Nationality

Hang on tight... ~ Judy

I just love reading about the little things that make different countries and cultures, well, Different! In Korea we have a recent nominee for Governor of the Bank of Korea who is under scrutiny. Apparently his nomination is controversial not because he lacks expertise or knowledge; but rather because his wife and children hold American and British citizenship respectively.

This can be a big deal; especially in countries that are historically homogenous like Korea. In general, Korea does not permit dual citizenship. As we've explained in previous posts, all Korean men are required to serve in the military for 18 months. Korean men who are born with dual citizneship overseas must declare which nationality they claim when they turn 18.** Some Korean Americans will renounce their American citizenship just so they can serve in the Korean military. The heir to Samsung in fact did that in 2025 to great acclaim. If someone 'neglects' their Korean citizenship it can make things difficult if they chose to move to Korea in the future. They are called 'black-haired foreigners' and the idea is that they shouldn't get to benefit from Korean society without having shared the burden that citizenship requires.

**Interestingly my sister and I had the same situation. Kind of. Being Army brats born overseas, we actually appeared in person at the State Department and were told to choose our country. I had the option of Japan, my place of birth, or the US. My sister could chose between Germany, her place of birth, or the US. At that time the US did not permit dual citizenship; thus we were forced to choose. (Interestingly Japan would not recognize me as a Japanese citizen because they follow the law of 'bloodlines.' I guess I could have been stateless...) Both she and I have noticed that dual citizenship is now rather popular and many, many Americans are citizens of multiple countries. Somehow we feel cheated.

I could also point out the totally unfair situation that prevented me from becoming president of the US. Since I was born in a foreign country I was not eligible for that position.... even though my Dad was serving the country. Now is that fair? Obviously not and it has seriously clipped my wings. I believe that the law was temporarily suspended when John McCain ran for president. He was born in Panama to a Military dad so they made a rule that he was okay to run. But me? Nope, ineligible. Life isn't fair, is it?

I’m just straight up American having been born in Montana. My grandparents were all immigrants, and I am eternally grateful to them for the courage to come to this country and make a life for themselves. ~Pat