In the case of Korea you also have to take geopolitics into account. America's military presence makes a weird hierarchy. Several GIs have literally gotten away with murder. But even if you're a white civilian you get get deported just for a fist fight.

Something I hadn't considered before I went to Korea was the difference that various East Asians are viewed there. In retrospect it's not too surprising, but still quite a shock coming from the States. There's an intense anti-Japanese sentiment, and yet a grudging respect. Whereas Chinese, Filipinos and SE Asians aren't very highly regarded, but also not hated.

There's also the subtle colorism in Korea. Fair skin is supposedly more beautiful. I'm sure this effects a lot of people there on an unconscious level.

Every so often there's TEFL job listings that explicitly say "whites only" need apply. I'm rather encouraged that so many white expats have spoken up about it. It's still so strange to me that someone from Asian descent is automatically not considered a "real" American/Canadian/etc. And they'll get laughed at for not speaking 100% perfect Korean whereas whites sometimes get praised for saying 안녕하세요.