Lee Geonju Speaks Out Against Racism
Actor and spiritual medium Lee Geonju recently shared a deeply personal story on the TV CHOSUN show Dad and Me, drawing attention to the painful issue of racism. He opened up about the experiences of his younger brother, Lee Geoncheol, who was adopted into a French family at a young age and endured racial discrimination growing up as an Asian in France.
Geoncheol was nicknamed "steamed rice"—a reference to a staple food in Asian culture—by local students who saw his ethnic background as something to mock. While to some it may sound harmless, it left lasting emotional wounds. Geonju used his platform to highlight not only the cruelty of such behavior but also the larger issues of racial prejudice that minority children face in Western societies.
Racism: A Wound Still Bleeding
The Lasting Damage
Racism isn’t just an outdated concept; for many, it’s a current reality. It disrupts lives, damages self-esteem, and creates long-lasting psychological trauma, especially for children. Lee Geoncheol’s story isn’t unique—it's part of a global pattern. Minorities often face ridicule, stereotyping, and alienation simply because of their background.
In the United States, the issue escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2021 report by The New York Times, hate crimes against Asians increased by 339% in major U.S. cities. Elderly Asians were attacked in public. Children were bullied in schools. It’s an ugly truth many would rather ignore, but ignoring only allows it to persist.
Why Education Matters
Changing societal behavior starts with education. When kids are taught early on to value differences and treat everyone with equal respect, we build more inclusive communities. Schools need programs that openly address racism, and parents must engage in meaningful conversations at home.
France and countries like Germany have laws penalizing hate speech. But legal measures alone aren’t enough. We need hearts to change as well as rules. That means culture and media also play a massive role.
The Power of Media and Storytelling
Movies like Hidden Figures and shows like Dear White People shine a light on the daily struggles faced by minorities. These stories create empathy, and empathy changes behavior. Lee Geonju’s decision to go public with his family's experience adds a fresh, international perspective to the conversation about racism. His recognition that silence can be complicity is a crucial step forward.
And it matters who tells the story. Hearing about racism from someone who’s lived through it—rather than an outsider—is powerful. It brings urgency and authenticity that can spark action.
The Law Is Not Enough
International laws, like the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, clearly prohibit racism. But paperwork and policies can’t speak out against a racist joke on a playground or a slur shouted on the subway. People can.
That’s why public figures like Lee Geonju stepping forward matters. He isn’t seeking sympathy; he's pushing for awareness. In doing so, he transforms pain into purpose. His act serves as a reminder: when one person shares their story, they may inspire thousands to finally speak up too.
What Can We Do?
As individuals, we each have power. We can correct hateful speech when we hear it. We can support community diversity initiatives. We can teach our children kindness, curiosity, and cultural humility (the ability to respect others’ traditions even when they are different from our own).
As a society, we must build safety nets—legal, educational, and social—for those who are targeted. Counseling programs, anti-bullying platforms, and visibility for minority voices in media all make a difference. But more than anything, we must care enough to act.
Racism thrives in silence. Let Lee Geonju’s story be a reminder: speaking up breaks that silence, and from silence, change begins.
