한국말이 중학생 어휘력 수준이라 이해해주시기 바라며 이 글은 대한항공 고객의 말씀에 올라간 내용이라 받으시는분이 대한항공인점 이해해주시기 바랍니다. 읽어주시고 유학생들은 꼭 참고해주세요! 도움이 되실거라 생각합니다.
OPT 소지 및 구직 중인 유학생분들께 도움이 될까싶어 올립니다. 문제시 삭제하겠습니다. 길더라도 꼭 읽어주시고 정보 알고계시면 재입국시 도움에 될까싶어 올립니다. 제가 직접 경험한 일입니다. (대한항공이 recepient 인점 참고해주시기바랍니다)
Attn: 미국에서 OPT로 취업 도전하고 계시는 혹은 성공하신 한국 유학생분들
제가 2016년 12월 4일 한국 부산 김해 국제공항에서 있었던 불편 사례를 말씀드리고자 합니다. 제 마지막 destination 은 SFO 이며 저는 12월 4일 KE 1406 편을 통해 김해에서 인천 인천에서 SFO 로 출국하는 날이었습니다. 1년만에 모인 가족들과 같이 출국을 하기위해 불편을 무릎쓰고 저희 아버지, 여동생도 KE1406편으로 인천으로 갔다 출국하는 날이었구요. 저희의 계획이 완전이 틀어지고, 불필요한 감정소비, 금전소비, 시간낭비, 그리고 저희 가족이 같이 행복하게 시간을 몇시간이라도 같이 더 보내려고한 시간에 대한 점에 대해 피해보상을 요구하는 바입니다. 대한항공 이영애, 김현숙 직원분들의 말씀을 듣고 출국을 하지 못하였다면 미국에 있는 저의 직장도 잃을뻔한 사건이오니 잘 읽고 답변을 성실히 해주셨으면 하는 바입니다. 저는 운이 좋게도 미국에서 OPT 를 통해 직장을 얻게되었고, 저희 가족 모두 힘든 시간을 보낸후 취직이 된거라 아주 기쁘게 생각하고 있는 바입니다. 김해에서 체크인시, 저희 아버지, 여동생, 저 이렇게 3명이 같이 체크인을 하였습니다. 미국 출국 비행기 체크인시 항공사마다 F-1 visa, passport, I-20 를 확인 하는 절차는 저도 이미 알고있었기에 체크해주신점에 대해 다시 한번 감사드립니다. 여기서 제가 말씀하고자 하는건, 저는 미국에서 한국으로 나올때 미국 재 입국시에 문제가 없더록 모든 것에 있어서 철저한 대비 및 준비를 하였습니다. 여권 만료 날짜, F-1 Visa Stamp 만료 날짜, I-20 Travel Signature, EAD Card, 그리고 재직증명서, 월급 증명서 까지 모든 사항에 대해 문제가 없도록 확실시하여 한국에 입국하였습니다. 12월 4일 부산 김해 국제공항에 있는 이영애, 김현숙 직원분들 말씀에 의하면 저는 출국 및 미국으로 재입국이 어려운 상황 아니 불가능한 상황이라고 말씀해주셨습니다. 체크인 시 문제가 있어 대사관 직원과 연결을 하고 있는 중이었으며 체크인 에리아에서 20분간 대기한뒤 답이 없어 게이트에 가서 기다리고 있으면 문제가 있을시 연락을 주시겠다고 하셨습니다. 아니나다를까 제 짐에 문제가 있다고 하여 10번 게이트에서 대한항공 직원과 잠시 얘기를 나눴으며 저는 아주 작은 나이프(칼)이 가방에 들어있으니 그게 문제가되면 말씀해주신다고 다시 대기를 명령하셨습니다. 그러고 약 5분후 제가 체크인할때 도움주셨던 분(성함은 정확하지 않으나 이영애 김현숙 직원분들 성함은 기억합니다 정확히)과 키가 크신 40대~50대 남자직원분도 대동하셨습니다. 