Work Place Harassment at my South Korea Hagwon

[@t-and-d-productions]

My friend was disrespected in front of his class at his hagwon. He told them if they do it again, he will quit. They did it again and he quit on the spot. I had a coworker one time who could sense that he wouldn't get along with the new director. He left a month into her taking control so he would avoid flare ups.Stand up for yourself. You are not their slave. There are better hagwons than the the ones you hear horror stories about.

[@BlackGirlLovesAnime6]

From another video like this the girl said that they have to release you from the job in order for you to get another job. So even if you quit, you can’t go to another job unless the employer lets you go fully. Meanwhile you won’t get paid in between. That should not be tolerated especially in such a developed country like South Korea

[@BassOdysseyy]

I would quit on the spot too with the way I get treated, but then the only option you have is to pack your stuff and leave Korea

[@t-and-d-productions]

@@BlackGirlLovesAnime6 This friend who up and left was on an f-visa, which means he was officially a resident. He was not tied to a certain school and therefore didn't need the letter of release. He didn't really need to be a teacher to live in Korea either.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

damn, so much respect to your friend! He definitely did the right thing

[@abbe1abbe156]

I'm glad you found a better place.

[@Sweetcarolinainseoul]

You sharing this makes me feel less alone. I suffered textbook workplace bullying at my last hagwon and very text book sexual harassment. It was upsetting and being my first job out of college, I felt like every job would be that way for the rest of my life. Those people made me feel so hopeless. Luckily I was fired, literally, because I took too long to come back from my second vaccine during the school day (i passed out after the first one and my boss thought that fainting was a choice) . My new bosses are women and they are neither bullies nor sexual harassing me.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Omg, so sorry to hear about that and whats even worse as you said, textbook bullying at hagwons. It is so prevalent. Glad you are at a better place now though!

[@monikamalinowski]

As someone who also works in Korea but in the public schools, this seems to be a common occurrence and it's incredibly infuriating. Honestly the money part aside, I think the workplace harassment and the power these people think they have stems from the part of Korean culture where they're basically allowed to bully and abuse anyone they deem "lower". Which as a foreigner who's been here for 2+ years just trying to do their best, it's extremely upsetting to be spoken to like you have no brain, be purposely excluded from things, not have the rules bend for you but bend for the Koreans. Having a toxic work environment really puts a stain on your entire experience living here and I wish that it gets better because Korea itself is wonderful, Korean workplace is absolute hell (in my opinion, from personal experience and this video's example). :/

[@ChenFromBklyn]

For sure, I can definitely relate to that frustration 😢 I hope wherever you are working now has been a better experience

[@africanlipplateandbonenose3223]

Well it is their country. They probably see the US and how its crumbling because of immigration and want to deter it as much as possible in korea.

[@allenk6373]

well if its their culture than who we are to judge? they are so modern and advanced for a reason and we cant really say to them what's good and bad they have been like that for a long time and to you westerners its terrible but for them its normal and they are not some 3d world African country they are better than you in many ways

[@natalyawoop4263]

@@allenk6373 People who went there to teach can judge and report their experience as much as they want.

[@kit-nun5476]

@@allenk6373 Why are you so obsessed with defending them lol?

[@VictoriaMorganawesometori]

It makes absolute sense that it's your boss's job to make sure you can do your job and have time to do your job. That's a HUGE part of a boss's job. Thank you for sharing this Chen. I think this is helpful for newbies coming to Korea to teach

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you 🙏 for sure, I hope this video can help someone especially bc people come here and feel as if they cant stand up for themselves

[@Carlo.Ggy.]

