INTERVIEWWe Mexicans would say to Koreans 'No pasa nada'
By Dong Sun-hwa, Video by Lee Min-young "No pasa nada" is a Spanish phrase meaning "It is OK" or "Calm down." It is an epitome of Mexican spirit, according to Christian Burgos, a Mexican TV personality in Korea. "We use it all the time," Burgos said. "I think it represents our positivity even under tough situations." Likewise, he and his friend Martinez Rojas Luz Maria, the head of the Mexico Tourism Office in Korea, have been presenting a new view on Mexico for Koreans, dispelling Koreans' prejudices against the country and its people. The Korea Times recently spoke with the pair at a Mexican restaurant at Gwanghwamun, using English and Korean. The following are excerpts of an interview that ranges over many issues involving Korea and Mexico. Q. Many Koreans seem to have a misconception that Mexico is "dangerous," mostly due to security issues. What do you think about it? Burgos: It took me by surprise when I first came to Korea, because many Koreans mostly linked Mexico to the Mafia and thieves, thinking that the country is "too dangerous." I think the misconception has stemmed from the U.S.-made content that usually portrays Mexico and Mexicans in such a way. And Korea is "too safe" ― wherever people go, they would not feel that at risk. So Koreans seem to have more fear on Mexico, a country far away, although pickpockets can be found in most metropolises around the world. Maria: Mexico is a huge country, about 20 times bigger than Korea, and I want people to understand that those random events are not happening in the most important places in Mexico. Our most beautiful destinations are packed with travelers and they do not find any problems. We suggest people apply common sense. These random events can happen to anybody. We always try to let people know that they will have unforgettable experiences in Mexico, because Mexicans are very hospitable and passionate. In fact, the growth in the number of Korean travelers to Mexico has been amazing in six years ― this let us realize that Koreans' perception is actually changing. It will take more time, but I believe people like Burgos who speak Korean can talk about the reality of Mexico as promoters. Burgos: This is not easy because everything I say here is taken as a truth and will be generalized. Hence, I have to study all the time and try to be updated on the recent issues of Korea and Mexico to give answers when anybody asks me about them. Q. How would you describe Mexicans? Burgos: I would describe Mexican people as generous. We do not want others to feel bad about anything. That is why we sometime cannot say "no." We try to say things in "another way" so that people will not get hurt, and also try to be generous to foreigners that visit our country. We are also very energetic ― we have much energy from the morning to the night and dance all day. We love music, and we love Mexico. Our patriotism is so intense that when we visit another country, we always carry our Mexican flag, Mexican hat or something that represents our country. Q. How is the life of Mexican people? Is it stress-free? Is it competitive? Burgos: According to an OECD study, Mexico is the country with the longest working hours on average, followed by Korea that comes No.2. Many Mexicans work overtime, so we have our dinner very late at night. The problem is that we eat and then immediately fall asleep, since we have to get up early next morning and go to work. In my opinion, Mexico is not as competitive as Korea, but it has a dark side ― there is a term "Mexico crab," which describes our society. If one person achieves success, the others do not strive to catch up with him, but instead seek ways to "pull him back" and prevent him from making further progress. Q. Why did you first decide to come to Korea? Burgos: By accident, I saw a Korean entertainment show with Spanish subtitles on the internet and found it interesting because we do not have this kind of reality show in Mexico, except for dramas. The language used in the show (Korean) sounded pretty and I also wanted to have fun together. So I started to study Korean by myself at first, and then learn it at a language institute at the college. Later, I had a chance to work with Koreans for a year, so my language skill improved. Then I finally headed for Korea as a student who studies 3D animation. At first, I planned to stay for about six months. But I have ended up living here up to now. It is like a twist in my life that I have never expected but I love being here. I have been here for four years already and having a lot of fun. Maria: I never expected I would come to Korea, although I used to live in Taiwan for five years in the past. When I visited Mexico for a month after my days in Taiwan, people suddenly talked to me about the opening of the Mexican tourism office in Korea. (So I came here.) After being here for seven years, I realized Mexicans are very much like Koreans. We both appreciate food and love having fun ― we are just the same. Q. What did you find most surprising when you first came to Korea? Maria: (One of the things was) Koreans' respect of seniors. Seniors represent wisdom, experience, and they have got so much in their lives that we have to respect them. I love the fact that here in Korea seniors are sources of pride because of the country's history. Burgos: One of the things I found really hard was to sit on "Bangseok," the sitting cushion on the floor. We do not have it in Mexico, so it was hard to sit cross-legged on the floor at first. In addition, the towels that I have to use after taking a shower were too small. In Mexico, we usually have huge towels that we can wrap our body up in. Q. What is your opinion on plastic surgery issues in Korea? Burgos: I was surprised at first to see Koreans mostly having plastic surgery on their faces. In Latin America, people usually have it on their bodies. But I wish Koreans would not do surgery because they have attractiveness in their faces ― the way they are is beautiful from our perspectives. I saw some people trying to have double eyelids, but why?
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