하신 말씀은 대사관 직원분 그리고 하와이에 계신 대사관 직원분들 모두가 제가 미국 재 입국에 문제가 있다고 하여 절 출국 금지 및 취소를 시키셨으며, 제 설명은 듣지도 않으시고 EAD 카드에 써있는 “NOT VALID FOR RE ENTRY TO THE US” 문구와 대사관 직원의 말을 믿으셔서 저와 제 짐을 결국엔 off-load 하셨습니다. 저는 김해에서 김포로 가는 표로 변경 요청 및 인천까지는 제가 직접 가겠다고 하였으며 그쪽에서도 OK 를 한 부분입니다. 김해 공항 직원분들은 책임을 지시기 싫으셔서 인천공항에 넘긴 부분이구요. 인천 공항에서도 똑같이 말씀하실거라고 출국 안되실건데 그래도 해보실거면 제 결정이라고 저한테 모든걸 떠넘긴 상황이었습니다. 그리고 그 키큰 남자 직원분께서는 저를 정말 벌레보듯이 보시며 짜증을 내시며 학교는 절대 재입국을 보증하지 않는다고 말씀하셨는데, 제가 세상에서 제일 머리 똑똑한 사람은 아니지만 그정도는 이미 알고있습니다. 근데 제가 이미 알고있는 정보를 저를 벌레보듯이 보시며 그것도 15만 마일이 있는 모닝캄 회원에게 그렇게 말씀하신 부분 정중한 사과 부탁드립니다. 이때까지 대한항공 땅콩사건을 비롯하여 말이 많았는데 저희는 항상 대한항공만 탔고 저는 델타도 타지 않았습니다. 그런데 VIP 회원에게 그렇게 대하신부분 정중한 사과 및 보상 요구합니다.
*여기서 보셔야 할 부분은 대사관 직원과 확인절차시에 제 개인정보가 담긴 (EAD card, VISA, Passport, I-20) 를 카카오톡으로 주고 받았다는 점입니다. 보안상 문제가 있는데 개인 정보를 이렇게 마음대로, 카카오톡으로 전송해도 되는지요? 여기에 대한 미래에 있을 피해 보상은 어떻게 진행하실건지요?
변경된 비행기표를 체크인 하러 국내선 터미널까지 짐 3개를 이동하여, 티켓팅 및 체크인을 하고 security 를 다시 한번 통과하고 게이트로 가서 기다렸습니다. 저희 아버지와 여동생은 저와 같이 타려고 했던 KE1406 에 몸을 실은채.. 저는 확답이 없는 상황에서 위험을 무릎쓰고 혼자의 결정으로, 대한항공 직원말씀을 듣지않고 움직인 부분입니다. 김포에서 부랴부랴 내려 짐을 찾고 택시를 타고 인천 공항으로 일단 갔습니다. 시간이 언제인지도 기억 안나는 부분은 미국에 있는 현지 상사와 연락 및 도움을 요청하고 있었고 이 당시에 저희 당뇨환자이신 아버지는 저혈당이 오셔서 극심한 스트레스 및 어지럼증을 겪으셨다고 합니다. 저희 가족 모두, 대만에서 여행하시고 계시는 저희 어머니, 다시 언제 볼지도 모를 여동생한테 인사도 하지 못한채 저는 혼자 스트레스 및 걱정을 하고 있는 상황이었습니다. 이미 게이트에 들어가신 아버지가 여동생을 혼자 쓸쓸히 기분 안좋은 상황, 몸이 안좋으신 상황에서 보냈고, 저는 인천 체크인 카운터에서 직원분과 이제 대화를 시작하려고 하고 있었습니다.
똑같이 말씀을 하시고 여기서 보실점은 인천 공항에 있던 직원은 규정이 담긴 책을 꺼내셨습니다. 부산 김해 국제공항 이영애 김현숙 직원분들은 그런 책들도 꺼내시지 않으시고 카톡으로 제 개인 정보가 담긴 사진들과 대화를 대사관 직원분들과 나누셨구요. 거기에 계신 키 크신 남자 책임자분이 보시더니 괜찮다고 보내드리라고 하셨습니다.