Really glad you stood up for yourself Chen. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's bullies... just makes my blood boil... One time my coward manager was also being a d*ck, and eventually I just yelled at him "F*C YOU!!" in front of the whole office.. After that I traumatized him, I could literally hear his voice shaking over the phone when he'd try to talk to me.. So it's good to stand up for yourself, otherwise they'd just do it over and over again... And also, pls give my regards to Payton 😅😅😅

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Hahaha amazing 😆 glad you were able to stand your ground! Good for you 👍🏻

[@Eckathor]

I don't think I've ever heard of a single happy hagwon worker :-(

[@archerart]

I have- its just people dont really make videos or posts about positive experiences as often

[@ChenFromBklyn]

I've met a couple... definitely not the majority though haha

[@alyssawilwol5315]

We exist! However, I sacrificed location for quality of hagwon and got e extremely lucky. I have never met a happy hagwon worker in or near Seoul tho 😅

[@lindsayoverseas]

My kindergarten hagwon told me that I needed better time-management to get my prepping done during work hours; HOWEVER, every single block was spent teaching phonics, math, art, social skills or P.E. I also had to teach art and science to elementary kids in the late afternoons. The only time to prep was at night. Plus I had to write 15 messages to parents every Friday night, and get report cards done (6 paragrapraphs per kid). PLUS I had to read children's books and write up test questions for Book Club. I ended up working 12 hours a day and many Saturdays. Also, my American co-workers were constantly getting into heated arguments in the office.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Exactly, it cant be time management when there is no time to manage 👏 hope whatever you are doing now has a lot better of a working environment

[@lindsayoverseas]

@@ChenFromBklyn Yeah, I'm in the Japanese public school system right now. It's super chill. Btw, once I was given another teacher's art class. I was told that it was only fair for me to make my own art demo, instead of borrowing that teacher's premade demo. The next week, she gave my class to another teacher and told me to give my premade demo (which was done on an unpaid Saturday afternoon) to the other teacher.... The hypocrisy was amazing.

[@anthonygreenfield123]

@@lindsayoverseas Can Dutch nationals like me also teach in Korean and Japanese public schools? 🥺 my English is good obviously but being Dutch the government there might not give me a visa 🥺 I prefer public schools over any other.

[@mimiandy1683]

I feel like South Korea, well, South Korean society is one of those things that can be enjoyable, if you’re rich-as-well. Wealthy to the point that you don’t need to get a job.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thats probably true everywhere. need to be reborn as a rich heiress

[@grneys45]

Unfortunately so many people whether they are in the states or overseas will stay at a job being harassed and won't complain. Life is to short to stay at a place where you're unhappy.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

yes to this!

[@QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

Bullying people at the workplace is pretty common in Korea, not just at hagwons. There's a Korean word for the abuse - Gapshil. If you were treated like that in the U.S. or Canada, you'd sue. Often, in Korea, many feel if they can exploit you they will. The country was extremely poor, so it was deeply ingrained with dog eat dog thinking. And it's extremely materialistic, and sometimes they act as if they resent that they have to pay the teachers salaries, and some of them will cheat you. Of course, there are great hagwons out there. It's too bad the government hasn't cracked down enough on the bad ones.

[@allenk6373]

but if it s their culture than its not really a problem? like they are have been like that for a long time and they achieve the astronomical level of success they are so rich advanced for a reason its not some poor African country so for you westerners its horrible but for them its culture eather you fight back for be victim for the rest of your like we are not the one who judge

[@ChenFromBklyn]

I mean luckily if anything does ever get out of hand, there is more foreigners can do now such as filing with the MOEL but unfortunately, we options are still limited since visas are tied to the institution

[@lemur531]

@@allenk6373 most African countries have dictators and European countries that install puppet governments to exploit them. To be honest I doubt that South Korea would have been where it is now if it wasn’t for the USA and their hate for communism. If the Americans/west didn’t help, you would be just one North Korea. Without learning about history you’re doomed to assume things about people, countries and your superior self image. Be humble, your vouching for a mentality that is toxic and simply is not how countries grow and prosper, especially if your trying to be a western country.

[@natalkak.9622]

Oh wow! Hi Basil! I used to know you on Korea 🙃🙃

[@disappointment2657]

@@allenk6373 there's nothing ok in bullying someone. Whether it's culture or not. The Koreans themselves are not delighted when they are bullied. Just because its culture doesn't mean its ok or tolerable.

