South Korean media has begun using the term ugly Koreans to describe those whose
behavior in foreign countries is disorderly or shameful.
This includes the rising number of South Koreans caught buying sex in Southeast
Asian countries.
The government is planning to forbid their departure for some period if their
misdeeds in foreign countries, such as illegal acts or shameful conduct, are
reported to us, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said
this week.
Last July, for example, a Vietnamese television station aired a story on the
arrest of 28 South Koreans in a single day for attempting to buy sexual
services.
Current law prevents people from departing South Korea for a maximum period of
three years if they are deported from a foreign country for breaking the law.
The proposed change is likely to draw protests from human rights groups, the newspaper said.
