A Call for Support: Navigating Online Attacks as a Photographer in Ulsan

As many of you know, my journey as a photographer in Ulsan has been filled with joy, creativity, and a deep connection to this beautiful community. However, I now find myself facing a challenging and painful situation that I feel compelled to share with you.

Since April 2024, I have been the target of relentless attacks on Reddit, specifically within the r/Ulsan community. What started as a few negative comments has escalated into a troubling pattern of harassment from individuals who seem determined to undermine my work and passion. They have created multiple fake accounts to disparage my photography, critique my classes, and even take aim at my grammar. While I typically welcome constructive criticism, this feels more like an assault on my character and dedication.

At first, I tried to brush it off. After all, not everyone will appreciate my photography, and that’s okay. But as the months passed, the insults began to take a toll on my mental well-being. I’ve found myself drawn into a cycle of frustration, even retaliating at times, which is not the person I strive to be. The anonymity of Reddit allows these individuals to hide in the shadows, making it difficult to address this situation directly.

These attacks seem to come at the most challenging moments in my life. Both my mother and brother are currently battling cancer, which weighs heavily on my heart. Just recently, while hurrying to the hospital to check on my father-in-law after he suffered a massive stroke, I received messages criticizing my photos as “overexposed” and “amateur.” It was incredibly disheartening to encounter such negativity during a time when I was in desperate need of support and positivity.

In response, I have reported these accounts to Reddit in hopes of curbing this behavior, but it feels like a never-ending battle. One particularly confrontational interaction left me shaken when the individual expressed outright disdain for my work, stating they “genuinely hate” my photography. It’s difficult to fathom such strong negativity directed at someone simply trying to share their art and connect with the community.

So, what can I do? I’m contemplating reaching out to my contacts in the Ulsan police department, though I fear they might see this as a trivial matter. But as this continues, I feel increasingly isolated and in need of support.

This is where I turn to you, my loyal followers and friends. I’m reaching out to ask for your help. If you have any information about the individuals behind these attacks, or if you can lend your support in any way—whether that’s by leaving a kind comment on my posts or simply spreading positivity in our community—it would mean the world to me.

I believe in the power of community, and I know that together we can foster a more supportive and uplifting environment. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being a part of my journey. Your encouragement has always inspired me to keep creating, and I hope we can navigate this challenge together.