Sunday, August 18, 2019

uh-oh

Could I be conscripted by the ROK military? My friend Young Chun has the scoop on a new conscription law that may be targeting male F4-visa holders. Based on Young's post, it would seem that men aged 40 or younger are the ones who really have to worry, but the whole affair seems confusing enough that even my 50-year-old self (well, I turn 50 at the end of August) might have problems renewing my F4, which for me happens in 2021.

I may have to dig through some paperwork to determine whether my mother was already a naturalized a US citizen in 1969, the year I was born.

UPDATE: Young replies to my worried comment at his blog:

Hey, Kevin. I’m sure you’re fine. You’re past the age where they will check. The same goes for my older brother. He’s past the age where it matters. You’re safe.

Also, I didn’t include it above, but this is also from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page:
– A child born overseas up to June 13, 1998, automatically follows their father’s country of citizenship



7 comments:

Charles said...

Yeah, you are way past the age where the Korean military would be interested in you. I'm pretty sure they don't draft fossils.

Kevin Kim said...

Yeah, yeah... have your laugh. But you'll be tumbling over the cliff of 50 yourself soon enough.

John Mac said...

Yeah, saw this on Young's blog too. It seems so over the top. Glad you are safe from induction.

Being over 50 isn't so bad. And sure as hell beats the alternative...

Charles said...

Yep, not too long before I hit the edge of that cliff, too. But until then, I will make the most of things.

Kevin Kim said...

C,

You're reminding me of the quote that was used as the opening title card in "Platoon."

Charles said...

Ecclesiastes 11:9, you mean? Yeah, that might start on a light note, but it ends on a bit of a downer: "...but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."

Kevin Kim said...

Ol' Uncle Qoheleth was a buzzkill.