Veteran Sae Joon Park self-deports to South Korea after years of battling immigration issues
- Sae Joon Park served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat.
- After facing a removal order due to old drug charges, he made the decision to self-deport to South Korea.
- Park's story highlights the challenges faced by veterans in navigating immigration laws and the consequences of past actions.
In June 2025, Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for combat injuries sustained during the 1989 invasion of Panama, self-deported to South Korea after nearly 50 years of living in the United States. Park moved to the U.S. from South Korea at the age of seven and joined the military, where he experienced trauma that led to untreated PTSD and subsequent struggles with drug addiction. His criminal issues, including drug possession and bail jumping charges stemming from over 15 years ago, ultimately resulted in a removal order under stricter immigration policies. With the loss of his legal status, Park faced a heartbreaking decision to leave behind his family and the country he fought for, accepting that he might never return. Despite his difficult journey, he expressed resilience and pride in his military service, considering it an important part of his life story. In his final days in the U.S., he spent time with loved ones and reflected on his experiences before boarding a flight to a country he barely remembered.