Being Homeless In Korea | The Voiceless
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Did you know that Korea has a homelessness problem? Before the COVID pandemic, our Asian Boss reporter had a chance to hit the streets of Seoul to see if we can find some homeless people ourselves, and if any of them would be willing to talk to us.
Special thanks to Mr. Weonsang Seong for sharing his story. While Mr. Weonsang Seong’s story does not reflect that of the entire Korean homeless population, we hope you found his story insightful.
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Not only is he homeless, he is an orphan, a disabled, and an elderly. All of which the Korean society has turned a blind eye to. Even though he has been dealt with all these issues, he is still a warm and positive person. At the end of the day, he is still that young boy looking for his mother. I hope he is doing better, especially during covid times.
Yep
I hope so too, that this man will get better: but Covid made it worse for many, as so many lost their job. Korea is a society where it is not seen good to be an orphan....sorry to say this, but it's the reality.
Depends tbh, Korea has the 2nd lowest homeless rate of any developed country and not even close to as bad as most of Europe or north america, so homeless aren't forgotten for sure, the amount of homeless is really low and still decreasing rapidly if you look at stats.
However as you said, it is also true that the groups mentioned aren't seen as favourable(though not related badly)
agreed, i feel for him and pray that he does find his mom or at least gets closure
@@ammarahmed4532 Stats doesn't tell the story. Stigma against homeless is very bad that the majority do not come forward and identify themselves as such due to feelings of shame. Also, there are like in many other OECD countries people who are not on the street, living with relatives, friends, sleeping on couches or floors and they are not counted
I hate that homelessness exists in general, but there is something about seeing elderly individuals homeless that absolutely GUTS me.
Everytime i see people that i feel like can still work i just ignore them. I know in my country u need permanent address to get a job but still its nutz
he wasnt elderly
America is worse
@@jeffbriggs1987 at least 60
@@briandr.9466 he could be 40 or younger he said he drank a lot and smoked and hes lived hard.
Imagine being 12 years old and your mom drops you off at an orphanage, never to see her again. GEEZUS.
So sad my guy like why
😭😥😢😫👎
How sad 😭
Weonsang is such a kind and positive person.He has a warm heart,being injured and abandoned by his mother is a hard way to go through life.Yet he still has a warmth towards people and life. Respect!
Asian Boss can you help locate his mother?With your resources your reporters surely could!
Yes! That would make for an awesome episode. Please do this Asian Boss.
@@hammertlme I hope they see this 🤞
finding someone like this is so overly simplified. Its also possible the mother doesnt want to contact the child at all? Sure he can find her name and try to find where she lives (legally? without breaching privacy laws?) but this would be a costly and time consuming process with no guarantee their relationship will be fixed. I hope weonsang can find refuge but this is a very complex case
@@leeroyjenkins867 The mother abondened him about 50 years ago. He may worry if he would intrupt his mother's life that she got married and had another family. and also he worry to be rejected by her again. He just want to see mother without any needs because he is also just a human and getting older
Yes please can you guys help him locate his Mother....Is there anything we the subscribers can do to help too?
I love how the interviewer treated the man with gentleness and respect. We don't get this sort of issue taken to the mainstream media. Kudos to AsianBoss for a splendid assignment!
This is Korea. In Korea, society has become so corrupt that good people have no choice but to fall to the bottom of society.
When he said he just wants to find his mom my heart broken. Somewhere I once saw homelessness described as being disconnected from society. And being disconnected from family is heartbreaking.
Yet the same mother abandoned him in an orphanage
@@rosean374 Maybe she was forced to due to the circumstances? We don’t know the whole story so can’t blame his mom.
@@rosean374 it's been so long. Maybe he already forgave her. Proly, before he meet his end since he felt like he's already aging and hopeless in the street, he at least want to meet his mother to answer the questions he's bearing for a long time. It'll give him peace of mind, to atleast see her mother, and to feel once again the feeling of having someone you can call home.
i don't beleive that mothers who leave their children have heart or any type of feeling... their heart is like a stone, selfish, no responsibilty, no mercy.