[@Erdf3542]

They should have absolutely given you time or money compensation to do those things! Good on your for not being a doormat. They would have fully taken advantage of you had you not put your foot down

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you ☺️ happy to hear that other people supported what I did as well

[@Nicole-ss8jj]

This is why I don’t work in Korea anymore

[@Wingzero90939]

Hi Chen thanks for making videos like this especially the acting ones. I think you are one of the few KZbinrs in Korea who is truly realistic/ honest and doesn’t make it seem like Korea is a real life K-drama. Especially when it comes to the entertainment industry and transferring to non-teaching jobs, what you can expect, what you might have to go through... You’re awesome I hope everything is going well with you and you’re getting a ton of fun entertainment projects. Josh

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Wow, thank you. That means a lot to me. I definitely think its important to give full disclosure and while Korea is an amazing place that it is also just like any other country and people will come across frustrations while here

[@QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

K-dramas are as unrealistic as Hollywood in the U.S. People somehow believe them though they wouldn't believe in Hollywood so much. Foreigners who have been in Korea before K-dramas were probably know it's all for show. However, a lot of newbies think Korea is this dream place to be, and then some get rudely shocked. Korea is great if you do have a great hagwon or university job, but it is often enough a nightmare.

[@youngikyoon5629]

I am Korean. Thank you for your upload. Some Korean people are so bad. They look down upon foreigners and take advantage. Very true. Also, I want to tell you, you are so beautiful.

[@CoachKnapovicLifestyle]

Well done for standing up for yourself! People in management often neglect to realise that you don't work for them, they work for you and if you are treated with respect and kept happy, then your performance will be of a consistently high standard.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

YESSSS to this 👏

[@JasonTeale]

I just have to say that I am shocked that this still goes on as I have been in Korea for almost 20 years and this is basically the reason that I stopped working at hagwons. However, I have to say that I admire your strength and how you stuck up for yourself. I have known a lot of teachers and have caved in and put in those extra hours not to rock the boat or simply just keep their job. There is some excellent advice here and I hope more new teachers see this and learn from it.

[@meganlynsey7005]

I'm sorry that you went through that, no one deserves that. You seemed to handle it so well though so props to you. Glad you're starting to live the life that makes you happy and focusing on work that fits the life you want to have.

[@Geini0]

Your attitude and response to the harassment was truly inspiring. You are amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would have def crumpled and quit. You are an extremely strong person.

[@meflufffy]

I am really grateful you shared it! Thank you! This experience is educating not only to those who work in Korea, but at any job out there. Especially when you don't have a super-clear list of responsibilities and you kinda need to figure out on the go and protect yourself from being used and get sunk in overhours. Really, thank you!

[@user-TTTemptingGuyz4Life]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I know it isn't easy to relive traumatic workplace experiences, but your story is an essential warning for other hagwon teachers here in Korea. Your story reminded me of my experiences with unreasonable expectations at one of my previous hagwon jobs. Before I started working there the English department manager complained about how her American coworkers were unreasonable because they "wanted to leave right at 5", which is the end of their contracted work hours. The next year I was given responsibilities to create homework worksheets and print them out for students. I barely had any breaks and there were only four computers in the teacher's office. I spent the school year printing the homework on Fridays during my short lunch break and the homeroom teacher said nothing about it. One morning in December she randomly approached the new English department manager, let's call her Kay. She asked Kay why I hadn't given her the homework yet. Kay immediately walked into the English classroom and yelled at me about not printing the homework. I explained how I normally printed it around lunch time because the computers were constantly being used by the homeroom teachers. Kay immediately accused me of "making excuses" and demanded me to "stay late or come in early" to print the homework. That accusation still irritates and hurts me to this day. She never even apologized for yelling at me. As you stated in your video, it's unreasonable to make an employee work extra hours without paying them overtime pay. Perhaps that's the norm in Korean work culture, but hagwons use their local work culture as an excuse to exploit foreign and Korean teachers for free, unpaid labor. The principals and management are the ones making excuses, not me. If they can't give their teachers enough time to finish prep work during their contracted hours then they can't expect each and every lesson to be perfect, A+ quality. Thanks again for sharing your story and reading mine.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you for sharing your experience and sorry you had to go through all that. You definitely didn't deserve to be yelled at in the situation but hopefully you are in a better working situation now wherever you are :)

