. Truth really hurts.

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  5. actually d lng nmn s korea ang ganyan like yon ka couple .. sa taiwan din mrami ganyan and even other countries abroad .. mostly ang gumgawa nyan eh ofw n rin from other countries ..this is not my opinion ha.. based on facts yan kc i observed sa mga nksama ko na pinoy/pinay for how many years dyan s korea..yon iba p nga nksama ko when we were in taiwan .. what they were doing there gawain din nila sa korea. anyway this is info ay d naiba s karamihan .. d ito normal s pinas but pg nasa abroad ngiging normal kc gawain n nila yon likewise din sa mga korean spouse n ng checheat sa husband nila , d lng s korea ang may ganyan s ibang country din .. no need to mention pero these facts ate really sad..pero i believe n mas marami pinoy n trabaho lng ang purpose nila in korea for their family in the philippines and ganun din sa mga pinay na may asawang koreano na i believe n mas marami ang faithful s husband nila..about sa issue ng illegal aliens n filipino..d lng s korea marami ganyan .. all over the world even in USA , we can't blame them to stay p khit wala ng visa kc npkahirap ng buhay s pinas d b.. and they are still earning more money para s pamilya nila n nasa pinas.. yon isa kong artista s korea .. he misses her daughter alot ..sobra pero ngtitiis cia kc i want his family bgo cia umuwi n secure n secure n yon family nya in terms of education .. etc..sa iba png issue like prostitution ; the filipino women that have deployed there i believe that they are victim.. dapat nirereport yon employer nila sa ministry of labor yon issue n yan ..actually yan issue n yan n document n sa eye witness of GMA7, maybe some of the filipinos in pinas are aware of that.. and sa mga filipino n medyo ugaling kanto s abroad ay ugali n nila yan s pinas p lng kc kung ano ka khit san k pumunta dala mo yan because your behavior is the reflection how you raised by your parents or who surrounds you..
    Anyway filipinos or other races are not perfect.. even other race has controversial issue also..

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  6. It happen all over the world...minsan yon ang dahilan Kong bakit bumababa ang moral ng Filipino sa ibang bands.

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  7. number 6: pa sipsip.. sisiraan ang kapwa pinoy sa amo..

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  8. Nabalitaan ko yung about sa basketball riot .. grabe nga tlga .. kapwa pilipino ccraan .. lalo n pagdting sa trabaho ..

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  9. totoo yan madami dna mga tnt walang trabaho nakatambay, dapat walisin a mga tnt dyan sa korea ng mapagbigyan naman yung ibang mas deserving mag hanapbuhay...

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  10. Sir may I know po if what do Koreans think about Filipino workers dyan po sa Korea like po yung discrimination, racism or something na hindi maganda?

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    1. mr.jay derilo, email mo ako sa expatkorea101@gmail.com, i will do my best to answer your inquiries...

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    2. I am also interested to know.. please share it

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    3. Korea is generally racist. But for them, it's nothing, it looks like they are not aware that they are actually racist. Of course, it;'s just a generalization. Meron din naman hindi. I can't really explain how Koreans are treating Filipinos kasi relative naman yan eh. But for some common problems of Filipinos about work, you may read info here:

      http://www.saranghaekorea.com/2015/07/wanted-factory-workers-in-korea-dilemma.html

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  11. I agree Korea is generally racist, not only that country but other countries too. Even dito sa Pinas, some Pinoy employer would look at differently to some foreigners or seldom you will see na may equality in terms of race. Im an avid fan K.Dramas/Series, with the length of time of watching different genre, I have learned Korean cultures. "How" and "What" they are, is totally different from what we used to be as Filipinos.

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  12. I've recently joined a group on social media for Filipinos here in Korea and noticed the word "artista" has been used so often so I tried to do a little search to know what does it mean aside from the real meaning which I already knew and I stumbled to this page, it is very informative and quite surprising for me since I'm new to this country and doesn't really know much about whats going on to my fellow Filipinos here in Korea. Now, I just realized that we Filipinos are being treated beyond our race due to this factors.



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  13. I've recently joined a group on social media for Filipinos here in Korea and noticed the word "artista" has been used so often so I tried to do a little search to know what does it mean aside from the real meaning which I already knew and I stumbled to this page, it is very informative and quite surprising for me since I'm new to this country and doesn't really know much about whats going on to my fellow Filipinos here in Korea. Now, I just realized that we Filipinos are being treated beyond our race due to this factors.



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  14. Because among all asians filipinos have the largest genitals. I myself have 5 inches or 4.8 something. Large helmet and can go up to 5 rounds per day 3 times a week very romantic and talented as well

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  15. Filipinos are not ugly, actually Filipinos are known to have a beautiful natural look and Filipinas are not fan of make up. We use only our make ups if there is an occasions or something.

    You said something that makes me angry, you wrote that we make Asians look bad? Really? Filipinos are not bad if you went to our country I hope you will choke to your words because you will see that you are truly wrong. Finipinos are the most unique people that I know.

    In other countries and I guess your country doesn't have this. Our country is the only who kiss the back of the hands of the elders, kiss their cheeks, and "pagmamano" or bringing the back of the hand of the elder to you forehead those three are signs of respecting the elder. Addition to that we use "po" and "opo" another form of respecting.

    Another thing, you said or wrote that our culture hasn't produce anything except children. Goodness gracious! Maybe reading some articles or facts in the internet will not kill you.

    Before you comment something bad to others please as in pretty please think before you act because honestly you offended some other people.

    P.S I am not arguing with you about who is much better Filipinos or your kind but I am saying is please learn how to respect because we Filipinos respect others so much. So maybe respecting us to wouldn't hurt you, am I right?

    P.S.S Sorry for being this blunt (or maybe harsh) but as the others said "Opening the person's mind is the best way to make them to understand you much better other than to argue with them."

    I hope that this comment will make you realize that we Filipinos aren't that bad :).

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  16. Hi ask ko lang i hope may makasagot ng tanong ko. Today year is 2019 hndi kasi ako pinalad na makapag exam sa eps topik para makapagwork sa sokor then suddenly nakausap ko isa ko workm8 noon dito sa pinas. Tinanong ko sya about sa tnt sa korea sabi ko pwede ba ako mag tnt jan sabi nya pwede naman. Den tinanong ko kung pwede nya ako tulungan mabait naman sya sabi nya sige. Pwede daw dun muna ako tumira sa kaniyang apartment sya kasi is legally working in korea. My question lang sana ako if sakali matuloy ang pag ttnt ko jan o yung artista. Mga ilang months ako makakahanap ng work? At madali lang ba makahanap? Nung tinanong ko kasi sya about dito sabi nya oo makakahanap ka kasi usually daw ay maraming pinoy pa rin ang tnt jan sa korea as pf today. How is that? and anu maipapayo nyo sakin bilang isang baguhan palang at susubok mag tnt jan sa sokor. Salamat po sa inyong tugon.

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  17. Last question as of today gaano kahirap ang mag tnt jan sa south korea? ano ang pwedeng gawin sakin sakaling mahuli ako na illegal? Magmmulta ba ako, makukulong or ipapadeport lang? Sino pwede kong lapitan para makahanap ng trabaho? At ano ano po pwede ko pasukan trabaho jan ng isang lalaki? Aside from factory worker? Thank sa sasagot

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    1. I must say, wag nyo na po ituloy ang balak na yan.

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