I’ve enjoyed some teaching I’ve done in the past but really have no interest in encountering America-bashing ROK citizens — I’m sure any defense of my country & government that I might make to them would only confirm such Koreans in their belief in American “barbarism”. Thus my sardonic comment over my head still being on my shoulders, a reference to a traditional Oriental method of punishment for “barbarians”, currently being revived (to much popular acclaim) in Iraq & Saudi Arabia.

So — I might as well embrace right now my inevitable designation as a “barbarian”, adding it to my titles (along with “King Chickenhawk”, bestowed by you on behalf of Canada).

Chalk up my reluctance, if you like, to me being too “chicken”, and hug that admission to your chest with delight. No doubt it will reinforce even further your ecstasy over one of your greatest blogging triumphs.

Cluck, cluck, Chickenhawk!

I love this phrase; even though I’ve never been to Korea (& probably never will) I could see myself as a potential member of the pool.

When I sneak a peak at the cheesecake photos often posted here (& make sardonic comments about the ROK) I could be described as a “leering sneering member of the barbarian talent pool”. As such, I feel my head each day when I wake up, to make sure it is still affixed to my shoulders.

Exactly. That is what is illegal. The article clearly states, it was the recruiters who got busted for fraud, not the teachers. The English papers do a very poor job articulating information and this is one perfect example. It makes it sound like a bunch of foreign animals got caught for trying to teach English.

The recruiters charged exorbitant fees to teachers who got hired and exorbitant rates to schools. The recruiters misrepresented the teachers. They claimed their teachers were experienced teachers, when they weren’t at all. Frankly, I don’t think not enough of arrests like this are done to clean up the hagwon industry. This industry is begging to be reformed, better regulated, and the laws enforced.

Korea changes all-too-rapidly in most areas; at the Holidays it’s heartwarming to know that nothing has changed in THIS familiar aspect…

> and the whole affair has revealed some serious flaws in the way in which schools hire their foreign staff.

Revealed…? Is there anyone here who didn’t know all about this ongoing fiasco many years ago…?

Korean schools are desperate for native speakers (and generally don’t give a rat’s ass about their abilities or qualifications). Some dude found native speakers (and did not give a rat’s ass about their abilities or qualifications). This could be the lamest non-crime I have run across in Korea in recent memory.

The fee thing seems rather strange — I know several folks who do the exact same thing, but the standard is to charge 1-2 million won/teacher flat out. I have never heard of people giving 40% of their salaries to a headhunter.