[@QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

In Korea, Korean employees are expected to say late, and some bosses might have the same expectation. That didn't happen to me. I left around 5, but the Koreans were still there some hours after I left. One hagwon was insane and gave me too many classes, and I couldn't keep up. The manager got greedy and loaded as many classes as possible. The Koreans disliked him, as well.

[@Naruto-bp6hm]

@@QUINTUSMAXIMUS what was your job in korea?

[@Rebecca-ck8fn]

I am sorry that happened to you, well done on standing up for yourself. It was a good thing you were able to record it. Sounds like the other person was purposely attempting to cause you drama. It was beyond unprofessional especially knowing you had a class of students outside waiting to come in.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

For sure, if I hadn’t recorded it then absolutely I would have come out as the crazy one

[@szvqorwnpstahskypfwmp9821]

I am very sorry you went through that but It's not just Hagwons in Korea but it's pretty much the whole country of Korea where bullying is rampant. I know because I live and work in Korea and bullying is deeply deeply rooted in Korean culture. Almost everyone in Korea gets bullied and bullies each other whenever they get a chance from the very beginning of their time. It's just a vicious cycle. It's just a reality. It is one of the darkest sides of living in Korea. This is one reason why people living in Korea are very depressed and have the highest suicide rates in the world. I am not exaggerating. Even total random drivers bully drivers who drive smaller and insignificant cars. I was a victim of bullying in this case but I fought back, went after the driver, and taught him a lesson. He was sure he looked like he regretted his action. I am glad you stood up for yourself and held your ground. You go girl~ Bye~

[@virtuouzgirl8328]

I have to say I admire the way you kept your composure and asked the manager to leave when you realised you were getting emotional, I would have snapped but you handled it much better considering the situation.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thanks, trust me though it definitely took a lot of self control. if this was me from a few years ago I probably would have also just snapped right then and there

[@offickdkdkkdkdkdkek]

Damn…. You would think that all these Hogwan horror stories would wake these private intuitions up bc Korea is so careful about their image with EVERYTHING… but so many foreigner teachers have these experiences.. too many of them. They need to start treating y’all like human beings. I’m part Korean but I grew up in the states but I know Koreans 😭 sometimes it’s just all projection and then dog piling culture. It’s crazy bc you wouldn’t think it was toxic from their soft economic gains (kpop/drama) that shield the country from people looking down on them for being SO INTENSE. Sorry about that you don’t deserve to be treated that way. Shit can get so nasty out there.

[@QUINTUSMAXIMUS]

K-Drama and K-Pop are there so Korea can make money. The Korean government started K-Pop, so Korea could generate more revenue. It was all about the money. In Korea, money and image are everything. As far as the hagwons, I haven't worked at one in a long time. I work at a university, but it seems not much has changed. Basically, in Korea, if you can get away with something, then it's not wrong. It's a country that came out of the ashes of the Korean War, tons of poverty, so whatever you can do to get ahead is part of the thinking of many people still, especially older people. Also, it's to some extent influenced by some kind of military culture.

[@user-fq1y7b8td]

@@QUINTUSMAXIMUS yep, they're all bout material aka 3D world aka money and image. Nothing else. They emphasise too much on the outside (such as how you must have a perfect face, perfect body that's why plastic surgery is so popular in Korea where almost everybody actually looks the same). It's so sad they did not emphasise much on morality and humanity.

[@archerart]

Really glad you shared this. If I were in this situation my anxiety would have enentually made me cave and just come in early. Your story tells me that if I do come across a similar situation I am completely in the right to fight for myself and for that respect. Also good call on the recording. How did you manage to start recording without her noticing? That is also something I worry about- them seeing me start to record and then completely changing their demeanor

[@Eckathor]

I'm guessing it's an audio recording? You'd just set it to record, then drop it in your pocket

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thanks, hopefully you don't come across a situation like this ever though. I pressed record, flipped my phone over , and put it on the table.

