President Lee’s Dual Citizenship Proposal Misses the Mark with Korean Americans: A focus on Practical concerns Over Symbolic gestures
Seattle, WA – October 5, 2025 – President Lee Jae-myung‘s recent announcement regarding a potential lowering of the age limit for dual citizenship for overseas Koreans has been met with a surprising degree of skepticism and, frankly, disappointment within the Korean American community. While framed as a move to strengthen ties with the diaspora and address long-standing requests, many see the proposal as a largely symbolic gesture that fails to address the core issues impacting Korean Americans’ relationship with their ancestral homeland – issues surrounding automatic citizenship, complex renunciation processes, and a burdensome tax system.
Currently, South Korea permits dual citizenship only for overseas Koreans aged 65 and older. President Lee’s pledge to review lowering this age, coupled with promises of improved protections and voting access for Koreans abroad, was intended to resonate with a important demographic. However, a deep dive into online forums, community discussions, and direct feedback reveals a significant disconnect between Seoul’s priorities and the realities faced by Korean Americans.
The Unintended Consequences of “Birthright” Dual Citizenship
The central concern isn’t access to dual citizenship, but rather the frequently enough-unwanted imposition of Korean nationality on U.S.-born children of Korean parents. this “birthright dual citizenship,” as it’s commonly referred to, has been a long-standing source of frustration and anxiety for families.
“Most of us here have already made the conscious decision to become U.S.citizens,” explains a prominent voice on MissyUSA, the largest korean online community in the U.S. “Lowering the age limit doesn’t address the essential problem: Korea automatically saddles U.S.-born children with a nationality they never requested.”
This automatic acquisition of Korean citizenship creates a web of complications. Families are often unaware of the need to navigate complex and bureaucratic renunciation procedures. Missing deadlines can have severe consequences,potentially leading to mandatory military service for sons who have grown up with little to no connection to Korean culture or language.
“These kids may not even speak Korean and have spent minimal time in Korea,” a concerned parent shared. ”Yet, they’re held to the same obligations as someone who has lived and breathed Korean society their entire life. It’s simply unfair in today’s globalized world.”
The process of renunciation itself is frequently described as arduous and time-consuming, especially for families navigating divorce or seeking to simplify their legal status. As one user pointed out, “It’s a bad law that needs to be repealed, especially for those facing challenging family situations or struggling to complete the process.”
Taxation: A Significant Deterrent to Engagement
Beyond the complexities of nationality, Korean Americans are also voicing strong concerns about South Korea‘s inheritance and gift tax laws.these laws, significantly stricter than those in the United States, act as a major disincentive for reclaiming or maintaining Korean citizenship.
Unlike the U.S., which offers a complete exemption for spousal transfers, Korea imposes limits on tax-free transfers between married couples.This exposes U.S. assets held by Korean citizens to potential Korean tax scrutiny, creating a significant financial burden.
“Korea’s inheritance and gift tax system is excessively heavy,” one commenter noted. “Without addressing these issues, lowering the age limit for dual citizenship will have limited impact. Fewer and fewer people will be willing to navigate these complexities.”
A Question of Motives: Revenue vs.Inclusivity
some within the Korean American community are even questioning the government’s motives, suggesting the proposal is driven more by a need for increased tax revenue than a genuine desire for inclusivity. “It feels like the government is trying to tap into the wealth of Korean Americans,” one individual argued, reflecting a growing distrust.
A Call for Practical Reforms
The current situation highlights a fundamental divergence in priorities. While the South Korean government focuses on symbolic gestures, Korean Americans are advocating for concrete reforms that address their lived experiences.These include:
* Eliminating automatic nationality for second-generation children born abroad: Allowing parents to choose whether their children acquire Korean citizenship at birth.
* Streamlining the renunciation process: Making it easier and more accessible for individuals to renounce Korean citizenship when desired.
* Revising inheritance and gift tax laws: Aligning them more closely with international standards to encourage engagement and investment.
President Lee’s proposal, while well-intentioned, risks being perceived as a superficial attempt to address a complex issue. True engagement with the Korean diaspora requires a willingness to listen to their concerns and implement meaningful reforms that address the practical
