North Koreans In Los Angeles Are Facing Discrimination-In Koreatown (HBO)

North Koreans living in Los Angeles had a lot to worry about, even before the Trump-Kim summit was announced.
Los Angeles’ Koreatown hosts the largest population of North Koreans in the United States. But while iving in an area where so many residents also speak their language can make easing into American society less daunting, they can also face discrimination - from other Koreans.
“Some North Koreans, they hide the fact that they're from North Korea,” says Sarah Cho, founder of an organization that helps defectors start their new lives in the US. She says that while many South Koreans are curious and helpful to newly arrived North Korean immigrants, others can be abusive.
Subscribe to VICE News here: bit.ly/Subscrib...
Check out VICE News for more: vicenews.com
Follow VICE News here:
Facebook: / vicenews
Twitter: / vicenews
Tumblr: / vicenews
Instagram: / vicenews
More videos from the VICE network: www. vic...

[@VICENews]

“Some North Koreans, they hide the fact that they're from North Korea.” WATCH NEXT on North Korea - bit.ly/2BNUuZG

[@jake_3946]

Yo VICE tell this dude to cut his fucking hair already

[@jokaulitz2148]

You guys have a typo in the description. I think you mean living. :/

[@N00SENECK]

Who tf would want to say they're from north korea? The country sucks.

[@simhopp]

It's extremely hard to hide the fact you are from North Korea to South Koreans. after uttering one sentence, they will know you are from North. It's extremely difficult to hide your accent, if not out right impossible. so some NKoreans claim they are Korean Chinese, who have similar accents.

[@stefanken8133]

but why she doesn't learn english after 6 years and move to another area with mixed ppl or in a white neighbourhood?

[@123PSPs]

I've worked with Koreans for over 10 years I'm Hispanic , the older Koreans can be incredibly racist even against their own people . The younger ones my age are very easy going and respectful tho.

[@matthewmark7224]

Wave Shit some people are just haters. They don't need a good reason.

[@jj_1037]

Prodigious 909 so sorry that it happens to you. As a Korean, I want to say sorry instead of your Korean coworkers

[@anamira2908]

The younger Korean's are a lot better. Thank God. We have to remember the older population is like that because of how closed off Korea have been compared to the rest of the world. Foreigners are still ''new'' in Korea.

[@notesl5576]

Prodigious 909 work with Filipinos. You will have the best of friends ever :)

[@bmona7550]

Senpai :3 So true. We have a brutal history as well but can still be friendly AF regardless. I guess it's a culture thing and the fact that it's on a bunch of islands

[@TeasingPhoenix]

This is so sad I teared up when she said her son went missing imagine how she must feel. Why are humans like this I don’t understand.

[@janjansen7983]

Communism is nice uh

[@thetruthiswhatyouneed4131]

Are you one of em

[@sillehkatt3443]

Look into it.

[@Rhapbus1]

who knows. some people will try to explain it but its never a good reason. it's usually a "just because" type answer which doesnt fly with me... we'll never know. humans will wipe themselves out one day, and its because of dumb shit like this. Being from the north part of a peninsula instead of the south.

[@nisha1636]

It's tribalism and survival. Our brains are wired to survive at all odds. In ancient times survival odds and quality of life increased when groups of people formed villages and claimed land resources. So technically she is facing discrimination, tribalism and nationalism. Tribalism because ethnically they are all Asian and Korean. Nationalism because the discrimination started once her nationality was disclosed.

[@ByAnyMeans000]

4:43 “That small punk. Little punk.” I bet he feels very liberated to be able to say that without fear of enslavement or death.

[@auteereign1332]

“Kim Jong Un is playing with America.” damn that’s the truth though

[@salmonsammy]

That’s such a strong quote for an ARMY to quote.

[@auteereign1332]

I Got No Jams. Why?

[@maryahhernandez2767]

Seriously, and Donald Trump better not be falling for it! Nor the president of South Korea.

[@janelin6083]

Moises, you're wrong. Kim is "playing" with the US because Kim has no intention or motive to ever give up his nuclear weapons. Nukes are his insurance that the US won't invade NK and kill him like Saddam Hussein. Trump gave Kim everything he wanted for nothing in return. Trump not only got played, he played himself.

[@shesomadeline]

Jane Lin It's sad. It goes to show you even though it was a big risk for America to be played with by N. Korea, it goes to show you how serious Trump was to protect American citizens from future bombings. If he didnt took the action to speak to N. Korea, bastard liberals would be the true animals & attack, disrespect Trump by saying "Our President doesnt care about peace". He worked for peace with North Korea, yet Liberal assholes still attacked him & dragged him. Obama the sissy couldn't deal with North Korea in fact he avoided dealing with North Korea. HE LET N. Korea continue to make nukes, test them out while he was kissing ass to celebrities. His whole presidency was a sham. He was one big fat publicity stunt.

[@TheLivinDeadman]

I hope she finds her son

[@pleasefxckoff]

We are starting a kickstarter campaign for her to reunite with her daughter

[@pleasefxckoff]

Status of her son is unknown, she has a daughter in China she would like to reunite with.

[@ZetaMoolah]

I hope you find a way to resurrect Ashi.

[@khrome7183]

She wont, kim punishes family of people who run, God knows where boy is

[@TheBigdaddy77777]

He is dead

[@ayeshanasir9916]

It's sad

[@fidelcastro1706]

AND FAKE

[@jayp9994]

Fake ass vice news always generalizing

[@drewpeacock6234]

It’s bullchit, vice is Racists

[@roberte.3541]

what part is so sad shes been here for six years and still cant speak English send her back to her great leader

[@drewpeacock6234]

Robert E. You’ve just proved my point thanks 🤗

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

Maybe KoreaTown isn't the place She needs to be. There's plenty of great places in the states She would be accepted for who She is. My moms from North Korea and She escaped too. My mom knew many Koreans here who weren't from North Korea, but never had any problems. We lived in Houston for almost 30yrs and its the most diverse city in America. This city is so international and almost everybody here is from a different country, culture, state, & we all get along just fine. We have a huge China town here if She wanted some familiar surroundings, and no matter where your from there's stores, clubs, & restaurants that cover the whole spectrum. The best thing is the price of living is affordable and the economy here is 2nd to California. Never limit yourself to a comfort zone where you don't experience any other cultures or peoples.

