By Honorary Reporter Ana Isabel Ferrer Ramirez from Spain

Photo= Ana Isabel Ferrer Ramirez

Since 1966, the word "alien" has been used to designate registered foreign residents of Korea on their ID cards. This month, however, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to use a more neutral term given the negative connotations of the term.

Instead of the Alien Registration Card, the ministry has proposed the use of another name such as "Foreign National Card," "Foreign Residence Card" or simply "Residence Card" to make non-citizens living in the country feel more welcome. The forthcoming changes to not just the ID's name but also its design have created great expectations among expats.

The use of "alien" has been controversial for years, as the term was interpreted by the expat community as giving off an unwelcome feeling and being an outdated and offensive word.

Over time, the moniker was used by foreign residents with a sense of humor since practically all of us feel like beings from another planet soon after arriving in Korea. Comic profiles such as the Facebook group Grumpy Aliens Korea have emerged in social networks that relate to and show the difficulties non-Koreans face in the country with a touch of humor.

The ministry's planned deletion of the word has raised mixed feelings because expats can no longer say they are aliens with humor anymore, but can welcome a more inclusive term that makes Korea feel a little more like home to them.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.