This is Korea. In Korea, society has become so corrupt that good people have no choice but to fall to the bottom of society.
"I want to find my mother"
"I don't need anything else" 😩😭
失去家人真的很痛苦！
Theres a point in your life that nothing else matter other than that family bond.
@@berakdiairderas4269
I understand, but why do some people care more about money than family?
@@asianprince8718 maybe bcoz they had not gone through the experience this man had.
And that mother who abandoned him 🙄
"They don't think of us homeless people as people" this is so hurt..
The young woman in the video did a great job in a delicate situation. It was heart-warming that this guy, in spite of his dire situation, showed no bad feelings towards anybody, showing only that he wished for simple things in life and a purpose (job) where he could be useful. I hope that somebody in Seoul sees this video and can do something to help to grant his wish.
"We all have our circumstances, don't we?" And what many people don't realize is how much closer many of us are to experiencing homelessness ourselves! Helping homeless people should not be considered a crime (it technically is, where I live). The world could benefit from people having more compassion with each other!
It’s illegal to give them money or food?
Some circumstances yes. For example, restaurants like Dunkin’ Donuts or supermarkets will have a lot of waste at the end of the day. But they aren’t allowed to give the excess to others in case the food is expired or something. At my school, they give us bags of snacks and they say we can’t give them to people on the streets if we don’t want them or else the school can be sued.
Thanks for the precious interview. Helped me think more about what I can do for our society.
It's nice to see someone wanting to contribute for a better society, goodluck in future!
Japan needs to help the Burakumin plz
Please Japan, you guys need to be more open minded to foreigners
breaks my heart every time he said "Can I be honest?"
But we can see Weonsang ahjussi is such a positive soul, despite all the struggle he believe he's still have a hope for a better future. Weonsang ahjussi, I really hope the universe will be gentle to you after this, you've been through a lot in life. I hope you can get off of the street and meet your mom soon. keep on believing ahjussi, God is good.
All it takes is a fire to make any family homeless. People need to have more compassion. This could happen to anyone.
yeah honestly its scary how life can change in a flash
i dont think most people really wanna think about that reality
insurance.
Yes! This happened to me and my family, we lost everything! We had to wait so long for insurance to pay out so we were “living” out of motels for so long. Not too soon after my father fell ill and couldn’t work anymore. My mother tried to make ends meet by working 12hr shifts cleaning office buildings. Obviously it wasn’t enough to sustain a family of four. Wish ppl wouldn’t be so quick to judge, homelessness can happen to anyone.
I'm so sorry to hear about his situation. I hope the government does something for people like him. Wishing him the best 🙏
@@xxxzzz9327not everyone can afford dat n it doesn’t cover everything. In Cali a lot of insurance companies won’t cover fire or earthquakes or Otha shi. Y u look down on people less fortunate than u? I’m blessed to have my whole family n they support me but I don’t think dat makes me better than no one else. Tbh people who have struggled through their whole life are probably much better and stronger people than me. U think everyone dats homeless just deserves it?
He's been living a tough life all his life. I pray for him to find his mother and live a happy life in his remaining years. He deserves to be respected and loved just like everyone else
When I walk through Seoul Station it breaks my heart seeing this. Especially in the winter when it's freezing.
That was a huge shock for me when I went to Korea ☹️
This was a great interview! It's unfortunate how people can make assumptions about those who fallen on hard times. I can't imagine what it's like to homeless, but I'm sure it takes a heavy toll on one's mind. People can be so cruel and selfish. I truly hope this gentleman can find a stable job, and get treatment for his arm. He was very polite and forthcoming. Thank you for treating him to lunch.
He still has hope and doesn't blame anyone. What a great person.
He seems so strong and humble. I really hope he will be able to find his mom and a job. For me whenever I see someone who is homeless I wonder how they got into that situation and feel sorry for them because I thing everyone has his/her own history and baggage to carry and treat other people with kindness regardless of their background. Personally I rarely give money but rather like to buy them something to eat or something cold to drink instead (during summer) (and there are people who are happy about this). I wish Mr. Weonsang Seong all the best.