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

Last Messiah nope! Some of my best friends in Houston only have lived in America for a couple of years, and have fit in nicely. I know Malaysians, Eritreans, Jamaicans, Vietnamese, Russians, Polynesians, Hawaiians, Brazilians, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraqis, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Moroccans, Nigerians, French, etc. In Houston that's the norm, cause its so International. Here you don't even have to know english, cause its that international. No place is perfect though, nor immune to crime, prejudices, etc. In Houston we don't have gang issues like other cities, crime isn't that bad, but you have to watch yourself no matter where you are in the world.

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

King Darthrog madd respect fam

[@itannoysme3348]

SwaggerLikeUz You're complaining about "prejudices" when you've just described a U.S. city with countless new immigrants who have fit in nicely? I mean, can it be just to their liking 100% perfectly from day one? Name me one other country in the world where it would work as well as it does for new immigrants in Houston and other American cities. And the multi-generational locals have had to adjust to the newcomers and they are people w/value, too. Give them a lot of credit. And don't act so entitled. Yes, immigration is the lifeblood of America, but I would be scared to see the reaction of people in Korea, China, Japan, and many other xenophobic countries if diverse populations moved there, relieved that they didn't even have to speak the local languages. (Lived in Asia a very long time--trust me on this observation).

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

rob kazinsky your just a troll! My father's was a special forces military vet who served in Vietnam, & passed away 3yrs ago. I lived in other states too, and we've lived overseas. Actually some of my siblings were born overseas and we've never been entitled. I never had food stamps, never had unemployment, and I don't have any felonies, etc. I've earned and worked for everything I have, in life. My mom worked 7 days a week til Her 70's, and every last one of us our US Citizens. My mom knew english since Her youth in North Korea. You don't know your talking about, & you don't know shit, about my family.

[@asdx88]

I am a South Korean and my mom's family were from NK area(came during Korean war) So far, what I've seen was the NK defectors have a habit to exaggerate and blame someone really strong for few years since they escape. And often they fight with each other really loud. In North Korea there is "blaming time". They blame themselves and others really strongly. And that habit continues in South Korea so they usually get some trouble about that. Imagine someone exaggerate something that isn't even a fault of you and speak loud in front of others. Even no Korean Americans did anything discriminating her, she would say people did to her. I think if your mom escaped from NK, she would know the blaming time. Lots of female defectors say in the interview or a tv show, NK defector guys are usually evil and they are ready to beat women everyday. I know there were exaggerated things but many people believe what they say and get prejudice. I think that habit usually disappear after several years though.

[@marcojohnson8330]

kinda sad to escape a horrible regime and go to a community you would think will accept you only for them to hate you.

[@cafezo87934]

Marco Johnson I could relate 😞

[@romella_karmey]

South Korea was once a hermit country. So older peeps are more racist because they were not accustomed to foreigners even people above their country.

[@souldy09]

Discrimination exists even within races and ethnicities. We have to learn to be more accepting of one another and our differences.

[@PurpleFlower22]

souldy09 if it’s not race or ethnicity; it’s social class, education, etc... you’re exactly right, ACCEPTANCE on all levels!

[@juanmanuelpenaloza9264]

THEY'RE LITERALLY THE SAME RACE! It's more of a regional thing, like New Yorkers dissing Angelinos or Jaliscenses dissing Chapanecos.

[@souldy09]

Discrimination can exist within races and ethnicities. I guess NK and SK discirimination could be considered like a regional thing.

[@souldy09]

I don't understand your comment or your viewpoint. You make assumptions about me based on a shallow understanding of my comment. I think it's okay to be proud that you're white and be proud of your background SO AS LONG as that pride doesn't involve thinking your race is above any other. A lot of minorities emphasize their pride because, traditionally, their identify has been shunned or downplayed by the majority race. That's why they feel pride. They aren't saying they're better than you, they are saying they are proud they and their people exist. I think that's the thing that is so lost and misconstrued these days. We should be truly accepting of all races. In summary, I hope you understand that you cannot throw a label on every person's opinions based on your own biases.

[@TheTeatimecrumpet]

+ITHERONETHATHASNT Amen brother! It has to be said. You would think that white racism would have ended after our slavery.Nope. As a white man I still can't get a job. As a white man I STILL get asked for papers to prove that I'm a citizen. Seriously, what year is it? Keep fighting the good fight brother

[@brainflash1]

WTF? What the hell do they have against their own people?

[@1988kcmo]

A lot of South Koreans, especially older ones, view North Koreans as disgusting commies who are below them. It's very sad and narrow-minded.........

[@brainflash1]

But.... why? They should know better than anyone that the North Koreans didn't have a choice. The older ones are the most likely to still have relatives on the other side of the DMZ.

[@1988kcmo]

brainflash1 Yep, that's true :(

[@keepXonXrockin]

It happens. There's enough west Germans who still make fun of or talk shit about East Germans, and that wall came down ages ago.

[@muhammadshahrizal7579]

brainflash1 ;

[@arianamiranda3660]

"If you help them live well, why would they try to leave?" Straight facts

[@devdec11]

that guy was right. kim jong un will never give up his nukes

[@jan8919]

Kim jong un sister is a ticking time bomb,one wrong move all humanity is screwed .

[@tobyschmel5408]

This was excellent reporting give us more.

