When did you graduate from college?

I graduated from Seoul National University in February 2003. I studied public law (constitutional law, criminal law, etc.) and private law (civil law, commercial law, etc).

Why did you join the Army as a KATUSA when you could have gone straight to law school?

It is mandatory for all Korean males to serve two years in the army. There is no “law school” in Korea.

If you graduated from a university, why did you enter enlisted?

In Korea, an enlisted soldier works in the army for two years, but an officer usually works for 40 months.

What was the hardest sacrifice to make in your preparations to become a lawyer?

The preparations take much time. I am always saying sorry to my girlfriend. I had to study on weekends occasionally. My girlfriend could not understand me at first (she would often cry), but she encourages me to study hard now.

What type of lawyer do you want to be?

A lawyer standing by the weak. Because I want to have a clear conscience and I am impressed by such type of lawyer.

Would you rather shamelessly sue for big bucks, or live humbly by working pro bono?

I want to be a lawyer for the social justice, so I may be a poor lawyer and my girlfriend may feel sad about that. But I cannot help it.

What’s the best movie courtroom scene?

The scene from “A Few Good Men” starring Tom Cruise, because they won a lawsuit contending with a man of power who had formed a conspiracy.

Do you have the skills to make the jury cry?

I want to be such a good lawyer, but there is not “the jury” in the court of Korea. It is very difficult to make the judge cry in Korea.

Teacher or lawyer: which is the more honorable profession in South Korea?

In my opinion teacher is a little more honorable of a profession.

You have a passion for baseball, why not play for a living?

That is simple. I am short of talent. My shoulder is not strong enough.

What’s the game’s best position?

The pitcher. The pitcher can control the game.

Who is your favorite baseball team and why?

Lotte Giants (in my hometown) and the Colorado Rockies, who have a Korean pitcher.

What would you like to do after you finish military service?

I would like to realize my dream as a lawyer and marry my girlfriend.

Know someone whose accomplishments, talents, job, hobby, volunteer work, awards or good deeds qualify them for 15 minutes of fame? How about someone whose claim to glory is a bit out of the ordinary — even, dare we say, oddball? Call Paul Newell at Stars and Stripes with the person’s name and contact information at DSN 229-3158 or e-mail him at: newellp@pstripes.osd.mil

Kim Byungyoon

Age: 29

Title: Korean Augmentee to the U.S. Army; private, administrative specialist

Duty station: Company C, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, Camp Humphreys, S. Korea

Pacific readers: Know someone whose accomplishments, talents, job, hobby, volunteer work, awards or good deeds qualify them for 15 minutes of fame? How about someone whose claim to glory is a bit out of the ordinary — even, dare we say, oddball? Call Paul Newell at Stars and Stripes with the person’s name and contact information at DSN 229-3158 or e-mail him at: newellp@pstripes.osd.mil

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