International students say their freedom of speech is limited

International students face a unique set of challenges when voicing their opinions as foreigners in Korea.

A demonstration in downtown Seoul is pictured. [NASIM RAGUS]

When international students are admitted to universities in Korea, they usually find a line in their acceptance letter or package that says they are advised not to go to protests.

This isn't a concern for most newcomers coming to Korea, as many are busy settling in the country or enjoying its impressive sights and delicious food.

Meanwhile, some, especially those already familiar with the culture, are interested in voicing their opinions and exercising freedom of speech.

They, however, face a unique set of challenges as foreigners in a different country.

"[Foreign nationals] aren't allowed to openly protest or be public about it," a non-Korean national English teacher, who has been living in Seoul for four years, said.

"As a foreigner with a work visa or even a student [visa], our rights are extremely limited despite being citizens who work for Korea in multiple capacities," the teacher said. "We have valid visas and pay taxes and contribute to Korean society, but our rights are not the same at all."

For many foreigners, the common consensus is that they are practically banned from participating in demonstrations or expressing political opinions.

Korean law states foreign nationals are not allowed to engage in political activities, with schools and employers recommending that foreigners not join public rallies.

This is usually done not out of fear of any specific danger but because non-nationals may unknowingly participate in gatherings that the government has not permitted.

For gatherings to be lawful, an organizer of the demonstration has to register the event with the city and inform it of its purpose, scope, location and the number of expected participants, as stipulated by Article 6 of the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

The requirement is in place to ensure public safety and that the city has a sufficient amount of personnel on standby to prevent any accidents.

However, even registered rallies become illegal if they turn into violent gatherings or otherwise pose public danger, such as blocking roads.

The teacher said that due to the chance of them taking unexpected turns, many foreigners take friendly warnings against attending protests as strong discouragement.

For this reason, they fear their employment and legal status will be in jeopardy if they participate in political gatherings that either go out of hand or public institutions don't welcome. Their employers not providing sufficient information on the matter only amplifies their concern.

To still show up for a cause but maintain anonymity, many opt to demonstrate while wearing inconspicuous dark clothes and masks that hide facial features and make them feel less susceptible to getting into trouble.

Although foreign demonstrators emphasize keeping their anonymity, most demonstrations are less aggressive and rarely as violent as demonstrations in other countries.

"The demonstrations are OK but fairly meek and rote," the teacher said." People are compliant and scared to exercise their rights."

A Korean student organizer said that many hesitate to step up for their belief publicly because of law and societal expectations.

"There are not many activists in Korea," the student said. "I think it is because living here is so hard."

"Korean students are worried about how people will judge. It will affect their jobs in the future."

One of the few exceptions was back in 2016 when the public consensus made it safe to express a public demand confidently, the student said.

"In 2016, we actually kicked out our president," the student said. "People were angry, and at that time the movement was so big that it was the biggest movement in Korea [...] So at that time people didn't hesitate because everybody is."

Despite difficulties, foreigners in Korea do have a desire to speak up for things they believe in.

A British student living in western Seoul said that international students have a need to express their political opinions because they are constantly aware that political thoughts inform their reality.

"Because we grew up in very multicultural communities in our home countries, we kind of have to talk about those things," the British student said. "And we are surrounded by so many people from different cultures, so you're aware that there's more than you in the world."

Social media is another place foreigners turn to if offline demonstrations aren't feasible.

"Italy is really big and most people don't live in big cities, so there are few chances to get organized," an Italian student living in Korea said. "But now, with social media, there is a lot of activism on social media."

Sources in this article spoke to the author on condition of anonymity for safety and legal reasons. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not represent those of the Korea JoongAng Daily. They are those of the author.

BY STUDENT REPORTER NASIM RAGUS [kjd.kcampus@joongang.co.kr]