[@tobyschmel5408]

Jusung Lee I’m talking more about the production. And the reports hair cut. 😀

[@freshlove7926]

toby schmel - ill give you more

[@markrigsby2107]

toby schmel Absolutely

[@nkiacollaboration8307]

toby schmel this is Sarah Cho. Please visit us at www.nkiacollaboration.org to stay informed about North Koreans in LA. :)

[@kimjongun4620]

This makes me look bad

[@lesliemanzo3030]

😂😂😂😂 ooooo....he got you!😆💀🍩

[@ibabymomx3]

Lol

[@foodfoodfood692]

😂😂😂😂

[@ayshas288]

Kim Jong Un and so it should

[@tokyolizy383]

😂😂

[@bankrupttraveler468]

I’m from South Korea. When i go overseas my local friends in korea often ask me “aren’t there racism out there?” I say “majority of racists are Koreans”

[@mM-zs8vi]

Well it feels wrong. Maybe you want to say majority of koreans are racists. Not majority of racists are koreans. Cause there are so many racists in the world and so little koreans!

[@jesbinj]

@@mM-zs8vi They are just saying in their experience the racist encounters they have seen were from Koreans

[@adrianops7]

Heartbreaking. It still shocks me that the international community still allow this atrocity to take place the way it does ..

[@discover854]

Wow this is so beautiful. The Japanese discriminated against the Koreans because they were conquered, backward and underdeveloped. And yet, now that Korea is one of the most developed country in the world its their turn to discriminate against other backward and underdeveloped countries include those of their own race. I guess that is part of human nature. To look down upon those whom have less than us and smirk with pride.

[@korhanaydemir8366]

Japanese have discriminated parts of their own people for centuries now (the Burakumin class), no need to wait for Korea to become successful.

[@korhanaydemir8366]

Leopold People deprived of opportunities and jobs turn to crime. Surprise, surprise.

[@simhopp]

there is old Korean saying which goes something like "as you disparage them, you become exactly like them who you disparaged"

[@gogolouie7768]

Its Ironic seeing how modern Japanese actually immigrated from Korea themselves thousands of years ago. They mixed with the native Aniu (still existing) people and developed their own uniqueness but their still descendents from Koreans...

[@simhopp]

Gogo Louie - which the Japanese will deny vehemently, even though any logical person can easily deduce the truth. Japanese will insists their ancestors dropped from the Heaven, and have no relationship to people from Korean peninsula.

[@LI-pm3mh]

She is very beautiful

[@2kplug214]

Dwe P uhhh no she aint

[@pleasefxckoff]

She's gone through human trafficking and 2 bouts of cancer, I think she looks pretty good considering the circumstances

[@pleasefxckoff]

www.gofundme.com/help-may-reunite-with-her-daughter

[@veortox330]

You blind?

[@jdub4154]

Ur just saying that cause u feel bad for her

[@Justin-ry2kh]

It is sad that she had a horrible life. I think it's also sad that when they defect their family is punished and often goes to prison camps. That's most likely what happened to her poor son.

[@theMosen]

Weird that people discriminate against their brothers and sisters that have been through so much. But the same happened in West and East Germany. I was 12 at the time the Berlin Wall came down, and yes we did have prejudices against the "Ostler" (Eastlings). I'll admit, I was part of it. It took a few years for friendships to form and to realize that although our culture had drifted apart a little bit through those few decades of divide, "Ostler" and "Westler" had much more in common than they had differences. I was young and fairly open-minded, and I was in Berlin were we had much more contact with people from the east, and even then it took a few years. Now, decades later there are still many people in west Germany that have prejudices.

[@theMosen]

Tbh, I think when cultures drift apart slightly after a few decades, they hit a kind of "uncanny valley". It's easier to deal with people from cultures very different than yours than to deal with people whose culture is almost the same, but not quite.

[@chinigirlX3]

moismyname so true! I’m also from Germany (NRW). But the wall came down shortly before I was born. As a kid I never understood the prejudices or the jokes regarding the eastern part of Germany. The people were made out to be like stupid inferior humans and somehow as if they were leeching off the westerners. Even until today the older people still like to make remarks concerning the easterners. The younger ones not so much

[@politicallyincorrect9027]

Didn't families get separated when that started to where you would be prejudice against your own family at times

[@Ryokohbi]

So we gonna pretend sending Gerald from Hey Arnold was appropriate for this interview?

[@vagizz]

What's not appropriate about it? The whole point of the thing is we are all people.

[@zedek_]

No pretending is required. The content is good; get over your strange prejudice.

[@memebrother7083]

Gerald was never the same after the movie

[@jayciii29]

He is the go-to guy to interview asians lol. He speaks fluent japanese, interviewed higher brothers, and other asians. Its only natural for him to interview her

[@mellitrom629]

it was so weird when this lady was talking about the saddest times in her life and the camera cuts straight to the goofiest looking person.

[@frednotgeorge]

Wow, as an Angeleno, i never know that Koreatown has the largest North Korean population. I wish them the best and hope they can find some peace here.

[@nkiacollaboration8307]

George thank you! This is Sarah Cho. I met my first North Korean in 2008. I love being an Angeleno because LA is so diverse!

[@briaedwards25]

All I ever wanted to do when I was younger was grow up, I grew up and I saw the world how it was without the ignorant bliss of a childhood facade. The world is hurting and it is disgusting how people only think of themselves without thinking about other people and how they can impact them. I'm so sorry.

[@beatnix99]

Aubrey E. Lot of older Koreans who lived through the war and lost family members, property, and possessions due to the NK's unprovoked invasion remember only horrors.

[@kimmyymmik]

Oh my god shut up

[@shefferdz633]

My great grandmother is actually a North Korean defector living in Koreatown, she is 93 and has dementia, so she can only remember two things about living in a city just north of Pyongyang 1) the starvation, she left with her husband and her child just after the war ended, and the starvation started to sink in. She said that children were hurt the most and would normally die before their 100 days. (According to her daughter; my grandmother, her husband cried during mine) 2) how lucrative police were, before they left, one day an officer asked for her mother to ask her some questions, and she was never seen again. I'm not really close with that side of the family, but I was really close with my great grandfather, who was also a defector. He loved to paint, and owned a dance studio. He loved American culture- and before he died, he said he was glad to die here instead in Pyongyang.

