S. Korea Career Advice: Sex Harassment Is Cool, Ladies

This, courtesy of a government ministry
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 18, 2014 4:26 PM CST
S. Korea Career Advice: Sex Harassment Is Cool, Ladies
South Korea's Labor Ministry might want to re-think its career advice for women.   (Shutterstock)

The country that brought us very wide and pink women-only parking spots is now offering up a little career advice for the ladies: As the Korea Herald reports, South Korea's Labor Ministry—yes, the government body tasked with matters pertaining to its workforce—offered up some presumably well-intentioned tips for job seekers of the female persuasion, including "ideal answers" to interview questions. A few highlights:

  • On sexual harassment: "I wouldn’t mind casual jokes about sex and it is sometimes necessary to deal with (sexual harassment) by making a joke in return."

  • On marriage: "I have no interest in getting married for a while," even if she does have a trip down the aisle planned. The reason? "It is common for (many) female workers to quit their jobs after getting married."
  • On having kids: "Although I have a responsibility as a woman to raise a child, I am more than willing to continue working (after having a baby) if the company recognizes (my abilities)."
  • On sweating the small stuff: "I will do my very best even if it is just making a single cup of coffee."
In response, the Korean National Council of Women helpfully points out that not only is it "sexist of any employer to ask only women about their plans on marriage and child bearing," but that the Labor Ministry is in effect "encouraging employers to discriminate against women." And the Korea Times writes that "we are at a loss for words how a government agency, which should take the lead in eliminating sexual harassment and discrimination at workplaces, could offer such obviously sexist guidelines." Or, as Jezebel puts it: "Ladies, be chill about sexual harassment." (More South Korea stories.)

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