[@seeyoucu]

Wow. I'm glad you had the presence of mind to record. Good on you for standing up for yourself!

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thank you!!!

[@gusyates1839]

I was fortunate in that respect because I had a kind, understanding manager. Never realised that until later.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thats really lucky! glad you never had to encounter these kinds of situations

[@kimishi5504]

There are alot of videos here talking about the WHY not to go there to teach. It actually is very sad. I wish that their will be better laws to protect teachers there. It is so discouraging to read these and see how many people go to try to make things better but get bullied and you have no voice.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

yeah, its really unfortunate that there are consistently so many bad experiences. There are some people who luckily have also had good experiences but they seem to be outnumbered

[@jenefirrivera2097]

As a teacher my self I am very proud of you standing your ground, Salute to you teacher!

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you and THANK YOU for being a teacher 💜

[@carsn]

so much respect for you. thank you for sharing your story, rooting for you!

[@lilmaxAlarcxn]

These people are clueless the job market is over saturated and new graduates know they have no future but companies still overwork underpay and abuse staff. Awhile ago I was playing with the idea of putting together an agency to bring qualified foreign teachers to the US but after a yr of work.. I still was struggling with my business plan the worst is the horror stories ppl getting here and disappearing abusive teachers the cons WAY Outweighed the Pro's insurance alone was a nightmare. smh anyway the point is we Americans simply work different and the rest of the world lags WAY behind too often we get in trouble simply by sticking our necks out but that is no vice you should be proud of your accomplishments. You've done a great job and nobody as determined as you ever fails for very long.. success is around the corner. You are an inspiration @ChenfromBklyn

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Oh wow! Well that is cool you at least tried to do something like that but it is a hard truth that there are many hagwon horror experiences for a reason.

[@javedmiles6048]

You’re definitely right, and honestly I feel the same way you do, if I were in such a situation I would’ve recorded as soon as I stepped out of classroom

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you :)

[@afshinnazem9155]

Thank you for the information! Personally, I haven’t had any issues with my Hagwon during last few months I’ve been working there, but there’s a colleague who has been treated almost the same as you, and although she tried to sue them, she says Korea laws just protects the Hagwon over the foreign teachers!

[@Lordyung89]

Key point: Pick and choose your battles wisely when working for cramschools in Asia. This is very important.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Say it with your chest! This is definitely a crucial point

[@jooheeapple515]

You were very clever at taking records and notes. I'm pretty sure you must be very diligent and bright at your previous workplace. As a Korean myself, there indeed are many toxic working environments even for domestic Korean workers, some cases even worse😂. I'm sorry that you have gone through all this shitty rubbish.

[@roylee8114]

Sorry you went through this you seem so sweet. One thing that really stood out in bold that you said was "I already told you my answer, it's just not the answer that you want." That is disgusting and it unfortunately embodies that toxic Korean culture. Not that Korean culture in itself is toxic but that there are a lot of Koreans that act like this. Misery loves company as they say and miserable people want other people to be miserable too. Anyways, you are past that now and I hope you are loving your best life.

[@dt1458]

You’re 100% right with everything you said. I’m an F visa holder (married) and I’ve been teaching in Korea for 6 years. I’m long term here, but I’m looking into getting out of teaching and into a different field. I’ve seen many great Korean teachers, leave and then get threatened with lawsuits and such because of disgruntled hagwon owners. Honestly I’m sick of the shadiness of the hagwon business.

[@jaasaisiliezar8793]

If someone that doesn’t know their worth or to nice or says yes to everything those are the people they take advantage.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

I 100% agree with this

[@jaasaisiliezar8793]

@@ChenFromBklyn it sucks to see people be like that in work or even school :/ or anywhere else. I’m glad you stood your grown!