[@stevenbaksh5545]

So this was just after the Korean war damn I heard that was brutal for the North Korean population the American bombings destroyed almost all buildings and rice fields in North Korea only Kaesong remained intact because it was under ROK control for most of the war. They rebuilt back under wants is known as the Chollima Movement in the late 1950s that's how Kim I'll Sung got to shape North Korea in his image because what was there before was all gone he was working with a blank canvas

[@SavageInstitute]

I don't know if I feel worse for the North Koreans or the reporter's blind barber.

[@KingdomMadeAnimals]

3rd Street Pictures ,damn thats messed up , kinda looked like Kid lol from Kid'n'Play

[@jerkboy1212]

Lol this is why this story's made

[@TACOGOODLOOKING]

Its not his barbers fault he didn't go in and get it lined up before filming

[@joeeastern8977]

That's what I'm talking about that . that haircut is horrible

[@av3n..353]

3rd Street Pictures man why yall hating on Gerald from Hey Arnold! ?

[@marcusdavisjr.1578]

2018 and we still on this shit?

[@pepps779]

Not sure what the year has to do with anything.

[@RB3565]

your people (Americans) still elected trump

[@marcusdavisjr.1578]

Me & You I don’t claim American.

[@banned3263]

Free Floating amen

[@Heartless8604]

There was a very important part of that you missed, it's not a problem in America it's a problem exclusively in Ktown. Nowhere else in LA is it a problem.

[@jayliu6076]

From my understanding, Koreans have strong inferiority and superiority complex at the same time. It's quite conflicting really and seems strange to an outsider.

[@ayandavilakazi3805]

Please explain further. This is very interesting.

[@HS-ie8tj]

In short, they think that they are elite and supreme compared to other Asian groups. However, they are best known for their plastic surgery industry... changing everything about themselves physically... doesn't really add up. A disturbed country indeed.

[@vodianova1976]

oh on point .. I've noticed that too having to deal with south koreans for so long... they criticize themselves as they criticize other races esp from d third world.. it's like almost everyone have the same conceited thinking as manifested by their vanity to physical appearance with same v shape, big eyes pale skin ideal face

[@pc793]

Jay, you are right but not just koreans, asian women don't have this problem.

[@dshyon]

Maybe it comes from hundreds of years of other Asian countries attacking Korea wanting to secure resources and ports.

[@1houroflove186]

So sad: the black reporter with the Marge Simpson hairdo.

[@PeggyRabbit32]

1hourOfLove that is all you got out of this video? It is called a box cut and there is nothing wrong with the black reporter or his hairdo. You are ruined tho.

[@hd150]

Is a flat-top, hi-top what ever and that hairdo been out longer than the simpsons.

[@Foreveralonecuuuh]

😒

[@Onthegrindmedia1]

1hourOfLove Lmfao

[@pokemontrainerelio3648]

"Mmmmm, Homie!"

[@vasectomyfail442]

i will never understand why humans hate each other so much, unless they listen to new mumble rap, then it makes sense

[@simhopp]

very simple, resources are limited, but desire is limitless.

[@MetalizedButt]

I hate the reporter’s hair

[@EM-or1eg]

VICE News Just saying, you spelled Discrimination wrong.

[@kiDkiDkiD12]

lol

[@kayilla6413]

well, it is VICE

[@Bill-zp2mt]

That's what you get with affirmative action in the US.

[@181baddog]

Bill meaning only people of color & women ever only make typos? eat a brick, troll

[@lazylion420]

LOL yeah I'm sure you've never made a typo once in your entire life.... you even had to edit this post after you made it for some reason... dumbass

[@mymichellody]

I got the chills all throughout the video. I’m devastated that this is the reality of North Koreans. No one should ever have to go through this so I’m glad that at least some awareness was brought up about it ;( I hope all the best of luck for these people. The world can be such a horrible place

[@francistylercald9587]

imagine escaping that hellhole and then when you try to build a normal life, you're treated terribly. i feel so bad for them.

[@Etothe7]

North Koreans are just as beautiful as anyone else and I welcome you ^_^

[@eddielopez5780]

The justin Show this aint your land 2 welcome any 1 on it homeboy???

[@Levitiy]

They're completely alien to me.

[@simhopp]

if they are just as beautiful as anyone else, that means they are not beautiful at all.

[@alexanderchristopher6237]

@@simhopp so you're telling me you're ugly? Thanks for the tip.

[@mirosebelelabissiere4819]

It's sad that people would treat them that way. It's not the people fault, for being from NK , but the government over there, and people over there face great tribulation especially with poverty. You can't blame them for wanting a better life.

[@c0t556]

Humans are so weird!!!!!

[@eiro3245]

UnknownDarkShadow lovely response mate. You sure showed them.

[@mistyshadows7209]

Haris Saeed Thanks

[@balashibuyeeter2704]

Are you an alien??

[@AnimeDR]

I admire the interviewer's effort in assimilating into the Korean culture by answering the lady in Korean and knowing about their drinking etiquette, how he drinks from his glass with two hands and turns away slightly from his elders in 5:13. I can imagine how the elders felt more comfortable with him because of that. Hats off 👏

[@Spitts]

I guarantee they have it 50 times better in LA then in North Korea

[@tawan20082008]

oh definitely ! But the point of this is just to say that a lot of south koreans discriminate against them

[@Sleepingcoffee979]

Missed the point

[@Spitts]

20 16 I think you missed the point. Everyone complains about how bad things are here but go live in North Korea or Africa then tell me how can things are

[@user-xj9im4kq9n]

LA, the homeless shithole? Canada would be better

[@tobithetabby6376]

Do you need it repeated to you? The point of the video was to show discrimination against North Koreans from South Koreans. Do you have worms for brains?

