'Lovers of Joseon' star Kim Tae-won was ultimately denied a U.S. visa due to a marijuana conviction.
On the episode of TV Chosun's entertainment program 'Lovers of Joseon' that aired on 11th, Kim Tae-won's preparations for a visa interview to attend his daughter's wedding in the U.S. were revealed.
Kim Tae-won diligently practiced for the interview with a lawyer to secure his U.S. visa. The producer noted, 'Mr. Devin sent a handwritten letter to the U.S. embassy for the visa issuance. We translated that letter,' and handed it over. Kim Tae-won read it himself and was deeply moved.
On the day of the visa interview, Kim Tae-won appeared at the appointment location with a nervous expression. Typically, the process takes 5 to 10 minutes, but he had not come out even after 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The production team waited anxiously, and as Kim Tae-won walked out from a distance, he said, 'The marijuana incident from 40 years ago, according to my lawyer, 'that is not a problem.' The lawyer mentioned this, but the consul, who was a young guy, seemed to start the conversation from that. It's a rejection,' and added, 'The consul said the review would take 10 to 12 months to complete. None of the practice questions for the interview came up.'
Kim Tae-won said he was told to send a Korean criminal record check and a Korean investigation record, noting, 'They were curious about that. They asked if there were any other criminal records between 40 years ago and now. When I said there were none, they insisted on checking all my criminal record.' He added, 'They said it's hard to believe that nothing happened since that incident 40 years ago. From their perspective, they don't know me, so that's understandable. Nothing else seemed pointless, but I feel sorry for my daughter.'
Kim Tae-won said, 'I think I need to take a break. If the stress gets too intense, I have to let it out. It would be a big deal if I get sick this way,' and walked away with a bitter expression. As they watched the VCR, Hwang Bo-ra said, 'It's shocking. You must feel so upset,' and Kang Soo-ji also expressed her sorrow.
[Photo] 'Lovers of Joseon' broadcast screen capture.
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