[@almercool5]

For me I love making tests so when I had to do things like that I just did it at home on my laptop. But the way they approached you should have been in a more gentle way I think. Here's a tip at any Korean workplace if you want to have management like you or anyone. Every morning go straight to the director or the principal whoever's the head they'll have their own office and always say hi to them then go to the Teachers Lounge and say hi to them. Once in awhile bring snacks for an energy drink to the teacher Lounge. You will stand out in the workplace and it will look better

[@tetherball34]

Too many people in too many countries taking too long to learn to respect their fellow human beings.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

exactly. fellow human beings

[@ohmygodlawl]

I've only heard horror stories from Hagwons never positive ones

[@ChenFromBklyn]

It is a bit disheartening to know that there are so many negative hagwon stories #hagwonhorror

[@davec5153]

Maybe thats what they do when your coming up to your severance, so you'll quit and they won't need to pay it to you.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

There are a lot of places that do this kind of stuff for this very reason. My school was def not, they actually kept asking me to resign with them for another year even after this incident

[@judychelf1394]

Wouldn’t it be important to have an education background to teach? The fact that you went to schools doesn’t mean you can teach. If you spent time in American schools you would get an idea of the work load. As an elementary teacher I had 3 planning periods a week. Taking work home is a given. It’s a tough job in the US too.

[@lennajanae9278]

But you’re at least protected by laws meaning they can’t not give you a break, they can’t let harassment just continue if someone is making complaints. Of course being a teacher is hard already but add those other factors they have it worse

[@ChenFromBklyn]

I actually think being a teacher in America is way harder than anything I had to do. I want to clarify though that teaching at a hagwon in korea is by no means the same or held to the same standard as teaching at a proper school, especially in America. - you don't need an education background, you just need have graduated from a 4 year university - you arent protected by the same laws as you would back home because you are a foreigner whose visa is tied to your school so they are your guarantor for while you are in the country - I would not recommend being a lifetime hagwon teacher as the job is not fulfilling in the same sense compared to being an actual teacher at a school since hagwons are private academies so you can think of it as more extra private tutoring for students afterschool - work culture as a whole should evolve where taking home work is not the given. you should be given time to do what you need to do for your job. I know that is not always the norm but if people just accept things that are wrong then, things wont ever change

[@g.l64528]

Your a saint for not sueing them 👼 I would of. It would be okay for you to be petty 😈 lol because they need to understand humans are not machines. Teachers need free time to do things. No breaks at all and they wanna ignore your message till the last minute. Then, that evil woman who isn’t your boss but wants to act as she has the right to insult your work. I’m glad your not with them anymore. You deserve better 💐 😊.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you 😊 thats a good nickname for her as well “evil woman” 😆

[@kuunami]

I keep hearing similar stories about the work culture over there.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

yeah, work culture is not the best most days here haha

[@Black_Family_In_China]

Thank you for sharing your experience,it's very informative

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thank you for enjoying the video :)

[@seyvianlaw2672]

Just randomly saw this and just clicked out of boredom, but wow that’s is crazy good for you tho 👏

[@ChenFromBklyn]

glad you clicked and enjoyed the video on top of it!

[@fatisummer9106]

I think the moment you cried she felt that she was stronger that you, that how bullies work, I hate when i am not in control over my emotion and cry when I dont to cry

[@ChenFromBklyn]

For sure ... my damn hormones really let me down in that moment lol

[@ThePricklyash]

Your reaction and the way you defended yourself should be taught.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thank you. appreciate that

[@ashleysleepyy]

My boss just bullies me and i try so hard not to break down. I just try to breathe and keep it together.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. Yeah, sometimes you do have to pick your battles but also make sure to stand your ground when you can. Nobody has the right to bully you!

[@ashleysleepyy]

@@ChenFromBklyn I try standing up for myself and they will just just sigh or suck their teeth. They will act like I don't know how to teach.

