Navigating Discrimination: Experiences and Recommendations of Korean Americans in the Deep South during COVID-19

Background and Purpose: Amidst a significant surge in discrimination and hate incidents against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a concerning decline in their mental health, there remains a crucial lack of understanding regarding the experiences of Korean Americans, notably in the Deep South. Against this backdrop, this research aims to examine the various forms and locations where such discrimination manifests, explore associated protective and risk factors, and propose recommendations to mitigate Asian discrimination in the United States (U.S.).

Methods: Cross-sectional data, both quantitative and qualitative, were collected via a Qualtrics survey from 355 Korean Americans in the Deep South between January and April 2023. The quantitative analysis centered on discrimination status during COVID-19 as the dependent variable, while independent variables were categorized into five dimensions: sociodemographic (e.g., age, gender, employment), immigration-related (e.g., immigration status, English proficiency), interpersonal (e.g., social support), health-related (e.g., depression, adverse childhood experiences), and COVID-related factors (e.g., vaccination status, COVID-19 diagnosis). Descriptive statistics were employed to delineate participants by discrimination status and to identify the forms and locations of discrimination. Bivariate analyses assessed differences based on discrimination status, while logistic regression examined the relationships between discrimination and risk/protective factors. Additionally, qualitative responses gathered via an open-ended survey question offered recommendations for alleviating Asian discrimination in the US, which were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Out of 355 participants, 215 (61%) reported no discrimination, while 140 (39%) acknowledged experiencing it. The average age was 40, with balanced gender representation, and over 70% were employed and in a partnership. Additionally, nearly three-fourths held a bachelor’s degree or higher, while less than 30% were U.S. citizens. Among the 145 participants who reported discrimination, various forms were noted, including poorer service (55%), verbal attacks (32%), COVID-19 accusations (28%), and being told to 'go back to your home country' (26%). Discrimination occurred in multiple locations, notably streets (40%), public spaces (37%), and restaurants/grocery stores (30%), as well as workplaces (15%) and online spaces (12%). The analysis revealed that older age was negatively associated with discrimination (OR=0.958, p=0.004), while higher adverse childhood experiences were positively linked to discrimination (OR=1.185, p=0.002). Additionally, participants' suggestions for addressing discrimination in the US were explored through the socioecological model, spanning individual, relational, community, and societal levels.

Conclusions and Implications: This study sheds light on the complex landscape of discrimination experienced by Korean Americans in the Deep South amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the prevalence of racial discrimination and its associations with age and adverse childhood experiences. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, particularly for younger adults and those with higher ACEs. Recommendations based on the socioecological model advocate for multi-level strategies such as ethnic identity development, civic engagement, and promoting fair social interactions. Key implications include strengthening anti-discrimination policies, raising public awareness, providing culturally responsive mental health services, and fostering interethnic collaboration. Further research is needed to examine the long-term effects of discrimination and assess intervention effectiveness for Asian Americans in the Deep South.