Comments on: Anti-Korean Sentiment in Taiwan

By: Muninn

Muninn — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:40:45 +0000

I’m shutting down comments on this posting because I’m tired of dealing with all the comments I’m starting to get with insults and abuse towards Taiwanese and Koreans. It saddens me to see this sort of thing.

By: tw_peace

tw_peace — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:24:54 +0000

I came across this article randomly and the content caught my eyes. As I read on to the responses, I started to feel a little uncomfortable. But I want to thank you for your update later on. The sentiment doesn’t speak for all Taiwanese. I know many Taiwanses who are very fond of Korea and its culture, although it may be mostly the influence from Korean TV and pop culture. I myself is a huge fan of Korean food, especially kimchi! A funny thing about it is that I once had a Korean client who told me that he hates the smell of kimchi… so we just have to accept the fact that there are all kind of people in a nation. From my own observation, despite some controversies about history and politics, I admire the Koreans for their respect to traditions and unity. I like how they always stand up to help each other out and defend for their own people when needed. I must also say that most of us, Taiwanese, are very friendly! Don’t let politics and stereotypes get in the way of positive cultural exchanges! That would really be a pity. Peace!

By: susie

susie — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:49:39 +0000

um, who cares? youre all just asian to everyone else in the world. Asians should unite more. And most Koreans dont even pay that much attention to Taiwan. Maybe Taiwans just angry that all their Japanese ass kissing didnt amount to them being better than Korea.They should just state theyre not Chinese or try to be Japanese wannabe’s and just be Taiwanese.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:42:08 +0000

Taiwanese and koreans are both aggressive nations, so it is difficult to get along with each other, but i think people just think too much. Both places are full of pride for their advancement in the world. I cant say the korean economy is stronger than taiwan, because taiwanese have been working in isolation and are disadvantaged because of the cross strait tensions, and they are still putting up good numbers, imagine what they could do without restrictions. Koreans however, have spent a lot more money branding their products (hyundai, samsung (huge conglomerate), LG, Hankook (huge market share on tired), KIA), therefore, the world knows there products, plus their companies are huge and very powerful, have direct influence on electronics market. Taiwan is considered the silicon island of the world, creating countless hi-tech products and services, (DLINK, Garmin, Nvidia, Youtube, TrendMicro, Evergreen (4th largest shipping line) the economy is a lot more stable compared to korea. Korea suffered a lot during the 1997 economic crisis, while taiwan rarely suffered. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. It really depends on the person, for one, both taiwanese and koreans are more defensive people, can get easily offended from small things. I know this because I am half korean/half taiwanese, so i know both sides really well =) Both sides should just chill

By: castor

castor — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:01:33 +0000

Of all my experiences with different kinds of ethnicities, Koreans are indeed the worst and it is hard not to hate them. Why are they even in America when they still hold on to their primitive culture of hate and dense beliefs? In school they were always the bullies. When I say always, I mean ALWAYS. Always violent and threatening others when no one ever did anything to them. I have to assume that it is all because of their family and the brainwashing that goes on at home. All the pathetic kids that got kicked out were Korean. I hope they get shipped back to their country (the only place they belong). They only hung out with other Koreans. The first question they’d ask you if you were Asian was “what are you?” and if you say anything not Korean they start trying to mock you. They are sneaky and hate everything that is not Korean but of course they won’t admit anything. Most Koreans I met are arrogant and proud yet there is nothing to be proud of for them. I do believe that they are very talented people (some at least) but their attitudes are the worst. It’s so easy to see through their motives and their hearts. They have a lot of churches down here in CA but all the ones I went to are so pathetic and they don’t want non-Koreans to go there (they actually said that). Truly a bunch of soul-less evil people. If you don’t believe me please find out for yourself (but if you are Asian and not Korean I think you already know what I’m talking about). I know every ethnicity has it’s goods and bads, but the problem with Koreans is their deeply embedded culture which is built on hate. They will do anything to look good but inside they are empty and disgusting people.

