South Korea: foreign actors deported

South Korean immigration authorities have handed down deportation orders for actors David Anselmo and Clinton Morgan, both of whom appeared in blockbuster “The Host,” for violating Article 20 of Korea’s immigration law. Robert Koehler's advice is: next time you engage in activities outside of your visa status in Korea, make sure you’re married to the American ambassador.

1 comment

  • d

    I have just come across this news article and blog in recent days. I didnt think that this kind of news made it into the english speaking world. I happy to see that foreigners living in Korea get some kind of exposure. Thank you to whoever posted this article.

    One thing that I do have a problem with, is that this article is not 100 percent acurate. When we tried to set the record straight with the Korean news agency by submitting a retractment letter, the editor refused to post it in their newspaper. Here is the letter that was ment to be sent. Hope this clarifies things for those who are interested.

    Sincerely,
    David Joseph Anselmo

    SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA OCTOBER 05, 2006:
    First and foremost, I would like to clarify the situation reported today in regards to the immigration issue for the movie, The Host, and my involvement in it.
    Most importantly, the comments made by Clinton Morgan do not reflect my opinions in any way. I am embarrassed and disgusted to be associated with those types of comments, and would like to make it clear that in no way am I in agreement with Mr. Morgan.
    On the contrary, I have had a wonderful experience living in South Korea, and I am very appreciative of all of the opportunities it has given me. I have met many kind people and have been able to experience things here that I would not be able to anywhere else in the world. I truly have a sincere appreciation and respect for Korea, its culture, and Korean people.
    When filming the movie The Host, I was on a 90-day Entertainment Work Visa. Although the production company and I were under the impression that my work on the movie was covered under this visa, we recently discovered that it was not. It was never my intention to to break the law while shooting this film.
    In order to compensate for my mistake, a fine has already been paid to the Korean Immigration department. I am a firm believer of doing things legally, and I have the utmost respect for the law. I understand that wherever you travel in the world, there are different laws, and I endeavor to follow the laws of any country who accepts me as a visitor.

    The South Korean movie industry has seen amazing growth and is being recognized all around the world. The filmmakers of Korea have done an amazing job of creating films that people all over the world want to see. I am very happy to play a role in this industry, and am very proud of what Korea has accomplished. I look forward to contributing all of my energy to Korean films and my work in the future.

Join the conversation

Authors, please log in »

Guidelines

  • All comments are reviewed by a moderator. Do not submit your comment more than once or it may be identified as spam.
  • Please treat others with respect. Comments containing hate speech, obscenity, and personal attacks will not be approved.