In Korea, gangsters are known as “kkaekkae” or “kkangpae” (깡패). These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to members of organized crime syndicates, which are commonly known as “jangmi” (장미) or “jopok” (조폭) in Korean.
Korean gangsters have a long and complicated history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. During this time, Korea was occupied by Japan, and many Koreans turned to organized crime as a means of resisting Japanese rule. Gangs at this time were often formed around political or social causes, and were known for their violent tactics.
After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, many of these gangs continued to exist and evolve. They became more focused on criminal activities such as extortion, gambling, and prostitution, and began to establish themselves as more powerful and organized criminal syndicates.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Korean gangs expanded their operations to include drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. They also began to establish ties with organized crime groups in other countries, such as Japan and the United States.
Today, Korean gangsters continue to be a significant force in the country’s criminal underworld. They are known for their strict hierarchy and loyalty, and are often associated with violent crimes such as assault and murder.
The Korean government has taken steps to crack down on organized crime in recent years, with a number of high-profile arrests and crackdowns on gang activity. However, many argue that these efforts have not gone far enough, and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of gang activity and to provide support for those at risk of joining gangs.
In conclusion, Korean gangsters are known as “kkaekkae” or “kkangpae”, and are members of organized crime syndicates known as “jangmi” or “jopok”. They have a long and complicated history in Korea, with roots dating back to the early 20th century, and continue to be a significant force in the country’s criminal underworld today. While the Korean government has taken steps to crack down on organized crime in recent years, many argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of gang activity and to provide support for those at risk of joining gangs.