25-year-old Vietnamese graduate dies after hiding during South Korea immigration raid
 

Vu Tu Anh, a 25-year-old Vietnamese graduate from Keimyung University, reportedly died after hiding during an immigration raid in South Korea while working at a factory. Anh was in the country on a D-10 job-seeking visa, which allows limited job search activities but prohibits manual labor like factory work. She had taken the job to cover living expenses amid intensified immigration crackdowns ahead of the APEC summit in late October.

Foreign graduates in South Korea face difficulty securing full-time employment under the E-7 skilled worker visa due to narrow job classifications and a shortage of eligible positions. Many turn to manual labor, where jobs are more available. Activists have criticized visa policies as flawed and restrictive, arguing that they place foreign students in vulnerable situations. Labor and migrant rights groups have called for investigations and reforms following Anh’s death.

South Korea’s foreign student population has grown rapidly, surpassing 305,000 in August 2025, with Vietnamese students representing the largest group. Experts suggest that more flexible work rights for foreign graduates in essential industries could help prevent similar tragedies. Anh’s father urged the government to investigate her death thoroughly and ensure that foreign students and immigrants are not disadvantaged by restrictive visa policies.

Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/25-year-old-vietnamese-graduate-dies-after-hiding-during-south-korea-immigration-raid-4995520.html

Comprehension

Who was Vu Tu Anh, and what visa was she on when she stayed in South Korea?
Why is the D-10 visa restrictive for foreign graduates like Anh?
What do labor activists and the Migrants’ Trade Union say about Anh’s death?
How many foreign students were in South Korea as of August 2025, and which nationality was the largest group?
What solutions have experts suggested to prevent similar tragedies for foreign graduates?

Discussion

Should foreign students be allowed to work in more types of jobs while studying or searching for work? Why or why not?
How might restrictive visa policies affect the safety and well-being of foreign graduates?
What responsibilities should a government have to protect foreign students and immigrants?
How could companies balance hiring foreign workers without affecting domestic employment?
Do you think Anh’s death could lead to meaningful policy change? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

Visa – an official document allowing someone to enter or stay in a country.
Crackdown – strict enforcement of rules or laws.
Flawed – having mistakes or weaknesses.
Prohibit – to formally forbid something by law or rule.
Vulnerable – in a position where one is likely to be harmed or affected negatively.