A Former US Army Captain Joins South Korean Military service, capturing public attention after leaving a stable life in the United States to fulfill his mandatory military duty in his motherland. Jae-won Lee, a 37-year-old recruit currently training at the 28th Education Regiment of the Korea Army Training Center, recently shared his unique journey through a letter titled “A Recruit’s Letter,” published by the Kookbang Ilbo (National Defense Daily).
A Four-Generation Legacy of Military Service
Lee moved to the United States at age 14 and eventually commissioned into the U.S. Army, where he served as a company commander and reached the rank of captain. Despite his successful career abroad, Lee felt a profound calling to return to his roots.
“I have always taken pride in coming from a ‘military family,'” Lee stated. “Following in the footsteps of my grandfather, who retired as a colonel, and my father, who served as a first lieutenant, I accepted a career in the military as my destiny.” Lee’s connection to service runs even deeper, tracing back to his great-grandfather who was a dedicated independence activist during the Japanese colonial period. This identity as a descendant of an independence patriot played a pivotal role in his decision.
Choosing the Motherland Over a Stable US Career
While Lee could have continued
a comfortable life as a federal employee in the U.S., he chose to return to South Korea after 23 years, restoring his Korean citizenship to enlist. His British wife, whom he met while working at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, was a major supporter of this transition. “My wife loves Korean culture and sentiment even more than I do,” Lee said, noting that her encouragement was vital in his decision to fulfill his duty.
Interestingly, the story of how this Former US Army Captain Joins South Korean Military involves a strong desire for active duty. Lee even went through a summary trial against the Military Manpower Administration to serve as an active-duty soldier, but was ultimately assigned to supplemental service (social service agent) due to age restrictions.
Commitment Beyond Rank and Uniform
Lee remains undeterred by his change in status. “The loyalty that has been passed down for four generations starting from my great-grandfather is not determined by rank or the form of service,” he emphasized. He expressed that while he has traded his clean officer’s dress uniform for a sweat-stained training fatigue, his resolve is stronger than ever.
“I want to be a descendant who makes my family proud—from my great-grandfather who fought for independence to my father and grandfather who served the nation,” Lee concluded. Through his actions, he aims to practice the ‘responsibility to the state’ he learned in the United States right here in South Korea.
BY EUNYOUNG LEE [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]
