Korean convicted of racism for 1st time

A 31-year-old man surnamed Park was fined 1 million won ($860) yesterday for using racially discriminatory remarks against an Indian research professor working in Korea, according to the Bucheon branch of the Incheon District Court.

It’s the first time a Korean has been convicted of racism here.

Bonojit Hussain, 28, filed charges against Park after he was subjected to a tirade of abusive language on a bus on July 10 this year. Park called the Indian “dirty” and “smelly.”

The Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office decided to file summary indictments against Park on Aug. 31 this year.

Prosecutors pressed charges against Park under criminal law because Korea does not have a law prohibiting language or actions that discriminate against race.

The decision of the prosecutors’ office prompted Democratic Party lawmaker Jun Byung-hun to announce on Sept. 6 a plan for a new bill banning Koreans from racist behavior and language. Jun said clauses in the bill will make it illegal for Koreans to humiliate or instill a sense of shame among foreigners living here.

The bill also covers insulting behavior and mistreatment in the job market, education, criminal investigation, court rooms, mass transportation, commercial facilities, housing and financial and medical services.

Under the proposal, foreigners can appeal to the National Human Rights Commission if they feel they have suffered racial discrimination while in Korea.

By Lee Min-yong [smartpower@joongang.co.kr]