“An ahjussi said I look like Obama” – M’sian Traveller Speaks Out About Discrimination He Faced in South Korea

Travelling to different parts of the globe can often be a joyful and adventurous time. But it’s always important to remember that while we may have good intentions wherever we go, it may not always be reciprocated back to us.

Malaysian traveller and content creator Anep has been sharing his experiences of visiting different countries through his TikTok account @pastu_anep. While most videos are fleeting with exciting moments, a recent TikTok clip posted by the creator has been making waves online.

After hearing about another content creator who spoke out about the prejudice he faced during a trip to South Korea, Anep made the decision to step forward and voice his opinion on the discrimination he faced during his trip to Seoul back in 2015.

Beginning with an instance where Anep needed to use the subway in the city, he described how he was harassed by a man, who Koreans refer to as ahjussi, on the train.

“When I was on the train, there was an ahjussi who was intoxicated. After looking at me, he started to scold me severely, like I did something personal to him,” explained Anep.

Not long after that, another young woman on the train stepped in to calm the man down before explaining to Anep why the ahjussi was angry at him.

“He said I looked like Obama, and he was angry at that. Firstly, how do I look like Obama? Secondly, if that is true, what do you expect me to do about that?” said Anep in the TikTok video.

Shortly after, Anep decided to get off the train at the next stop, despite that not being his destination, for his own safety.

Speaking on a separate instance which took place in Myeong-dong, one of the most popular shopping spots in South Korea, Anep detailed another instance that occurred while trying to purchase a bag for his nephew.

“I came across this shop that had a bag my nephew wanted. When I went in and asked the store owner how much it was in English and details about the bag, he scolded me harshly. He took the bag from me and placed it back. After that, he told me to go back to my country,” said Anep.

Shocked by what had just happened, Anep immediately left the store. Putting a few theories forward, Anep wondered if the man was frustrated at him because he had spoken to him in English, and perhaps the store owner was not familiar with the language. However, he stated that the man yelled at him to “go back to your country” in English, dispelling that possibility.

At the end of the clip, Anep acknowledged that while his experience may be unique to himself, it is not a reflection of what other Malaysians may go through should they visit Seoul.

“I don’t know what others have gone through, but this is my real experience, and I will never go to South Korea ever again. Like, ever,” he said at the end of the clip.

A number of Malaysians related to Anep’s experience, with some even giving example of moments that happened to them, not only in South Korea, but in other countries as well.

“Only people who have travelled to other countries will know how people who are not from Southeast Asia behave,” wrote one user.

Nevertheless, a few commenters also shared their thoughts, having been to South Korea as well, recalling how delightful it was for them.

“When I went, thank goodness there were a number of good people. Of course there were those who would give unpleasant facial reactions, but I’d just ignore it,” penned another user.

Watch Anep’s full detailed experience on TikTok below:

@pastu_anep

My Experience | Since aku ada nampak satu posting pasal pengalaman dia dengan Ahjuma & Ahjussi di Korea, aku pun rasa mengelitat nak share jugak! Apa pun, semua rezeki aku, jd tak yah nak butthurt sangat la pemfanatik Kpop/Korea ni? #seoulkorea #myhonestopinion

♬ original sound – Pastu anep? – Pastu anep?

While it is never anyone’s intent nor hope to experience such discrimination during a period that is meant to be joyful, staying vigilant and alert on real instances that take place in many different countries is an important tool that should never be ignored.

Also read: English TikToker in M’sia Questions Why the British Didn’t Take Local Recipes Home When They Left