[@hitdafolkslikyahh9100]

Nowadays who isn’t facing discrimination

[@em.415]

You believe everyone is facing equal discrimination?

[@andromedastars8939]

Adiel Ben Judah in zimbabwe whites are killed in large numbers (genocide type of shit) and are discriminated against by the government and the people. In America i would argue that affirmative action discriminates against whites. edit: grammatical mistakes

[@dess234]

white people

[@dess234]

But I thought that some of the white Zimbabweans were European.

[@spuddie]

Des Bethea european descent but most whites in southern africa lived there with their previous generations of parents and such. It's terrible what's going on there, I barely see anyone talk about the issues there. Illegal seizures of land, genocide against whites, with the government calling for all of it.

[@trihuynh3022]

4:38 omg this guy is savage 😂

[@koraegi]

i didnt even know there was a north korean population in cali

[@yak2425]

Han Park , there’s a very small community in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 of North Koreans who own a radio system that monitors NK or something .... ? .....

[@CCPvirus141]

I didn't think Koreans could be this mean to their own people.

[@TheRealCho]

Not all Koreans think like that.

[@HowToOverthink]

@Al Castill: Really, what media are you watching? This definitely doesn't seem to be the case in America where I live.

[@TheCompton1963]

A team player Not as bad as latinos tho.

[@tashathomas547]

Koreans r very superficial.money grubbing. fake and heartless people.not all of them but most of them r like that

[@jhasjhis9]

You have no idea, it is very toxic. People treat each other like shit and you learn by how others treat you. The bullying problem is so huge in Korea because the culture itself is bullying. It may have to do with Korea’s history as being looked down upon so the people have Napoleon syndrome. Now is like the highest point of Korean civilization and society so, yeah. The society and culture is very homogenous. You don’t want to stand out or be an individual in looks or anything. That’s why everyone wants to look the same, dress the same, etc. If you are different people bully you (for the smallest differences) like color of your skin (which none Koreans may not even see a difference) or how you dress (wearing too bright or colorful clothes ), it stems from their own insecurity and self esteem issues which bellies Korean history. I think with time it will change but the mainstream is like this. You won’t know unless you live in Korea or are Korean...it’s not all flowers and Kpop like people think.

[@Steveinthailand]

It´s striking the percentage of North Korean defectors abroad who now want to go back to their homeland.

[@afud1015]

4:43 "Kim Jong Un, that small punk, little punk" 😂

[@carolemerle9995]

Wow. I had no idea that discrimination even existed there. It's a shame that she doesn't know where her child is, that'd really make me depressed.

[@alexo.1388]

Carole M Watch more world news. It's best not to get stuck in your bubble. This is why Americans are so spoiled now and cry out for the smallest of microaggressions.

[@carolemerle9995]

Alex O I do watch world news and also get my (real) news off the web. But I agree, Americans are really spoiled and they cry out at any perceived prejudice. Really ticks me off too, living in the same country as them.

[@alexo.1388]

Carole M That's good to hear there are still people who are informed and care about the world. Would it be all right to ask what side of the US political spectrum you're at? I've been told I'd be a centrist if I were there.

[@carolemerle9995]

Alex O. I really don't have a fixed political spectrum viewpoint. In certain matters, I try to keep my mouth shut j/k. As far as politics go, I think Trump is a sexist ass who thinks he can get away with whatever he wants to do but throws a tantrum like a baby when he doesn't get his way. I really feel sorry for his wife. I refused to vote for him and will not vote for him in the next election either. When he first got into the White House and started tweeting (and still does), all I could think of was how stupid we, the Americans, look in the eyes of other countries. I mean, come on, tweeting as a figure head? He has had more people leave their positions and has had more of a changeover in staff than any other president in the history of the US in at least the last 20 years. Also, thoughts of Hitler came to mind and I still do think so. I was in Berlin, Germany before the wall came down and afterwards. The horrors I saw will never leave my mind. He scares me as far as his policies go because that's what I think of him, another Hitler. Don't get me going lol. I'm all for the rights of my patients (I'm a nurse) in that they should not be forced into making decisions by family or docs unless they are in a position health wise that they can no longer do so. I find that docs tend to shove their own beliefs down their patient's and/or family's throats so I try to help them to understand what the docs want and to follow their own conscience. I strongly believe that everyone should have documents in place (advance directive, living will, power of attorney for health care) so their wishes will be followed (no breathing machines, feeding tubes) and, yes, I do have mine in order. I took care of my husband with his cancer and shudder to think of how they would have treated him if I had not been there with him. Towards the end of his life and the cancer had invaded his brain, his weight had dropped considerably as most cancer patients do. One doc suggested that he have surgery to remove the cancer in his brain. I said hell no, he would never survive the surgery. Well, the doc acted like how dare you question me. So that's how I feel in that regard. I try not to get into arguments about politics and religion because I've seen them get out of hand so fast it'd make your head spin. I do believe everyone should have their own opinion BUT they should not force their own opinions down other people's throats. I tend to be laid back in that regard. Soo, maybe I'm a centrist also? I'd love your opinion in these matters.

[@user-xj9im4kq9n]

Nobody tell her she is too ugly, I know American people admire who are cool and good looking

[@thachosenjuan216]

Humans will always label, learn to not care about ignorant people's opinions.

[@Laserwad]

If you are a Korean, both North and South is your fatherland. You're all part of the same nation that has been artificially divided. It's like being a Persian - it makes no difference if you are from Iran or Tajikstan.

[@pitster1105]

How can Koreans be racist against themselves when they are the same ethnically. North Koreans aren’t a different ethnic group

[@koraegi]

theyre commie scum

[@TheSaint622]

You need to educate yourself.

