Korean Job Discussion Forums

[khyber]

Let me begin with the summation:
When we (musicians/actors) perform, we break immigration law. This is not merely an E2 visa problem.
This is a fact though people. So all musicians, so you know, it is illegal to perform.

The fallout and implications of the busan-9 situation (I think) were not really understood by everyone here...well, that's the impression I got anyways.

That said, like the wonderous state of the justice system in this country "illegal" doesn't equate to an actual problem. As Brendon Carr said on the Marmot, in Korea, they have "Rule by Law" which (BASICALLY) means that there are a lot of laws and that they are selectively enforced when deemed appropriate by officials. Sorry Brandon if that summation is terrible; that is what I recall.

We know of two performing troupes up in Seoul; both of which (visa status and tax wise) are in precisely the same boat as us yet they have managed to avoid trouble since 2002 (whilst charging a heft fee for tickets).

Anyways, to the specifics:
Last weekend a member of the Busan 9 got an email from her new job saying that there was a "non document related problem" with Immigration and they were not going to issue her a new visa. Since then, at LEAST one other person has had the same problem.
We were told by Immi officials that our case was being investigated and considered by the Prosecutor's office. While the Prosecutor was handling our case, we were told that we could NOT get new visas (or visa renewals).
I was told that we could get a one month extension but that was the maximum.
I was also told that, while we this investigation was taking place we would be legally permitted to stay in Korea but we could not work.

Since then, I have talked to a lawyer who laid out the following tidbits:
1) The prosecutor's investigation could take 6 months to a year. It's in their best interest to move slowly [lawyer didn't say this], so who knows how long this will take?
2) Once our visa application has been rejected at Immigration, it IS possible for us (as individuals) to bring Immigration to court. We cannot bring them to court until it has been rejected. That particular litigation process would take about 3-6 months
3) We are not guarunteed ANYTHING in terms of "winning" or "losing".



So listen, ALL the Busan 9 now realize that we made a mistake when we performed; hell, we've known that from the start of the investigtaion. NOBODY; not in person; not on pusanweb; not on eslcafe, indicated that performing is illegal (the "other troupes" have advertised shows on here and I don't recall anyone pointing out the legality). Hindsight is 20-20.

We are now in a situation where:
1) We stay in this country for anywhere up to (or past?) a year without working. Then MAYBE we can stay or we perhaps the Prosecutor rule that our visas can't be renewed then we're hooped anyways.
OR
2) We leave the country before the prosecutor gives a verdict and we risk being arrested upon our return to this country.


I've since decided that any country where I couldn't take out my guitar on the beach and play without risking deportation is not a country where I want to live. I am getting tired of this constant running around. Besides the fact that all my students, all my coteachers, and (most) of my bosses have had nothing but brilliant things to say about me, the law agencies see me as a blight and I (someone who made the mistake of reading a Boshintang knock off of "Green Eggs and Ham") am of no use to "them".



So, from now on, I am going to suggest that ANY musician or performer who has interest in doing their craft in korea, on a strictly volunteer basis, DO NOT MOVE TO BUSAN!!!!!
The police here seem to have a hard on for foreigners.

If you have any questions or mudslinging to do, please don't hesitate to ask or sling.

For more information and a bit more of a timeline (as well as idiotic comments from true losers), visit pusanweb.[url]
http://www.koreabridge.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2932
[/url]

[JongnoGuru]

[twg]

Pick the guru's option three.

It would suck to leave your life behind. But, you options leave you getting the bone, so you should move your butt out of the line of fire.

And if you really want to come back, return in a couple of years when you'll be long forgotten.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Koreans sure know how to make themselves look like scum for waygooks, don't they?

[hubba bubba]

Yeah, an utterly ridiculous situation.

Hate to say it, but I would just have to go to somewhere like Japan. I mean, the ferry isn't too far away. It's terrible that a couple of jerky boys can make a whole country look bad. And that goes both ways....

Hope something gets resolved for you. Just hanging out for six months to a year w/o working is b.s.

[Darkness]

I just got to Korea as this whole situation went down, and I was pretty disgusted with the way the Koreans have dealt with this.

[jdog2050]

[awalk2remember]

Khyber,

God, I am so sorry this happened.

I really can't believe how this whole thing unfolded.

It seems to me like immi is using this as a "grand" example of the power that they do hold. They would know that reprocussions would spread like wildfire amoung the expats.

You know, having a preformance like Babopalooza, is a great way for all of us to release a little steam and have a good laugh....

I think its a horrible way to treat foreigners in this country !!!

[jdog2050]

[just because]

[khyber]

thanks for the kind words:

1) Guru's 3) is a fantastic option and the best route for most of us. Unfortunately, most of us have been here 4+ years (yes, that much experience) with one of us having been here 20. (that's right 20 years)

I want to (and probably will) be 3) however, I have a lot of great friends that I've made here over the years and the thought of not being able to return to tthem is saddenning; the eventual outcome no doubt, but saddening.

I'm sorry to give the impression that I was NOT thinking of that option. I can't believe i forgot to write it.


To address this point:

[Demophobe]

[Paji eh Wong]

[denistron]

[caniff]

Classic. I'm gonna give that one 2 emots.