Brothers From S. Africa Join Military
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Every year, there are reports about young men fleeing the country to dodge their mandatory military service. However, Privates Kim Yu-seung, 24, and Kim Gyu-wan, 22, came to Korea from South Africa to defend their homeland voluntarily.
The brothers were born in South Africa and gained citizenship there. The elder brother went to Vega, The Brand Communications School, while the other went to the British International College in that country. However, they learned that the Korean government considers Korean men with foreign nationalities still eligible for military service, the two decided to come here to perform their duty.
The brothers came to Korea and went to Yonsei Korean Language Institute to study the Korean language before reporting for enlistment.
They are now stationed with the forward posted 3rd Infantry `` Skeleton'' Division. The two are teaching their fellow squad members English and are in turn learning Korean from them, which makes life as soldiers quite rewarding, they say.
``It wasn't just about keeping my eligibility for Korean citizenship. I wanted to feel the brotherhood in dealing with strangeness and other issues in a country that we have never been to, but belonged to,'' Kim Yu-seung told Yonhap.
``I originally planned to return to South Africa after serving, but I am undecided. I love my homeland so much,'' the younger brother said. He added he is now picking up some Korean slang.