By: Korea4one

Korea4one — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:42:18 +0000

Koreans don’t like Taiwanese because Koreans always viewed Taiwanese as ” Half Ass” people. Taiwanese have identity problems. Taiwanese consider themselves Chinese, Japanese, and even ” Taiwanese”. Koreans really don’t like cultural confused people.

Koreans won’t support Taiwan independece. U.N is example.

Yes, I agree. Taiwan always have been Pro-Japan. Japan colonialized Taiwan for 50 years. There are many mixed Taiwanese-Japanese. Koreans are opposite
from Taiwanese.

Japanese view Koreans as competitors in every field.
Whereas Japanese view Taiwanese as ” Brown Noser”.

By: rawr

rawr — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:54:46 +0000

I’ve also experienced many similar encounters Munnin.
For sure, there is a response to the Korean cultural threat as some of the sentiments were in regard to it. What I find interesting is that while mainland Chinese might enjoy the same amount of Korean cultural products, they don’t feel threatened by it because their Chinese culture is huge to begin with. That’s understandable of course, but what’s odd is that Taiwanese don’t have that same security, even when they are Chinese themselves and have an entitlement to the history.

mike, you sound like one of the biased Taiwanese yourself… and I’m not even trying to defend the Koreans ’cause I do like the Taiwanese, they tend to be pretty chill and relaxed like Japanese. Lots of cute girls too. To be honest though, in dealing with Western students from NYC and Montreal, most people haven’t heard of Asus (cept the computer crowd) and Acer is seen as seen as a cheap Chinese brand (probably because in stores like Fry’s or Best Buy, they tend to market toward the low price end). Also, people in the West tend to separate the majority of Asians they know into two categories, the top dogs (China/Japan/Korea) and then the Southeast nations (Vietnam/Thailand/Taiwan) and so mistake Taiwan for Thailand quite a bit. This offends Taiwanese quite abit, as to them it’s like saying they are a 3rd world nation (I do explain that Taiwan is very high tech, with top class computer making equipment).

Having taught in S. Korea (as well as Taiwan and Singapore and the West), I’ve never heard the term ‘island chinks’ btw…most Koreans and Korean-Americans actually don’t really know too much about Taiwanese when I’ve brought it up. Actually, I think Korean-Americans hold up the Taiwanese in a better light than other Asians, due to their interest in PC gaming.

Finally, from what I remember, S. Korea was one the last major nations (if not last) to drop support for Taiwan’s UN bid back in ’92, Japan also ditched them a lot earlier, so it’s kind of ironic they would hate the Koreans for that.

By: MrCoffee

MrCoffee — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:21:24 +0000

My Taiwanese wife doesn’t like Koreans either (all violent). Or Chinese (all crooks). Or Filipinos (all liars). Or Arabs (all terorists). Or Indians (all cheap and bad smelling). Or Jews (all conspire with each other). Or (insert your nationality here). Except Caucasians and Japanese of course.

By: sayaka

sayaka — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:52:17 +0000

Oh god. You should maybe put (half) “satire” on this article, too. People should chill out.

By: Wedge

Wedge — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:46:28 +0000

A lot of good points. If I could add a couple of cents-worth.

In August 1992 Korea suddenly switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China and handed a very plum embassy over to the ChiComs in Seoul without compensation. Taiwan promptly dropped direct flights between the countries, something not reinstated for several years (too lazy to look up now).

Also, I once was in a park in Hwa-lien (sp?) where somebody whitewashed the Korean half of a Taiwan-Korea friendship plaque. Up to 1992 the two countries had seen themselves as close brothers in the struggle against communist neighbors. Of course this is 16 years later, but I’m sure there’s latent mistrust and bad will over that.

