A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Saejoon Park (55), a Korean American permanent resident and former U.S. Army soldier who chose self-deportation under the Donald Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies. The fundraiser seeks $50,000 to cover legal fees so he can return to his family in Hawaii.
The campaign, titled “Bring Our Hero Sae-Joon Park Home,” was posted on July 28, 2025 by Terry Lafonte, who has been friends with Park for over 40 years. According to the post, Park is a recipient of the Purple Heart, awarded to U.S. service members wounded in combat.
“He has acknowledged past mistakes and has lived honestly for the past 14 years,” wrote Lafonte, asking for help to fund attorney fees. The post emphasized that all donations will be used to resolve Park’s legal situation, and any funds exceeding the goal will be donated to organizations that assist veterans and immigrants with legal support.
As of July 29, 2025, the campaign had raised $1,612 from 16 donors.
Park is currently living alone in Seoul, separated from his family in Hawaii, and is reportedly struggling to adapt due to limited Korean language skills.
Donations can be made at: www.gofundme.com/f/bring-our-hero-sae-joon-park-home
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