힘들게 또 시큐리티 및 짐을 붙이고, 다시 시큐리티를 통과 (오늘 3번째)하여 지치고 스트레스 받으신 저희 아버지 얼굴을 보는순간 대한항공에 너무나도 화가났습니다. 저희가 일부러 계획하여 인천 공항에서 같이 시간을 보내려고 한 계획 틀어지고, 기분 안좋아지고, 시간 낭비하고, 쇼핑 할 시간도 없고, 라운지에서 몇시간 보내려고했는데 1시간도 못있고 라면 하나 먹고 나오고, 살려던 물건들 사지도 못하고, 저희 아버지는 저혈당에 극심한 스트레스.. 저는 괜히 걱정되는 마음 그리고 스트레스. 10시간 동안 비행기 타고 올동안 내내 그 생각밖에 못했습니다. 제가 확실시 했지만 그래도 괜히 대사관 직원분 말을 들으니 걱정이 안되겠습니까? 정말 제 삶의 최악의 비행이었습니다. 그 직원분 하나때문에. 내려서 입국장에 가서 확인 한 결과, 저는 입국에 아무 문제가 없었습니다. 제 2 검사가 이루어진 이유는 OPT 를 소지하고 입국하는 분들이 많이 없으셔서 제 2의 검사장으로 가야만 검사가 이루어질 수 있다는 말이었고 결국엔 짐 찾아 미국 재 입국 아주 잘~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~했습니다. 대사관 분들의 말도 듣지 않고 대한항공 직원분들 말을 듣지않고 규정을 어기며 제가 출국을 한 이유는 대한항공 직원분들의 정보, 지식, 및 트레이닝이 잘 되어있지 않다는것아닐까요?
Attn: Korean Students in the United States of America that are currently searching/working for an OPT job 너무나도 화가나고 분하고 겁이 나서 두서없이 쓴점 양해드리고 한국말 어휘력이 중학생수준이라 못하는 영어로 적은점 이해해주시기 바랍니다. 멀리멀리 퍼트려주세요. 더이상 대한항공의 지식주순 때문에 소중한 미국에서의 기회가 날아가지 않게, 소중한 가족들과 한국에서 만나 힐링하고 충전해서 미국에 재 입국할수있게 널리널리 알려주세요 부탁드립니다. Hello, Korean friends that are in the United States of America! My name is JaeYoung Lee and I’m currently on OPT after completion of a 4 year degree. As most of you are aware, re-entering or even just entering into this country is very nerve-wrecking. You know you are clear and good to go, but it’s always somewhat stressful because you might get stopped for an additional information search in the secondary check area. That’s why all the F-1 Visa holders are always trying to be on top of all of our Visa d0cumentations and requirements. Just like any other F-1 Visa holders, I have been trying my best to stay on top of it as well so I don’t lose an opportunity in the States because of my small mistake or laziness. I graduated in March 2016 and my OPT started in May. I luckily ended up getting a job in the States which started in July. I really missed home at that time and I got my non-paid vacation approved by my managing director. After his approval, I made sure that it was okay for me to leave the country and re-enter while I’m still affiliated with the company that I’m working for. From I-20 travel signature, EAD card, F-1 Visa and passport expiration date check, employee verification letter, pay stubs, and my plane tickets. And the most important thing, that “90 day” regulation while you are on OPT as well. For those of who aren’t really familiar, during your 12 months of OPT, you are only allowed to be un-employed or out of the country upto 90 days. If you are un-employed or out of the country for more than 90 days, you are disqualified to be an OPT candidate and you must leave the country immediately or not be allowed back for re-entry even though you still have the job. (I’m not an expert or CBP officer so correct me if I’m wrong) This can be exempted I THINK, if those days out of the US is solely related to your OPT sponsor’s business trip. I was very excited and happy to go back to the homeland because last time we gather altogether was back in December 2015 but that was for a couple days or even a day I can’t really recall. I’m not trying to complain or cry about not being able to see my family, but for us, it’s very important and valuable because one year not being able to see each other is huge, at least for us. My dad got his vacation days situation figured out, booked the tickets, my sister did the same while it was really hard for her to get that approved. FYI, my parents were in China at that time and sister lives in HongKong. 8 days together was very valuable and important to us. But we wanted to maximize our time together so we PURPOSELY booked the same ticket from Busan to Incheon when my dad and sister didn’t have to waste money and do that because they could have flown direct flights. I’m not able to fly out of Busan because my final destination is SFO. Our flight was KE1406 and we were all going to sit in the same row. Flying together and sitting together in a plane is like a dream for us, because how often does that happen for us? NEVER It has become our final day together. I absolutely hate good-byes because my life has been full of them. We are used to it though, so we can handle it but we were planning on going to the Busan/Gimhae airport altogether in a four door sedan with 4 big luggage bags, 1 golf bag, 2 backpacks and 2 duffle bags including four people. It was hilarious and very surprising that we put all of those in one Sonata. It was annoying and tiring but it was also fun because we were doing that together