Regarding #10, “it would be strange for taiwan to hate koreans while looking up to japan”:

The opposite would be more strange. There are plenty of reasons for them to look up to Japan, number one being Japan pulled Taiwan up from backwater status, invested in agriculture and industry and introduced universal education and numerous other infrastructure and social improvements. The Taiwanese had a good experience under the Japanese and know they wouldn’t be anywhere near where they are today without it. The Koreans also wouldn’t be anywhere without the Japanese experience, but for various reasons can’t admit it.

By: ymoon

ymoon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:17:14 +0000

i am korean living in new york and this was a interesting article to read. my initial reaction was that it had to be personality clash since taiwanese in general are more quiet. while koreans tend to get loud and outgoing. Also koreans love to drink while the taiwanese i’ve met generally did not dink much. (a group of drunk koreans can be very annoying to anyone)

but even if there was cultural clash. it would be strange for taiwan to hate koreans while looking up to japan.

it may be that the taiwanese feel that they are falling behind in a rivalry which they made with korea. that’s what i think.

By: mike

mike — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:17:48 +0000

acer: world’s 3rd largest computer company after hp and dell.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_Computer_Australia

By: mike

mike — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:11:49 +0000

antipathy towards koreans is not uncommon here in the u.s. its a common sentiment in the u.s. especially in cities with big korean populations in l.a./california and new york. i’ve come across so many people who dont like koreans, even many korean americans dont like koreans from korea which seems strange. but this sentiment it’s really not that unheard of.

regarding taiwan “losing out” to korea economically, what are you talking about? taiwan’s economy has continually been expanding and developing. taiwan grew 6% first quarter of 2008, higher than s. korea’s growth. taiwan hi-tech industry growth like semiconductor and lcd panel has been keeping up with s. korea’s or even surpassing them. taiwan’s ppp of gdp is actually higher than s. korea’s. i think taiwan produces more lcd panels than korea now. and why do u compare asus with lg and samsung? how about acer? every american knows about acer as well as giant bicycle, d-link. companies founded by taiwanese include nvidia, garmin, viewsonic. and just because a country may not have as many globally recognized companies doesnt mean they’re economically inferior to other companies. singapore doesnt have any globally branded companies. did they lose out to korea as well even tho they have a much higher per capita income than koreans?

By: Anthony Barker

Anthony Barker — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:40:17 +0000

Interesting observations. Try asking if they prefer Korean or HK… I know my in laws much preferred transferring flights to Beijing via Seoul instead of HK.

In general I often find Taiwanese (and Koreans for that matter live) like to over stereotype even countries next to them. Japan is definitely held up on a pedestal though – particularly in Taichung where a lot of the Japanese owned factories are. Many of the girls there particularly like to date Japanese men.

By: J B

J B — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:56:32 +0000

I was surprised as well when a Korean friend here told me some Taiwanese don’t like Koreans- she claimed it was envy that Taiwan has “fallen behind”. On the other hand, my Korean roommate doesn’t seem to notice any resentment.
I personally think it’s mostly personality clash.
Also, I can’t help not responding to the last post about Taiwan “falling behind” culturally. I would say Taiwan is far more vibrant than the mainland. Folk culture is obviously far more popular here; even in Taipei you can see people burning ghost money every month, and Daoist, Confucian and Buddhist festivals remain popular. Even Beijingers who were themselves interested in traditional culture told me that Taipei, not Beijing, was the place to go to study traditional Chinese culture. Traditional culture is more evident in Taiwanese politics, with politicians praying for electoral victory at temples and the government maintaining Confucian-style martyr’s shrines. Taipei is also a center of Mandarin pop culture- Jay Chou, SHE and Ah Mei are all Taiwanese. Taiwanese film may not have received the attention of Chinese film, but Taiwan has produced more than its fair share of excellent directors, like Ang Li, Hou Hsiaohsian, Edward Yang and Tsai Mingliang.
The perception of mainland culture I think has more to do with the political and economic attention the mainland receives.