[@hooniesscc]

My grandfather was born in North Korea but moved to South Korea during the Korean War. He now owns the biggest pharmacy brand in Korea.

[@titorocha8992]

2:22 that came out of nowhere

[@NoGufff]

Nowhere? Weren't you listening?..

[@tecpaocelotl]

I encountered a restaurant full of North Koreans in Orange county. Back when yelp was new, I use to collect paper menus for my collection (I have since threw them all away since we live in the technology age). When I entered, they all stared at me as if I was lost then as an alien once they realized I wasn't leaving. I been to other Korean resturants and never had that issue along they would have tons of info on their website. This restaurant didn't have it. I tried speaking to the waitress, but she looked a bit spooked, but couldn't speak English. I tried to demonstrate I was friendly by smiling and used universal gestures to explain that I wanted a paper menu from the restaurant. She paused to think on what I was trying to say and answer with universal gestures that they only had fancy menus, no paper menus to go.

[@simhopp]

what? I don't think there is a restaurant owned by North Koreans in Orange county. and I don't think there is enough North Koreans in Orange county to fill a restaurant.

[@sangredelic]

A lot of Mexicans act like that too though

[@yowassup168]

voluptuouspanic Why you bringing Mexicans into this?🙄

[@briansounalath]

yooo. as soon as I saw that dude's hair, I busted up laughing. Like bro, you gonna try to be serious with that?

[@johnny9575]

What people that are discriminating need to know.. is that these people are not like the North Korean government. They were forced to follow a stupid leader.

[@kinkybartender6709]

When she first got to America, the Korean lady being interviewed watched Ghostbusters for the first time and immediately got her hair cut like Zuul.

[@roaminhomin]

I'm Korean and I face discrimination from my own kind as well. Keep doing your thing!

[@KyleHong]

Why are you discriminated?

[@Lookkingforuuu]

@@KyleHongyou better ask to racist not a victim.

[@michaeljordanfansaretheworst]

Dave Chappelle: Hey! I am Korean!

[@GoogleGebruiker]

The reporter must've told the barber: "eyo fam, you know the routine, f it up."

[@_CaliGirl]

Let me say this before I finish this video...and I'm not trying to be mean, racist, whatever...but I've been to Korea Town many times, I stayed in the area for a few months and you guys aren't the nicest people in the world. You're not nice... you're not welcoming. You have this face with no expression, no smile, no interest. You don't even smile when someone smiles at you, and you don't speak when someone speaks to you!!!! The feel there is like, This is OUR area, why are you here, we don't interact with anyone who isn't Korean. THAT is how others feel in Korea Town. It's sad. Anyhoo the host, Dexter is awesome, he has a very soothing voice and great interviewing skills. I like watching him, he's great!~

[@shannon2748]

You should try living in Korea. They are some of the most racist and judgmental people in the world.

[@MT-tu8qd]

Cali Girl . This is our area. You are exactly right. That’s how they act.

[@EROBLOX2014]

Dammm I feel bad for her, I can be her family real talk.

[@ZilveriCosas]

my niggaa looking like Gerald from Hey Arnold lmaoo

[@codenamejordan7520]

When I saw bro's flattop, I dropped my phone 😂

[@MegamikazeMoriko]

english language does not differ the koreans both north koreans and south koreans are collectively known as "korean" in korean, there is a difference 조선 (朝鮮) = north korea (joseon) 한국 (韓国) = south korea (hanguk) 조선인 (朝鮮人) = north koreans (lit. joseon people) 한국인 (韓国人) = south koreans (hanguk people) even north korean and south korean are different languages. which is why they do not understand each other 조선말 (朝鮮말) = north korean language 한국어 (韓国語) = south korean language there is no single korean word that refers to both koreas. hence this aids in the discrimination. most westerners do not understand that north koreans and south koreans are two different ethnic groups before the split of korea. korean people were called 조선인 (朝鮮人) after split. south koreans changed themselves to 한국인 (韓国人) while north koreans remained 조선인 (朝鮮人) the reason for discrimination is due to a many north koreans practicing juche abroad and this gave them bad stereotypes of being radical communists supporting kim family. which is why north koreans in japan are discriminated against because of ethnic ties to kim family (north korean schools worship picture of kim jong il) however, to dispel stereotypes of north koreans, most north koreans are refugees and do not have any political affiliation (much like bad stereotyping of syrian refugees as radical jihadists) i hope this clarifies everything. i'm a japanese-canadian and some of my cousins are zainichi koreans and i know of discrimination against koreans firsthand i just hope the rich countries provide a safe and secure place for refugees without ethnic discrimination

[@jasmincalifornia1]

Wow this is an eye opener, thanks for the explanation. I hope we all come to understand that underneath a few millimeters of skin, we're all exactly the same ✌️

[@heyheyhey40]

Wow! She has been through so much yet her skin is so beautiful!

[@koreanpeninsula1751]

Korea Town = Business area. Not all Koreans have a negative attitude toward them. You should all keep in mind. Just some Koreans might consider them as " Black Sheep".

[@Daisy-lb1ge]

Still weird to treat your own people like that, especially knowing that N. Koreans have suffered a lot to get where they are now in this Korea town.

[@slothypunk]

@Daisy June, how is it weird? Hell, even big families like my close friend has a black sheep in his family, let alone a country like Korea! Ever heard "you are a disappointment to your family" phrase? if you come from big families, at least one person in the family will have that experience in some form.

[@00000JB]

This is an absurd accusation. How much did Vice study on North Korean spies in South Korea before 21st century? The older South Korean people, mostly, had gone through so much damage and hostility from North Korean people who acted as refugee but infact they were spies. I do agree that general North Korean population deserves much better living condition and hospitality but you cannot blame South Korean people and make a general assumption as a title of a controversial video. I am deeply dissatisfied with this production and its framing: an irresponsible approach.

[@on2wheels378]

Interesting story.. Thanks for the upload.