while saving money for a long taxi ride. Finally got to the airport, said bye to our grandpa, went to the check-in area. Sister checked in, dad checked in, and it was my turn. They asked for my I-20 and Visa stamp as they always make sure before a passenger leaves to the United States. The person that was helping me at the desk seemed very confused. She said she needed to check this with her manager and her manager told me that she has to check this with her connection at an “embassy”. The reason why she said she is little bit worried about my I-20 and OPT Card (EAD), is because on my EAD card it says “NOT VALID FOR RE-ENTRY TO US”. I was very well aware of this phrase on the card because I knew it was just telling me that I cannot solely use this card for re-entry to US which means I need additional d0cuments and proofs to be able to make this EAD card valid. She took some pictures of my Visa, I-20, and passport WHICH holds my confidential personal information. KaKao talk is very convenient in Korea because pretty much everyone uses it. I’m not here to blame her that she used KaKao talk to contact her “connection at the embassy” but, sending pictures of my personal information via a messenger app….. didn’t seem too professional but what could I say? I needed them to verify as fast and surely as possible because I’m not losing my job and an opportunity in the United States because I don’t want my personal information to be floating around on the internet. Even though that really bothers me that my personal information could be hacked. She said her contact wasn’t responding so hang around for a bit until her contact responds. After about 15 minutes or so, not really sure, she said she will contact me if there’s any problem and if I don’t hear back from them I should be good to go. I was stressed but 100% confident because again, I made sure everything is valid and good to go. Went through security and immigration, grabbed a cup of coffee with the dad and sister joking around, taking selfies and absolutely enjoying our time. And here we go, they are looking for me. I went up to the Korean Air help desk at the gate and they asked me if I had any lighters, flammable stuff, or and tools(?) in the checked bags. I said I left a pocket knife in my bag. They said they are checking on it and will get back to me as soon as possible. Okay, back to coffee with the family and my dad says “oh oh… That’s the person that was checking my stuff with the embassy”. I looked around and there she comes with a tall gentlemen. She told me I’m not able to fly with KE 1406 today and I must remain in Korea today and go to the embassy to figure out my problem. The problem that she mentioned was because my I-20 (d0cument that goes along with the F-1 Visa this cannot expire just like F-1 Visa or Passport) expired back in March 2016. And I go, “Of course ma’am! I graduated in March and I’m currently on OPT and that’s the new I-20 that was issued by my school when I applied for OPT in February.” She says “Well, my contact at the embassy who is 100% sure about this said you are not getting on that flight sorry sir.” We went back and forth a several times explaining exact same stuff and the gentleman that showed up with her looked at me like I’m a shithead because he said school doesn’t guarantee my re-entry. And I’m so aware mister, thanks for the update and new information that I didn’t know. Okay I had to move quick and think quick. I said okay let me at least try Gimpo and I will take taxi on my own to Incheon and try there. She said they will exactly say the same thing so she isn’t sure if I can fly today. I was 100% confident that I’m clear and good to go. One thing that she said though, there was another person exactly in the same situation as me and wasn’t able to fly that day. I hope that was the first and last victim caused by Korean Air’s lack of information. Anyway, I pushed and got my bags out, went to the domestic terminal, got the ticket that was transferred. Flew at 11:45 and my flight to SFO starts boarding at 15:35. I was in a rush but I remained calm. I was just so stressed contacting my managing director and anyone in the States who could help me via messenger at that time. I don’t even remember what time I got to Incheon from Gimpo by taxi because I was looking at my phone contacting people. Got to the line for Korean Air, and explained the same thing at the desk. The lady that was at Incheon who helped me with my check-in, she