Homelessness is a problem in any country and I just wish there was more sympathetic people or government programs focused at rehabilitation and long term sustainability given each circumstances each face. Hearing the heartbreaking portion was when vendors don’t let homeless in or buy even if they money… just treating each other with respect and dignity is what we can do as humans. His gratitude at a meal was so impactful, like inspired to help those in Asia and my home country. His hope and gratitude is just so heart warming and inspiring to be also thankful for your own blessings.
Absolutely Agree and you expressed this beautifully 👍🏻💌
👌
There's no homelessness in Norway. They basically solved it. Other than that, I agree with your statements 👍
Most ex-socialist countries solved that. But they no longer exist tho
Some homeless people still choose to live on street despite of the aid given to them
I hope that grandma living in the basement unit is okay after the floods in seoul, I keep thinking about her
which grandma?
I was thinking about her as well. Thank you for remembering her and mentioning it here. I hope Asian Boss would notice your comment and give us an update!
@@chappyllama4445 the grandma collecting cardboard to sell to the junkshop for less than $1.
She's so old and could barely walk with her curb back 😔
I really hope things get better for him Its so sad to hear. He seems to be a really kind Man and I hope he can finde his Mother 🙏🏻
Yun Jee - you handled that with great compassion and respect. Made me tear up. And Weonsang has such courage and took full responsibility for his situation and just wants to find his Mom. Very good hearted and solid man. Much respect to the both of you. Thank you for your efforts and for taking Weonsang for a meal!!
Really love this interviewer girl. This respect and kindness made me cry
Same
This man has such a lovely soul. He deserves nothing but good things to come.
Hurts to see our elders left in the streets due personal circumstance just wish government would step in and help or other organizations to help them.
You do it
@@jinchuriki7022 how about you?? No be rude!!
@@jinchuriki7022 one accident and you may be in this poor man’s situation, better count your blessings
Before government and organization, it's people and the community
If the people perpective not changing, the government can idle as much as they want because they know no one going to called them out for their injustice/ unfair treatment
The indifference of korea citizen is something terrible and they will face judgment for it
I hope this precious human is able to find his mother.
0% Homelessness in some Nations
is something to look into. Second-Thought covered Homelessness and
HOW TO END IT (yes, no kidding), sooo?
Tearing up as expected this is an issue i hold close to my heart, and like someone else said it's doubly painful when it's someone who is elderly in this position. I'm happy he still has his drive and the will to put himself where he knows he should be. Often it's not about the worldly wants/possessions its simply about the desire to feel something that's real, in a world that over time is losing what it even means to unconditionally express love for another individual. Thank You Asian Boss again for the selflessness, this documentation is more important than anything that can be expressed with words.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. When I originally saw the title I felt uncomfortable because homelessness is one of those things that people don't want to face sometimes (just like the man mentioned about people wanting to keep their distance), but I clicked and am glad I watched, because it's important for everyone to be heard and looked at like a human being just like everyone else. Thank you for another touching video that helps put life into perspective.
Visited Seoul recently and was so shocked at the amount of homeless people especially around Seoul station. So sad no one deserves to be homeless.
Seoul got flooded recently right?? Omgg hope they are well and treated by their govt.
Well i've travelled pretty much around the globe and I still feel like Korea has one of the less homeless than most other countries, however I do find that korean homeless are mostly aged compared to other nations. What you've seen in Seoul station is kinda extreme case because most of the homeless people tend to live in seoul station
배그ᄂ철 I have also traveled around the world to many places and I thought Korea had quite a lot of homeless people and also quite a lot of elderly people in poverty especially older woman sitting on the floor selling fruit and vegetables. Still Korea is a great place to visit as a tourist I just think after living here for 2 years it’s not the ideal place to live and bring up a family.
I saw once that Asia have a lot of eldery homeless because in some countries they cant retire with a salary, so they need the children to provide for them.
