Context
Korean War and United States Military Occupation
Immediately after Korea was liberated from Japan’s annexation in 1945, Korea became a battleground in the United States and Soviet Union’s power struggle. As a result, in 1948, Korea was divided into two political entities—South Korea, supported by the United States, and North Korea, a communist government supported by the Soviet Union. During the Korean War (1950-1953), the second wave of Korean immigrants moved to America.
Racist attitudes against African Americans were taught to Korean citizens during the United States military occupation after the Korean War in the 1950s.
The United States military presence in South Korea solidified the racial hierarchy for South Koreans. For example, they witnessed the segregated restaurants between the Black and white soldiers.
Additionally, the misrepresentation of African Americans in the media perpetuated negative stereotypes and this became a reality for Korean immigrants after they moved to the United States. The poor social and economic conditions, as seen with high crime and drug rates among the Black community, proved that these stereotypes were correct. These experiences directly contributed to their perception of race in the United States.