Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WeakRider]

No hope.

[Mariner]

Korea's rules on compulsory military duty and definitions of those that are considered eligible are completely confusing and contradictory at times.

Unfortunately from what you have stated; if you did not formally relinquish Korean Dual Citizenship before the age of 18 you can not relinquish it until you serve in the Army.

The exemptions the consulate spoke of usually all involve you leaving the country every 6 months or not being able to work there.

Another thing I learned is that the consulate and visa people have no clue about who will be drafted. Whatever they say has no legal binding when they come to get you. The only agency charged with this is the Military Manpower Admin. They supercede everyone and it doesnt matter what passport you carry.

Check out their English website; http://www.mma.go.kr/eng/s_helpdesk/qna/index.html

[WeakRider]

Nevermind. Look below. Is there hope for me?

[SeoulFinn]

Interesting. I've never heard that hojeok decides whether someone is Korean citizen or not. (By the way, wasn't hojok system abolished few years ago?) As far as I understand, you should have at least U.S. citizenship because you were born in the U.S. (clip from wikipedia - US nationality law)

"In the case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898), the Supreme Court ruled that a person becomes a citizen of the United States at the time of birth, by virtue of the first clause of the 14th amendment of the Constitution, if that person is:

* Born in the United States
* Has parents that are subjects of a foreign power, but not in any diplomatic or official capacity of that foreign power
* Has parents that have permanent domicile and residence in the United States
* Has parents that are in the United States for business"

I think you must have an U.S. passport if you have visited Korea in the past. Looks like in the eyes of Korean officials you have two nationalities and not one. If this is the case, you should be able to revoke your Korean citizenship, avoid compulsory military service and get the job you want.

Notice: You have to understand that I'm not an expert and not even a citizen of either of the countries involved. I hope an expert will soon come along and give you the right answers.


EDIT: Oh, while I was typing someone answered already. Nothing to see here! ^^

[WeakRider]

No chance.

[hellofaniceguy]

You have a third option....and I'll be blunt on this, don't take it personal.....obviously, you are not military material in either country....yet, you want to work in another country...get their "benefits" because you're entitled to a F4, but don't want to serve in their military. I'm confused. You want it both ways....the benefits.....but on your terms....
Now, to be fair, I would not want to serve in the korean military nor do thousands of others ......
3rd option...don't work in korea! Wait until you have passed the age requirement...30 something...
I know of many guys in your situation...born in the U.S., want to work in "their home country" applied for a visa and forced to serve in the military!
I seem to recall reading in the korean newspapers about pending changes to the law with your type of situation.....I'd call the MMA to get the correct answers.
I also know of guys visiting korea as a tourist and then not allowed to leave by immigration until the military issues were resolved.

[CentralCali]

SeoulFinn: The US government does not get to decide who is or is not a citizen of another country. The other country has that prerogative.

[WeakRider]

If I cannot work legally in Korea, I will obviously stay in the United States. However, if there is a way for me to work in Korea without serving in the military, I would like to explore that option. I am not suggesting that the Korean government bend its rules for me. Every avenue I am investigating is within the law--so I'm not sure what gives you the idea that I'm doing things "on [my] terms."

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

[ACT III]

This article is a little old but may shed a little light.

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/168210_korean08.html
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[crossmr]

A few times I've seen this come up before, a couple people have mentioned getting your name removed from that list. Does your father have some family still in South Korea? I know one person had mentioned their uncle had their name removed from the list and everything was fine.

[placeshifter]

If you don't speak much Korean, needless to say, you would get your ass beaten in the Korean Army more often than you can count.

By the way, you should learn Korean. Gyopos who weren't adopted who don't speak at least conversational Korean are quite an embarassment.

[WeakRider]

@crossmr--Unfortunately, the consular officer said that would be impossible.

@placeshifter--What do you think is driving me to move to Korea?

[ttompatz]

Check with the military authority.

I am sure that there is/was an exemption for people like you who spoke NO Korean to be exempted from military service.

Another alternative is to get a/some tattoo(s). You would be rejected from military service.

.

[crossmr]

[WeakRider]

Ick.