So true, Theo.
Consulates in Korea refuse to get involved in matters relating to the hagwon business.
Regardless of the issue, be it health care for a life threatening illness or unpaid wages, assaults or any kind of harassment, the only way I could win was by sending a powerful Korean friend to speak for me.
I was fortunate to find a few very kind helpful Koreans who were embarrassed by the corruption and cruel ignorance of people in Ulsan. They wanted to improve the workplace for native English teachers but they complained that most members of the ESL community would not come forward. I will ad that the few of us who did, stood alone, our credibility shattered by powerful Koreans who remained partners in crime, and by well paid ESL teachers who sold us out.

The Korean woman who helped my case against T&J told me there were many teachers in my situation, but they always leave before anything can be done. Given Theos experience, thats understandable. I stayed and did my share but came out of it pretty battered and I stopped because nobody within the ESL community seemed to care. Without powerful Koreans within the Administration willing to block the corruption and break the language barriers used to falsely incriminate foreigners who turn to authorities for help, attempts to obtain remedy are a waste of time and money because of the bias against foreigners.
When a court accepts a false statement in Korean that the victim was ordered to sign and stated over her signature that she could not read the statement, its safe to conclude that a foreign teacher will never get a fair hearing in such an environment. I would expect that in North Korea but I was dismayed to see it in the South where the population of native English teachers is notable. But then, they are family; they are ALL Koreans

As for access to medical records, in my case against Ahil, the Hospital in Ulsan happily released, to the defendants lawyer my entire medical history, most of which was totally irrelevant to the charges of wrongful dismissal against Ahil. The Hospital released that information behind my back, without my knowledge!! Without my approval, without my authorization!! Yet that same Hospital now will not send my medical file to me nor to my doctor. Go figure! A few bucks or a case of juice goes a long way, I suppose.
And yes, some Korean doctors do lie, and they lie in Korean, so if you dont understand, you cant defend yourself. Korean medical specialists are very good, but the young residents are fools who routinely misdiagnose and they love to practice on foreigners.

And while I am logged in here: Advocate, who are you and where are you? You can send me a private message at learning77@hotmail.com