Yunjee just seems like the kindest person, the way she was politely and kindly asking questions and you could see the emotion on her face, really warmed my heart. Really good reporting. I think finding his mum would be difficult people underestimate how difficult it can be to find a parent if they have been given up to adoption and might not even want to be contacted. I just hope he find a job, I think he's the type of homeless that would really do great once he has a job :)
Im crying because no one should ever be without a home in any country. Developed counties have the capability to do something about it 💔
I would love to take him out for lunch or dinner. He's so sweet. My heart goes out to him. I also hope he gets to meet his mom one day. It would be great if asian boss could reunite them together.
3:58 brought tears in my eyes. He didn't even need any material things. What he needed was a mother's love. This is so touching 😢😢😢
Thanks!
I used to live in a goshiwon next to Seoul station. During the nighttime, many homeless people would break into the goshiwon to use the shower and toilet. If they couldn’t get in, they would sleep and defecate in the stairwell of the building. It wasn’t nice, but I could never blame these people. If you get divorced in Korea and you have no family and a low-paying job, it’s so difficult to raise the money for an apartment deposit in Seoul. Many local people look down on the homeless because many Koreans have worked their way out of extreme poverty themselves since the 1970s, and they simply think that everyone needs to work hard like them. However, not everything in life goes to plan, and it’s only when you’re homeless that you truly can understand how hard a life it is.
If you divorce you automatically have low paying job? What if you have high paying job ?
And if you have low paying job you should not get married in first place
☹️
I hope he finds his mother 🙏🏻 .
Man has a big and warm heart 🥺 .
I really felt bad for him and others :(
Thank you for your efforts in bringing awareness about various social issues. I had seen a short documentary about poverty in South Korea which highlighted
the plight of the elderly so I am cognizant about the homeless situation however this episode in itself was heartfelt. Everyone deserves food, shelter and love.
Please help him find his mom.
Congratulations to the interviewer, it is one of the best videos I have seen on Asian Boss, it has changed the way I see the homeless, I think that one way to change the treatment of them is to greet them when passing by them. I have been living in Jinju for 5 months and haven't had a chance to see any yet. But I certainly will when the opportunity presents itself. You have to show empathy.
This is heartbreaking.. someone give this man a job. It’s not because his arm is hurt that it means he can’t do anything
Love this man, his eyes and his way of talking are so honestly.
0% Homelessness in some Nations
is something to look into. Second-Thought covered Homelessness and
HOW TO END IT (yes, no kidding), sooo?
He is so well spoken and kind hearted. I hope he finds the help he needs and gets to reunite with his mother.
Were you guys able to help him with the search for his mother? Really curious to learn where his life is at now after the pandemic. Hope he is doing good and healthy, it was heart wrenching to see him feeling so outcasted to the point he felt grateful just to be able to sit down and eat with “normal” people as he said.
This is one the BEST that I have watched on Asian Boss - and they're all good. The interviewer was respectful and compassionate, and the gentleman maintained his human dignity and was forthright with answers. Thank you for the insight.
Beautiful content, thank you Asian Boss, this channel is one of a kind ❤️
I hope he can get in contact with his mom someday!
This video also brought up another issue that I was first surprised to notice when I started watching Kdramas. Mothers abandoning their children. Both issues seem to be in need of addressing.
What an honest man, didn't ask for anything and didnt blame anyone for his condition. Only thing he want to find his mother, what a guy
This is very inspirational and also an eye-opener for all of us. Thank you Asian Boss for sharing this story. We will pray for you Mr. Weongsang Seong and hope that you'll be able to find your mother and reunite with her again.
“I just want to find my mother “
I want to do something good before I die but they don’t even want to take my eyes”
These lines broke my heart💔
The interviewer was very thoughtful and gracious.
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I feel sad watching these videos. But they remind me of how everyone has a story and everyone just wants to receive basic respect and dignity from others. I hope the first man finds his mother ):
It touched me when he said he doesn't need anything for himself except to get to see his mother! Hope and pray he gets what he wished for. 🙏🙏🙏
I cried with this video. I have seen the other guy in the video who was in the hat waiting for this interview guy.