[@culcharmediaproductions3201]

Why does every one have a South Korea horror story 😂😂

[@ChenFromBklyn]

this is... not wrong haha

[@suhyungkim7041]

My experience is not related to working in Korea but just teaching in general. I've been teaching a few kids who are slow learners over a period of one year now. I have 3.5 years of prior teaching experience and have dealt with kids who do have disabilities. And I'm well qualified to be doing what I'm doing. But I'm of a very timid nature, avoiding conflicts and if anything bad ever happens, I usually take it upon myself. That I'm at fault. I don't stand up for myself and I keep taking crap from others. Doing way more than what I'm paid to do just so that I can help my students. One of my students, who is mildly hyperactive has issues with attention and he forgets concepts very fast if not revised. I got covid in January of this year. Just a week before my student had his test to qualify for grade 1. Sadly he failed in his first attempt. And his mother just went bat shit crazy on me. Like you're the teacher! I pay you for this! It's a waste of my time and energy. And what did I do at that time? I sat quiet. But I was so hurt with the way she spoke to me. Like I've been working my ass off doing much much more than what I'm being paid for and then you have the audacity to behave like that with me. That's when I understood that I need to stand up for myself. I need to do just what I've been paid to do. When he had a second attempt at his exam, I was there. And he did incredibly well. He passed his exam so well that his teachers were just amazed. I understood that his parents were taking zero efforts to practice what I've been teaching him when I'm gone. I mean I just come for one hour each day. How do you expect a 5 year old to remember everything I teach them in one hour and then you take zero efforts to revise what I've taught? I did not set ground rules. I did not make things clear. I wasn't strict with his mother about a clear cut schedule for him. And in the end I felt like I'm not being respected. You need to really show that you ain't gonna take shit from no one. I mean, tez hung a child with a disability is the efforts from both sides. Chen's experience motivated me to speak about what happened to me. And don't ever let anyone put you down or underestimate you. Never

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Thank you for sharing your story 👏👏👏 You sound like an AH-MAZING teacher and that student was lucky to have you. Sadly, it is not rare to hear parents putting zero effort in reviewing with their kids and simply expect teachers to be wizards and suddenly their kids have memorized everything they've learned in an hour

[@suhyungkim7041]

@@ChenFromBklyn Hey Chen! Thank you for your reply! Means so much to me, made my day ❤️

[@maddiex9122]

do you think you can share the audio recording once you move out of Korea?

[@ChenFromBklyn]

yeah probably, not sure when that will be though lol

[@tendahilig7163]

Are there any Hogwons you’d recommend?? I look Asian ish haha but I’m interested in teaching in Korea

[@ChenFromBklyn]

It’s still possible to find, you just have to search harder compared to non-asian foreigners. Every hagwon is incredibly different so I can’t make any recommendations. I would watch my other videos for what type to look for and red flags to help in your search!

[@peacelife]

This is when you press pause in your mind and do a kungfu kick in her face! Omg! I missed the small part I thought that she was a parent at first. Then it is understandable why she was in your face. But a teacher/co-worker?? Not her place to talk down to you. I got mad just listen to you. Brought back some memories 🤣 for me, but you are nice too. Def frustrating when people questioning work ethic and time. Those def will set me off. The diff thing plays into this was the Asian and American setting too. In U.S, they may can say this but you can easily report them to H.R and they will b in trouble so some would use diff tone. For Asia, there are not really that and protection so co-worker can def co far and feel like they have the right or it is ok to be in your business. So annoying!! Glad u got away. That's lady should at least get written up. Def not the first time she has done it.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

For sure, a big difference between the two countries. Foreign teachers at hagwons are definitely not protected for the most part in the workplace here

[@VictoriaMorganawesometori]

That's awful. I'm sorry.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thanks. luckily, it's over now :)

[@SakiOhMa]

She was probably trying to get you to quit so you wouldn’t get your severance.

[@miketan5353]

I think you watch korean drama..thats why got the idea thats its nice to go there and many oppa :)

[@ChenFromBklyn]

LOLLLLL go watch more of my videos, you will find out just how wrong you are

[@davidclaro152]

Great video. Congratulations!

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thank you so much :)

[@davidclaro152]

@@ChenFromBklyn I love this and look forward to more of your videos. Keep up your great work!

