Projects
Persons of Special Merit
LEE Jong Eun
- Korea
- 90min
- DCP
Synopsis
A family of “Special Contributors” from Afghanistan live in Block 1 of an old apartment complex in Ulsan.
The family members range in age from the elderly to a newborn and from elementary school to university students.
The breadwinners of the family used to work in a hospital, but now struggle to make ends meet working in a heavy industry factory.
The children in elementary, middle and high school now speak Korean quite well, have made friends, and are enjoying school life, but they also feel frustrated by the minor and larger discriminations they face.
With the prospect of having to vacate their apartment next February, will this family be able to continue their lives in Korea?
Meanwhile, their neighbors are divided between those who are petitioning and rallying against them and those who are showing support, solidarity and comfort.
Will they be able to integrate into Korean society? Are we ready to accept them as our neighbors?
Review
In 2021, 391 “Special Contributors” who worked for the South Korean military and government in Afghanistan arrived in Korea with their families. 2 years later, more than 150 of them from 29 families have settled in Ulsan, forming their own diaspora.
However, they endure discrimination and are ostracized for being Muslims and refugees.
Through their stories, it will be examined whether we are actually ready to be good neighbors to the strangers around us.
Director
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LEE Jong Eun