I’m a volunteering member for homeless people of Seoul station. We walk around Seoul station every Sunday evening for 2hours and feed them. The volunteering members are international who love Korea and wanna help Korean homeless. Thank you for ppl who made this video to see the hope of homeless who survive on the street.
And I think the cases of Korea homeless are different to other countries. Koreans who kicked out from family due to the mental health issue or escaped from family due to violence become homeless. Of course , There were some who failed in their business. That is what I heard from them long time ago. Anyway, there is a Shelter and help center “다시 서기”(means Stand again)at the Seoul station 2, You guy can help them if you have any chance.
Pues el país en donde vivo (México) no está tan alejado de la realidad que usted comenta. Las causas por las que, se vuelven indigentes son las mismas, desde problemas de salud mental, hasta problemas de drogas y alcohol. En edades desde jóvenes y adultos así como el señor de la entrevista; la diferencia sería en cómo viven, me refiero a que, en Corea hay lugares donde les dan la oportunidad de asearse, aquí no.
Es una pena que, un país tan avanzado, esté con ese tipo de problemas que, uno no se imagina.
Saludos. ✌️🇲🇽
Thank you for your kindness. ❤
I hope there will be more people like you.
Thank you for your work.
Hi there, I'm living in Korea and near Seoul station. It breaks my heart every time I pass by and see rows of homeless people always thinking of how I can help and how I can join some sort of volunteering group. If it's okay with you, can I join? Would love to help in any way I can.
What a sweet gentle soul. Wishing him the best in his pursuit of a job.
I remember going to Korea when I was younger and seeing homeless people by the subway asking for change. I didn't think much of it cause I was little then. This video reminded me again to never judge a book by it's cover. Judge one by their journey instead.
What a sweet man! He seems so genuine. I really hope things will change for him. Is there anything we can do to help him, Asian Boss?
The man in the interview has a very kind face. "I cannot blame anyone else for my situation." "I just want to have a job, save a little money, and hopefully, find my mother." It is painful to witness a case of human suffering, it is not important if it is small or tragic.
Thankyou for This precious interview :)
Asian Boss staffs are really kind people; I really want to support them and thank them at the same time
i think the most touching moments was when he mentioned his mother and that he was grateful for eating in a restaurant...definitely more places to help the homeless is needed...i hope he has found a job and is able to find a place to live...thank you for sharing
Kudos to Asian Boss, high appreciation and respect to all your coverage and your team. You are the voice of the voiceless. Thank you for your passion for humanity, a good reminder to the society on what is the other side of reality on the ground. Please keep up your good work. Thank you indeed…
Such a good and very heart touching interview, thanks to asian boss, usually I don't comment but this video was extremely good and it is not just a video it's life of lot of people not only in Korea everywhere in the world. Lot of things to learn thanks thanks a lot
He so kind, i hope he can find his mom immediately.😭
the moment she said this is BEFORE the pandemic, I just wonder how this man's doing for life. It was way challenging even for ordinary people
What a kind generous man, regardless of being homeless, you have a beautiful soul, the people who are ignorant in Korea needs to understand homelessness and what it is all about, i wish you well and i do hope you find your mom, what a reunion that would be blessing to you :)
Thank you Asian Boss. It's a global crisis that more and more people are winding up in. Life can suddenly take a drastic turn.
The lady interviewing did it so kindly and respectfully 💕
This is how real Koreans look without Plastic Surgery
Thank you for doing this interview, it touched my heart and the guy was positive although he had been doing it tough for an extended period. I hope the interview spreads awareness and compassion. I noticed how lovely the interviewer was and I hope the man she interviewed got given work. Thank you.
Hoping someone shows this to his mother and reconnects them.
this part where she buys him a meal is heartwarming. I was homeless before and when someone bought me food or told me just get whatever you want, I about cried, I did that to a homeless once and you can see the light in their eyes. It may be a meal but to some it's a gift that comes rarely.
