Korean rock icon Kim Tae-won denied US visa — is it really 40-year-old marijuana charges keeping him out?
Kim Tae-won / Captured from TV Chosun
Rocker Kim Tae-won has been denied a U.S. visa, thwarting his plan to attend his daughter’s wedding in America.
The Monday episode of TV Chosun’s “Chosun’s Real Romantic” showed Kim’s second attempt to secure a U.S. visa. Ahead of the interview, he practiced with a lawyer, simulating possible questions. Kim was caught twice — in 1987 and 1991 — for marijuana use, making it difficult for him to enter the U.S.
The lawyer, however, told him the marijuana record was “not a direct reason” for refusal. “The U.S. often forgives such offenses after enough time has passed. The real problem may have been your interview attitude,” the lawyer said, encouraging Kim to prepare thoroughly.
Kim had planned the trip to attend the wedding of his daughter, Seohyun. The ceremony could not be held in Korea due to the groom’s mother suffering a stroke. While other members of Kim’s band, Boohwal, had met Seohyun and her fiancé Devin during a U.S. tour, Kim has yet to meet his future son-in-law.
Kim Tae-won / Captured from TV Chosun
On the day of the visa interview, Kim brought glasses instead of sunglasses and reviewed potential questions. But he did not emerge from the embassy until 90 minutes later, sparking curiosity.
“The 40-year-old marijuana case — my lawyer told me it wouldn’t be a problem. But today’s consular officer, a young guy, seemed to start over from that point,” he said, adding that his visa was denied.
“The officer told me the review could take 10 to 12 months. None of the questions I practiced came up," Kim said. The embassy also asked him to submit his Korean criminal and investigative records. “They asked if I had any criminal record in the 40 years since then. I said no, but they still wanted to check everything,” he said.
Kim Tae-won's daughter and her fiance / Captured from TV Chosun
“The officer looked like he couldn’t believe I’ve stayed away from drugs all this time,” Kim recalled. “But he doesn’t know me, so I understand.” Still, he admitted, “I don’t feel empty about anything else, but I’m sorry to my daughter.”
Later in the program, a video message revealed that Kim’s daughter and her husband-to-be would come to Korea since he could not travel to the U.S.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.