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Writer's pictureZoey Ryu

Mujtaba Ibrahim

Updated: Aug 24, 2019

'I'm Korean-born Sudanese. But I feel neither fully Korean nor fully Sudanese, even though I speak both Korean and Arabic.'


I can spend forever listening to Mujtaba tell stories (the way he mixes Korean, Arabic, and English into his story-telling is absolutely masterly!). I admire his ability to turn a bitter experience into a funny story, which effectively helps his audience understand his racial struggle in Korea (and his cultural struggle in Sudan) through humor. I am so glad I ran into him at Halal Guys in Itaewon after school, because this is a friendship I can't wait to see burgeon.

 

Where did you grow up? Which cultures do you identify with?


"I was born on February 13th, 2001 in South Korea. My whole life I've grown up in South Korea, so I was blessed with an early exposure to a multitude of cultures. I identify with three cultures, which are Korean culture, 'Western' culture, and Sudanese Culture."



How do you answer the question, 'Where are you from?'


"This question was always an easy question to answer for me as I always said, 'Sudan.'"



Which country is 'home' to you currently?


"I still don't know what my home country is. I grew up here my whole life so I sometimes tend to think South Korea, but I am not Korean and nor did I perfect the language. [Editorial note: He's completely fluent and is just being modest.] I would say Sudan but I have never lived there. I only stay there for 2 months every year and I haven't perfected the Arabic language either, so I guess for now I don't have a country that I can call my home."


What do people find most surprising about you?


"There are many things that people find surprising about me. Back in Sudan, I am an outsider. The people there always try to test my 'Sudaneseness.' They poke at me to see if I know Sudanese slang or to see if I can fight back. In Korea, whenever I ask for directions in Korean, people are always shocked. I remember I asked a woman for directions and she got scared and jumped. Eventually, she calmed down and told me where to go, but I will forever remember that day as an interesting experience."



What is it like being black in Korea and speaking Korean fluently?


"Being black in Korea is definitely an unforgettable experience. There were many great and bad experiences. Some great ones are when I get to talk to random people on the subway and through that openness, I learn about their stories. Some bad experiences would be when I overhear what others say about me and my friends. I always hear 'why are they here,' or 'these stupid blacks.' I always act as if I don't hear them. But one day I got ticked off so I confronted one of them and they were left speechless."



What has been the most difficult part about being a third culture individual and how do you cope with that?


"The most difficult part is that I am never fully accepted anywhere. In Korea, I'm not considered Korean due to my skin color. I always get looks whether it be in the subway or in the streets. Back in Sudan, I am not accepted because I don't know the culture fully and because I haven't mastered the language. Even within the community, me not supposedly being Sudanese is always the butt of the joke."


What advice do you have for other third culture individuals?


"Don't work too hard trying to determine who you are. It will eventually come to you and when it does, you will truly know where you belong."

 

Thank you, Muji, for this educational interview. 07.25.19

Interview from Seoul. Parts of this interview have been edited for clarity and/or as points of correction from the interviewee.

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