❤️
This is such a great interview to break the stigma of being homeless. It also makes me appreciate everything I have right now. The "gangsters" are the true lowlifes for stealing from the homeless. He has such positive outlook and I wish him all the best.
I dont understand how so many elders can be in such poverty in SK when koreans have such a culture that they should respect their elders. I hope South Korea will take care of their elders and homeless people can have a decent life
I hope you dont misunderstand, the intro to the video said its an issue, not that homelessness is prevalent in SK. The rate of homelessness in SK is among the lowest of any country.
Globalization
In any country, you take care of YOUR elders, not every random elder on the street. It's sad that this man couldn't get any workers' compensation or anything because he was working on some shady ship. He's amazingly centered for someone's who's been on the streets for 6 years.
@@JosiahPayne8 i think u misunderstand. I am talking about poverty among elders and thats very prevelent in SK
@@JosiahPayne8 exactly!!
So heart breaking to hear his story. He is such a kind, gentle man. I wish people can just pause and take a moment to show kindness to those like him.
OMG,,,, IF YOU ARE WELL OFF SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD (PLEASE) TAKE THIS POOR SOUL IN,,,,,
HE IS A GOOD MAN....( and I am sure many like him around as well)....AT LEAST GIVE HIM A GOOD LIFE UNTIL HIS NATURAL ENDING.....( hire him as a gardener and allow him to work 2 hr/day but no more)..
It jsut broke my heart when he mentioned he wants to FIND HIS MOM... after so many years he still miss her.....THAT IS SAD AND SAD.,......
PLEASE HELP HIM.... because I cannot.....( if put my hands on a big sum of money I will be active to help people like him).....
He's so humble and the interviewer is lovely. I hope he gets what he's looking for and I'm glad to see he has friends for company and support.
I keep on learning the importance of accessibility and opportunities for those who are disabled or injured. Most people forget that disability can happen to them too, at any time in their lives.
Awesome episode, tugs at your heart strings and also shows us why we fail as a society to address the needs of the vulnerable and weak.
pls do a followup on this great story
Ahjussi, do not worry, opportunities will come to you, you are a good person. Just work what you can and you will have your own place soon.
In the end... that's all anyone really wants. To be accepted. To be loved. To be treated with respect and kindness.
Thank you so much Asian Boss for sharing this content!
I loved this interview so much!
He did not ask for more than enough. Much respect and hope his dreams come true🙏🏻
People who live without a home have been through terrible things in their past. I don't get how people can look at those suffering and see them as disgusting. I hope that we can strive to help the individuals who are out there trying their hardest to find jobs and get off the streets.
0% Homelessness in some Nations
is something to look into.
That “Can I be honest?” remark hits so different.
Moving videos. Thank your for giving a voice to homeless people 🙏🌷🌷
OMG! This is so sad, I hope he can find his mom...please if anyone can help...
I cried when he said his momma left him and looks like he thought she'd come back❤️
Weonsang is a such a nice and humble person. I was touched when he said ' I want to see my mother ' . In such problematic circumstances his first desire is his family. That shows family is the most important thing for a person. Not money, not luxuries of life.
I wish he find his mother soon❤stay strong💪
I love nice, innocent, pure, harmless, and honest koreans 🐴 2:12 he seems like a very decent guy 🦃
To have this strong faith and hope in his situation tells a lot about his golden heart.
마음이 아프네요.. 한번도 이런분들의 목소리를 들어본적이 없었어요
He shouldnt blame himself. He said he was injured at work and is now handicapped essentially. I don't understand how Korean law works but in the US I think he would get money from either the employer or government
He is a great person and i wish with all my heart that he has found his mother through the community. we are all human beings who need respect and love.
OMG I can't hold my tears up when he said "even though I wanted to do something good before I die they said no" I can't believe that there's somebody that so mean to others human being. 😭😭😭😭😭
That is an amazing interview! I hope this man gets settled in a little place of his own with his friend too.
His story breaks my heart.
What a gentle and handsome person! I hope he finds his mother, a job and stability.
I hope someone would help him and the other homeless people as well, this is so heartbreaking to watch but he still does not lose hope