Korean Rock Star Kim Tae-won Faces Visa Hurdles Due to Past Marijuana Incident

Kim Tae-won, a member of the legendary Korean rock band Boohwal, encountered a significant obstacle in his quest to attend his daughter's wedding in the United States due to a past marijuana-related incident.

On the recent episode of TV Chosun's 'Joseon's Love', Kim Tae-won attempted to secure a U.S. visa to attend his daughter Seo-hyun's wedding. Despite his initial confidence, stating, "I have nothing to hide," the process proved challenging.

During a mock interview, Kim struggled to remember his son-in-law Devin Brown's name, mistakenly calling him 'Kevin Brown', and hesitated when asked about his daughter's residence. He admitted, "I've rarely tried this hard in my life," showcasing his dedication as a doting father.

Boohwal had previously performed in the U.S., where the band members met Seo-hyun and Devin. Seo-hyun even took the stage in her father's place. The band members praised Devin, calling him "the most handsome foreigner" and noting his kind demeanor.

Kim humorously remarked, "Even Americans turn their heads when they see him. Seo-hyun must have been disappointed with her dad's ordinary looks."

Despite his efforts, Kim Tae-won was unable to secure a visa for the U.S. tour, expressing concern, "If I don't get it this time, I might never be able to go." Devin wrote a heartfelt letter to the U.S. Embassy in Korea, emphasizing the importance of Kim's presence at their wedding.

After a lengthy 90-minute interview, Kim revealed that his past marijuana incident from 40 years ago became a focal point. "The young consular officer started with that issue. It was a rejection," he shared.

He was asked to submit a criminal record and investigation history, with the review process expected to take 10 to 12 months. Kim noted, "None of the questions I practiced came up. They seemed skeptical that I haven't used drugs since then."

Feeling disheartened, Kim expressed regret towards his daughter, saying, "I feel sorry for my daughter. I need to rest. The stress is overwhelming, and I can't afford to get sick over this."

With Kim's U.S. trip now unlikely, Seo-hyun and Devin sent a video message, promising, "We'll visit Korea in September," raising anticipation for their reunion.

Reported by Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia