Instapundit links to this article about the burgeoning interest in the study of Judaism apparently taking place in Korea.   Fascinating stuff and something I never really noticed during my time there.   I was more than aware of the seemingly ever expanding Christian influence as evidenced by a skyline filled with neon crosses, numerous mega-churches, and street missionaries with loud speakers.  Anyway, given the thousands of years that Korea has been locked in the vice between Japan and China and subject to frequent invasions and dominance from one of the other it’s perhaps understandable that they can relate to the historic plight of the Jews.

When I first saw the article I was reminded of a scene from the Showtime series Shameless.  One of the characters had written a term paper for a Korean-American high school student.  When the Korean kid attempted to negotiate a “discount” from the previously agreed upon price,  the frustrated American said “no wonder Koreans are called the Jews of Asia” to which the Korean indignantly replied “that’s racist!”.

Which in turn reminds me of the struggle I have had these past few months breaking Jee Yeun’s habit of always trying to negotiate a reduction on fixed prices here in the states.  She usually gets a blank stare when she makes that uniquely Korean hand gesture and says “price down–give me discount”.   Although to be fair, she did secure a reduced price on a new mattress set.  Maybe I should just shut up and let her utilize her all those Jewish Korean skills!