Thread by @SoheePark

Did you notice that my character “Toshi” was Zainichi too in the movie “The Ramen Girl”? Originally Toshi was Japanese, but the director and the writer and I talked about and changed into Zainichi character. #TheRamenGirl #Zainichi #在日の表象

There were some voices from the creative team of The Ramen Girl saying “Why is Korean actor playing the love interest of Brittany in this movie? We should’ve hire a Japanese actor!”

So, the director and the writer really knew me and what zainichi is. They said “Okay! Then let’s just change the character into Zainichi!” Then, my character being Zainichi even became a key to a romance between Brittany’s character and mine. The story got more interesting.

Thanks to the director Robert Ackerman, you are the master. My mentor, my father in showbiz, my best friend. Have some good rest there.
And thank you the writer @beccatopol, your portraying Japan is so real and beautiful, I want to work with you again!
#TheRamenGirl
#表象

Well, I was born and grew up in Japan. I went to Japanese schools, graduated from Waseda University. I read more Japanese books, novels than most of my “Japanese” friends. I couldn’t even speak Korean at all then. But still, “Why Korean is playing this Japanese character?” *sigh*

Lots of Zainichi 2nd and 3rd and later generations got lost in their identity crisis. In Japan, people say “You are Korean!” Even we were born in Japan. You see we endure many difficulties.
Now, here is another interesting aspect of Zainichi.
#Zainichi

In Korea, we are often told “You are Japanese” even though we proudly preserve Korean nationality and culture, even Korean passport. We are fighting for our lives and our Korean heritage in Japan. But still we are often told “You are Japanese!” in Korea. Actually very hurtful.

Lots of Zainichi people are rooting for Korean Soccer National team when they have matches against JPN team. I used to go to stadiums wearing Hanbok bringing 100 Zainichi friends to support for Korea team in Japan. Lots of us even went to Korea to root for KOR team in 2002 Wcup.

If I say there is no discrimination towards Zainichi in Japan nowadays, it would be a lie. Yes, definitely less and less. But now it goes like two extreme ways. One is obnoxious hate speeches, and the other is going on on the internet, very shady and cowardly.

People maybe say “K-pop, K-dramas are so popular in Japan. They love Korea!” Yes. One aspect, yes. But Zainichi is not included in that “Korea.” Never. They rarely talk about or see Zainichi. Intentionally and subconsciously both, ignoring Zainichi.

We, Zainichi, have been overlooked both by Japan and Korea like bastards. A bastard who was born in the obnoxious situation during the war. Obnoxious somewhat political existence to be ignored or discriminated.

That’s also why I keep saying that now is the time for us, Zainichi, especially famous Zainichi actors, singers, sport players, influencers who is hiding their Zainichi identity have to speak up! What’s there to be afraid of! Speak up for weaker and younger Zainichi people!!!

I’m proud of being Zainichi, being myself. Zainichi may be very unique existence. We maybe a group of people to extinct. I don’t know.
I just wish that the fact that Zainichi people exist will be known by the world.
Thank you for your support!! I love you all. NO TO RACISM.