A study by researchers from the Korea Development Institute analyzed the impact of the industrial trainee system from 1997-2001 on Korean semi-skilled workers. The research found a steady decline in the ratio of Korean semi-skilled workers in industries that employ a large number of foreign workers. According to the study, there were more foreign trainees found in labor-intensive industries, such as textiles, rubber and plastic and fewer foreigners in capital-intensive industries, such as the auto and chemical sectors. The findings suggest that Korean semi-skilled workers had been replaced by the industrial trainees. However, the latter’s presence did not result in wage cuts for Koreans.
The Thai Embassy in Seoul held a reception on the third week of July to thank NGOs in Korea for extending assistance and counseling services to distressed foreign migrant workers from Thailand. As a sign of its gratitude the embassy presented eight NGOs with a donation from the Thai government of three million won ($3,190) each. The recipients were NGOs that have worked closely with the mission not only in helping Thai citizens with their work-related problems but also with their hospital fees and legal matters. These include the Catholic Uijongbu Migrant Worker’s Center, Archdiocese of Seoul, Pharaos Mission Church, Ansan Migrant Shelter, Friendship House, The Society of Jesus Migrant Workers Center, Intercongregational Mission for Migrant Workers and the Thai Jinmok Church.
The US Justice Department disclosed that Korean national, Mi Na Malcolm, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for running a prostitution ring in Texas using irregular migrants from South Korea whom she forced into the sex trade. Mi Na Malcolm, who ran three massage parlors in Dallas, allegedly paid the women’s debts to human smugglers and, in turn, forced the women into prostitution to pay off their debts to her.
Sources: AFP, “South Korean given 10 years for running Dallas prostitution ring," Today Online, 19 July 2006; Yoon Ja-young, “Foreigners replace Koreans in labor-intensive sectors," The Korea Times, 26 July 2006; Yoon Won-sup, “Thailand recognizes NGOs in Seoul," The Korea Times, 30 July 2006; Yoav Cerralvo, “Thai Embassy thanks NGOs with donation," The Korea Herald, 31 July 2006