Acknowledging Foreign Workers and Confronting Workplace Injustice

by Haeun Lim

August 28th, 2025

Even in the year 2025, discrimination continues to persist across nations and cultures, often hidden behind everyday routines. Recent events in South Korea have brought this uncomfortable reality into focus, prompting increased awareness and urgent calls for change.

Approximately two months ago, a disturbing incident of workplace harassment came to light, shocking the nation and prompting a response at the highest levels of government.

A foreign worker in South Korea was subjected to systematic marginalization and subtle maltreatment by his Korean colleagues. What was particularly appalling was an act of reckless cruelty: the worker was forcibly lifted and wrapped onto the side of a moving van with plastic wrap—a dangerous act that could have resulted in severe injury or even death.

Adding insult to injury, the victim was coerced into apologizing to his colleagues—suspects in the case—for what they deemed his failure to properly educate another foreign worker. The victim, unable to speak fluent Korean, had nowhere to turn or share his hardship. This incident is a stark reminder of the brutal treatment that some foreign workers endure, even within professional environments where trust and respect should prevail.

As a student attending an international school, I feel compelled by a deep sense of moral responsibility to speak out against such injustices. It is intolerable that harassment and violence still exist in workplaces where people are meant to collaborate and coexist peacefully. Every foreign worker has the inherent right to be treated with dignity and respect. Remaining silent or turning a blind eye to such unethical behavior not only condones injustice but also undermines our shared humanity.

We must remember that, in another country, we, too, would be foreigners—strangers in a new land. These workers are members of a global family, deserving of empathy and fair treatment. No one should be subjected to abuse or dehumanization simply because of their nationality or language barriers.

What ultimately matters most is acknowledging our collective human responsibility. Recognizing and addressing these social issues is essential to building inclusive, respectful communities where dignity is preserved for all. We must stand together to challenge injustice and ensure that no one suffers in silence.