NEWSFLASH: besides people from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, no-one really cares about the difference between the two. Most people don't even really care about the Irelands at all.Realize that, and stop getting offended by it.
In my first ever week teaching here, I gave each class some time to ask any questions they had about me/my life before Korea etc.My CT asked: 'Are you considered handsome in your own country?'