[@y1521t21b5]

Where's Rodman when you need him?

[@rgetty999]

Can yon make the subtitles smaller and harder to read? Thanks

[@pricefieldx]

The old guy has a massive pair, even though he's here you never know man

[@HeyJoshLee]

Is concerned about medical expenses. Moves to America...

[@tkc3114]

FreeKnowledge98 lol

[@simhopp]

There is NO FREE MEDICAL CARE IN NORTH KOREA ????? Socialist Paradise of North Korea !!!!

[@thetruth2429]

^^ RLY strange rly

[@lolz616]

You must have never heard of this thing called Medi-Cal or another thing called Covered California... its free if not free dirt cheap for low income people if you make decent money then you have to pay for coverage

[@thetruth2429]

Noshe comes from a country whichhas been punished by nearly all nations in the world, without any reason. Actuzally it is the US Gov Fault(60 years ago). They stole half of korea and made the northa mess. like they mess up all places they step on to.

[@LilyMyLolita]

I understand the discrimination. North Koreans are obviously less educated than South Koreans (except on Juche). However this cannot be the excuse for the shop owner to refuse to pay salaries.

[@beatnix99]

LilyMyLolita Naw.. hate is due to the fact that many victims of NK's invasion of SK are still alive to remember the cruelty of NK against their own ppl.

[@cappacc855]

im sorry i know this was serious but who started laughing at 0:57 at my dudes hair i thought i was watching house party

[@xakxakgaming2226]

"I want reunification" well that happened right

[@user-zp8jv2yt7s]

Just wondering why do so many Asians choose to live in Socal? Esp Los Angeles

[@philjr5714]

B Well.....It has a major history for Asian Americans with the building of the transcontinental railroad and back before airplanes that’s where Asian people entered our country. It would be smart to stay near the port where family and friends could meet you if they make it across the ocean to you. They laid deep roots there. Why are there so many Italians in New York City? Same reason. You could keep going on with examples but once you’ve laid roots somewhere? Well that’s your home.

[@NoGufff]

Socal has been part of Chinese territory since ancient times.

[@campbelldynasty5632]

Etene white men built California are to you dumb

[@campbelldynasty5632]

Etene I'm also not even white am black am just saying

[@TheRealCho]

Serious Answer: There is a high enough concentration of Koreans in LA to the point that Korean restaurants are top notch. Also you are more likely to find Korean goods not commonly sold in other parts of the US. However, a lot of people (regardless of ethnicity) don't want to leave the roots/neighborhood where they were born. Cheap answer: Korean tacos. That fusion of Mexican tortillas and Korean BBQ...*drool*

[@nathanielcarreon5634]

How do other people know they are North Koreans to start with? I am Asian and cant tell.

[@simhopp]

if you are Korean, you can tell right away. North Koreans have peculiar accent, and it is very difficult to change it.

[@nkiacollaboration8307]

Nathaniel Carreon language...their accent and vocabulary are different than South Korean.

[@DamnJungleFunction]

Mae (spelling might be wrong) is one of the most fascinating and beautiful women I've seen on television... the depth in her eyes, the way she laughs... there is much pain in here eyes, but also a lightness, an understanding of the world and some kind of acceptance of it... despite experiencing great tragedy she does not seem bitter or defeatist. She has a certain grace. If you are out there, Mae, I wish the best for you, and I'm sorry for your loss.

[@airbornecow1]

man i teared up after that north korean woman spoke of her life being sold, burned son, and starvation. This made me realize how lucky i am to be a US citizen.

[@ibrogamingman8591]

thnks for addressing awareness

[@whatisit350a]

Makes me absolutely sick. Praying for a much better day for those people

[@Kappelfreunde]

The audio during the Interview is terrible Vice pleae use a mic

[@mireyacervantes9290]

Wow she’s really pretty! she’s been through a lot, god bless her.

[@M3RT27]

I have the same Problem with Armenians in Los angeles im Turkish if they know that im a turk they insult me

[@phiwokuhleqwabe2097]

Well, turkey genocided them and won't admit they did it.

[@alexanderchristopher6237]

@@phiwokuhleqwabe2097 but that's a problem with the country, not necessarily with the person unless @Mert is also a Armenian genocide denier. Personally, I think we ought not to remain in past sins.

[@leongreen52]

You know whats tragic That guys haircut.

[@michaelpreston233]

Trump's is worse than Lil kim's

[@diegos5316]

Kid be looking like Marge Simpson

[@GnzReviews]

Leon Green damn lol

[@convex7456]

Gopnik n eeeeeh marge!!??? Damn

[@user-oi5gm3hp7o]

Hi i'm from south Korea and I watched this grandma in LA

[@mohammedamgad5629]

Honestly, I have to admit. I absolutely am proud to live in America. Yes, The United States has a shit load of issues, like racism. But what country doesn't? Every country has problems. There is no country on earth that doesn't have some sort of issue. Me and my family are Shi'a Muslims and we're Nubians, and we fled Egypt because of the rise of the Sunni Muslim brotherhood and pan-Arabists who were racist against us and treated us like second class citizens. The United States granted us the opportunity to live in their country. I'm forever grateful for that. People who hate America are honestly really brainwashed. America accepts more refugees/immigrants/asylum seekers than any other country. I'm proud to be American. I can practice my religion freely, and be who I am without feeling like trash.

[@chanceDdog2009]

Asians discriminating against someone slightly different from them? You dont say..

[@lv8092]

Chance Whistler South Koreans look down on N.Koreans cuz they live in a commie state, and culturally different in many ways. SKorean people are really predjuced .

[@chanceDdog2009]

Xinhao Wang you mean humans?