[@John77Doe]

Corporate America. Really good money. Huge end of year bonuses. 😍😍😍

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Yeah but for me personally, not worth the expense it took on my happiness. Happy that you enjoy it though! 😃

[@John77Doe]

@@ChenFromBklyn The huge end of the year bonuses. 😍😍😍😍😍

[@Mark-jv9ni]

The way you refer to the other teacher as "Karen Teacher" is hilarious

[@koyanc3]

Youre the only person ive heard not get attacked for refusing to work for free.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

I mean... I was still pretty attacked haha but someone came out the winner

[@koyanc3]

@@ChenFromBklyn lmaooo well im hope things improve

[@kcufuoy5062]

I mean. Try not working at a tutoring center might help. I know in Korea they call you guys “teachers” to be respectful but you’re not. You’re like a tutor at kumon if you work at a hagwon. A hagwon us not a private school like we know in the west. It’s an after school tutoring center.

[@eagleman1542]

You're very attractive; I'm surprised that you didn't get hit on by inebriated guys/bosses there. Maybe you were. I was stationed in Korea (plus taught at university/companies afterwards) years ago and saw some wild $hit there.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

thank you. I've been working at elementary schools or kids academic institutions so luckily nobody I know has been showing up to work inebriated haha

[@eagleman1542]

@@ChenFromBklyn Luckily! Thanks to you for answering personally, that's rare in this day and age. Best wishes, I'll continue to watch your channel and have subscribed.

[@anthonygreenfield123]

Good job on getting evidence on the karen

[@Felixander]

They are literally so stupid… to avoid all of this I would have just paid you overtime for a few hours a week to complete the damn test. It’s not that difficult. If they want more work than they need to pay for it OR I would have worked with you to find a solution to find more time for you to work on the test during your normal hours.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Exactly this 👏👏👏

[@alisab3282]

Karen's teacher needs help and the administration needs to add a part time teacher. Work hours are for working and a job should have the proper amount of time to complete the task. Poor behavior should be corrected.

[@ChenFromBklyn]

totally agree but alas... probably will never happen haha

[@alisab3282]

Not until enough people whine

[@essji2024]

FACTS!👏👏👏

[@simaaiwen]

I've been teaching for 30 years and I've never ever heard anything good coming out of Korea. Why do foreign teachers go there? Perhaps there should be an international boycott by teachers. Let Koreans teach themselves English or let them be vassals of China or Japan again.

[@anthonygreenfield123]

Hahahaha COLONISED 😆 ouch

[@xmoreno3366]

Oh nooo

[@Panacea9]

I think we should bully at work

[@yilaixu]

You said that you worked in States. If your boss gave you something to work on it and told you that he needed tomorrow. You told him that I will not do it overtime? Also remember you are an elementary school English teacher and it is replaceable so easily. I worked in many companies in US and Canada. Do your work even you can’t finish them at least your boss knows your attitude. Otherwise you will be fired in every company in US even you had a degree from Ivy League school. Complaining is the worst thing one can do. Cheers

[@ChenFromBklyn]

Did you not watch the video and just decide to write this? 1. I have worked for Fortune 500 companies so I know what US work culture is like. However, the difference is that in a corporate job at least, good performance usually equals to promotions and higher salary while working in a hagwon does not. There is no ladder you can climb in these institutions so really the only person who benefits would be your boss. 2. Not to flex too hard but I've always been good at my job, whatever it is that I'm doing. I've never been fired ever in my life. In fact, every place I've ever worked at has always asked if I was sure I didn't want to stay longer because they didn't want me to quit. 3. There is a difference between complaining and standing up for yourself. Also, if you had actually watched the video you would know that I won my argument so... I'm right and you are wrong

[@yilaixu]

@@ChenFromBklyn ok.wish you success in your career.

[@charliewright468]

You shouldn’t be doing any work unpaid literally EVER. I don’t care what the industry is, if you are doing work you deserve reimbursement and it’s completely immoral and unethical to force people into slave labour.