[@maryann9956]

GodBless you child

[@rina6035]

I feel so bad for the woman i cant even imagine what it would be like to lose your son and family

[@bonibon6669]

0:53 bro that haircut caught me off guard lol

[@marcorodriguez6240]

Is that marge Simpson doing the interview

[@ByAnyMeans000]

Marco Rodriguez 🤣

[@juliaj7939]

xD

[@studyinsteel5186]

I thought it was Jack Nance from Eraserhead

[@magnus3333]

LOL

[@eugenedowling7380]

Haha I know right😂😂😂

[@mamzersdream1]

Please do a segment on racist black Americans.

[@theprincethatwaspromised3392]

There was literally one second where one person said they faced discrimination in los angeles, smh

[@brad3746]

Now that's what you call a strong woman. We should use that term more appropriately.

[@MsWatchamakulit]

This is sad. Why can’t we human beings look at another person beyond his/her color, accent, or whatever it is that separates us from that person?

[@lenciegimenez7898]

tbh i have been around koreans before and the elders are really racist but the younger people are really nice . so i dont know if its the age or somehing like that

[@mM-zs8vi]

lencie gimenez I think the cause of the discrimination is their experience at korean war and anticommunist education. My grandmother hates nk, and communism and north koreans altogether(for them it is all the same). Since they looted her house and 2 out of 3 brothers were killed when nk and china invaded her hometown(which is located in southern part of korea). But old people who fled from north korea who are seperated from the rest of their family feel great empathy towards them. And still looking forward for the unification. My parents experienced cold war and terror by nk. Younger generation like us did not experience those intense conflicts, just from time to time nuclear missile threats and few maritime attacks that ended up with sunken military ships and dead soldiers. We are technically still at war(there was no agreement on truce). So old generation still worries that the war can restart anytime soon. For us only a few thinks that could a possibility and just hope for them to find their way to help themselves without causing war and other countries to interfere again in the koran peninsula. Overall it is very complicated even in south korea. South Korean government subsidizes and give benefits to north korean defectors who settled in korea. but it can cause problems with north korean government. It is very hard to aid the citizen from which the country is still at war against us. And for the older korean-americans, naturally some of them were(and are) the most pro-usa(anti-northkorea), pro-capitalism(anti-communism), pro-liberty(anti-kindom of kimjeongun) kind of koreans. And y’all know what those people tends to be when it comes to things that are considered to be a threat to their own liberty or security.

[@PeterPan-qb3tb]

I was waiting for a bird to fly out of his head with that hair style

[@snwcombat8716]

Sorry but the interviewers hair cracked me up. Reminds of Hey arnold.

[@mogendavid6693]

If I run into any South Koreans I'm going to ask them exactly why so many of them look down on North Korean refugees and watch them try and weasel out of the subject if they give me the wrong answer. I've even heard of cases where they feel so unwelcome in the South that they voluntarily go back to this murderous environment. I can't imagine anyone suffering like this woman did and then having to take this kind of abuse.

[@simhopp]

Koreans treat everyone like shit. and North Koreans after being treated like shit, assumes it's because she is from North Korea, and being discriminated against.

[@whydontwe9681]

Lol you will literally sound like a stupid idiot. Because even as a Korean American who grew up with many first generation Korean immigrants around, this prejudice that all of y'all assume South Koreans have against North Koreans doesn't exist. They'd more likely warn me about Chinese or Japanese people. And they're always donating to S. Korean organizations that help North Koreans too. I think it's a danger to be as simple minded as you and let the internet shape the perceptions of those around, enough to have courage to go confront a stranger. That's dangerous, especially in the US, in my opinion lol

[@mogendavid6693]

Bean S, your personal experience with this subject is obviously far greater than mine, but what accounts for what Sarah Cho and others had to say, starting at 2:47? They should know, and I'm simply "assuming" they're telling the truth. As I said, this isn't the first time I heard this from North Koreans. I don't know what percentage of South Koreans have compassion for them as you do, but apparently enough of you openly don't, to where it negatively affects their lives. For what it's worth, I also remember having read something about Kim Jong-il having been of the belief that he had 25% support in the south, which made him think he could have a majority if the Koreas were reunited.

[@whydontwe9681]

Mogen David Hmm it just sounds like you're very uncertain about generally everything, going off of tidbits that you picked up from here or there on the internet then just suddenly assuming what Koreans are like and what they're doing. That's what many do, they pick up pieces of info, then voilá! A conclusion! "That group of people is all like this, because well,. This guy on a interview said so, and I also heard some other person say it. Oh, a commenter is saying they experienced a couple of them being like this also, so this must be true indeed" it's absolutely ridiculous 😂 these kinds of videos are easy to whip up. Yeah, they look like they have solid pieces of evidence, pics, interviews,.. they have enough to get the audience to buy whatever story they're selling. It's all in the power of the producer, the interviewer, the way they word certain phrases etc., You can't even trust the American news nowadays. This is why for a multicultural country like America, racism , stereotypes, discrimination and prejudice is so rampant. The media keeps enforcing them not only about people abroad, but also living in this country. People are too ready to accept whatever anyone tells them. It's scary

[@mogendavid6693]

"then just suddenly assuming what Koreans are like" I came to the conclusion about how *some* South Koreans are, based on what I heard some North Koreans had said. I don't know enough to hazard a guess on how many. Again, why are there such observations and anecdotes to be found, if they don't reflect real experiences refugees have had with some South Koreans? "you're very uncertain about generally everything" Well yes, but then how did you get from this to my "suddenly assuming...?" Of course I'm uncertain, this is why I feel so fortunate to have experts like you to explain how it really is. :)

[@asdx88]

I am a S. Korean, live in the Guro area where is close to the area that has a lot of people from North Korea and Koreans from China and Chinese. Even my area has about 10% of is Chinese population.( North Koreans are Koreans so they didn't counted as foreigner.), I think this video shows really just one sideded view. I am not agreeing to the discrimination though.

[@Rakasha30]

Unfortunately their experience isn't uncommon here in the United States, racial and ethnic groups have always discriminated against their own for generations.