pulled out a regulations book!!!! A book!!! A very official book with all the regulations!!! When the lady in Busan/Gimhae pulled out her phone and contacted her “contact at the embassy” via a phone messenger sending picture with my personal information in them. I was hoping that she would say that the lady was wrong in Busan airport. But oh no, it actually says there are two kinds of OPT, one is valid for re-entry and one isn’t. I was like okay I didn’t know that there were two types of OPT for re-entry but I’m 100% that I’m good to go. She found her manager and he looked at my EAD card, I-20, F-1, and passport and said I was good to go. Thank god!! But hey guess what? Where is my time with my family which was purposely planned to spend a several hours at the airport?? My dad could have flown directly to Qingdao from Busan and not be tired. He is diabetic and his blood level went down really hard his hands were shaking and he was dizzy. The last day we are supposed to spend our last several hours together!!!! It makes me so mad that I did something un-necessary because of Korean Air Employees’ lack of knowledge and information. I literally thought I was about to lose my job if I didn’t fly out that day. I couldn’t spend more days in Korea as my 90 day limit is coming closer and closer. Where is my money that I spent on the taxi ride that didn’t really needed to occur? Where is my time to say goodbye to my sister in Incheon? I couldn’t even say bye to her and I don’t really know when I’m going to see her again. Where is the apology for my dad’s pain? Mentally and physically. Why does a Korean Air employee contact her “person at the embassy” unprofessionally via a KAKAO TALK? Why is she not aware that my personal information could be floating around ANYWHERE in the world? Would you be responsible for all of unknown credit card bills? What if someone gets my information and try to enter the United States? I don’t think Uncle Sam would be happy with her/us. I mean who is happy with Korea right now anyway? Who is happy with Korean Air nowadays? Even though there have been a lot of negative stuff going on with the Korean Air, but we, our family remained as loyal customers. I would never fly with Asiana or even Delta. I’m a morning calm member with 153,250 miles. But now, I’m not sure if I can fly with Korean Air anymore. Lack of inner communication, training, knowledge, professionalism, looking at me like I don’t know what I’m talking about probably because of my earrings and baggy clothing with my yeezys on, I know I totally look like a funboy but I ain’t stupid even though my GPA isn’t even 3.0. What If I totally trusted that employee and stayed in Busan? What would have I done? I don’t think I really know. I really don’t even want to think about it. What if?? What if??? I actually listened to your trustful employee? What IF…. I lost the job in the States. But I didn’t and I went against the Korean Air’s regulations and I still made it to the United States with NO PROBLEM AT ALL. I stayed in the secondary room because they needed to use a different computer system which doesn’t exist up at the first checking area. I’m still shaking and pissed off because I could have lost this great opportunity that I deserve that I worked for….. Why didn’t I have any problems at the immigration when the embassy (her contact) and the embassy in Hawaii said I couldn’t enter the United States? Why am I more aware of this situation than those official government employees? Why are you contacting them anyway? Are you even allowed? What about my personal information? IF a terrorist tries to use my information that they hacked from the internet and enter the United States?
대한항공 피해사례 (유학생들에게 도움)
OPT 소지 및 구직 중인 유학생분들께 도움이 될까싶어 올립니다. 문제시 삭제하겠습니다. 길더라도 꼭 읽어주시고 정보 알고계시면 재입국시 도움에 될까싶어 올립니다. 제가 직접 경험한 일입니다. (대한항공이 recepient 인점 참고해주시기바랍니다)
Attn: 미국에서 OPT로 취업 도전하고 계시는 혹은 성공하신 한국 유학생분들
제가 2016년 12월 4일 한국 부산 김해 국제공항에서 있었던 불편 사례를 말씀드리고자 합니다. 제 마지막 destination 은 SFO 이며 저는 12월 4일 KE 1406 편을 통해 김해에서 인천 인천에서 SFO 로 출국하는 날이었습니다. 1년만에 모인 가족들과 같이 출국을 하기위해 불편을 무릎쓰고 저희 아버지, 여동생도 KE1406편으로 인천으로 갔다 출국하는 날이었구요. 저희의 계획이 완전이 틀어지고, 불필요한 감정소비, 금전소비, 시간낭비, 그리고 저희 가족이 같이 행복하게 시간을 몇시간이라도 같이 더 보내려고한 시간에 대한 점에 대해 피해보상을 요구하는 바입니다. 대한항공 이영애, 김현숙 직원분들의 말씀을 듣고 출국을 하지 못하였다면 미국에 있는 저의 직장도 잃을뻔한 사건이오니 잘 읽고 답변을 성실히 해주셨으면 하는 바입니다.
저는 운이 좋게도 미국에서 OPT 를 통해 직장을 얻게되었고, 저희 가족 모두 힘든 시간을 보낸후 취직이 된거라 아주 기쁘게 생각하고 있는 바입니다. 김해에서 체크인시, 저희 아버지, 여동생, 저 이렇게 3명이 같이 체크인을 하였습니다. 미국 출국 비행기 체크인시 항공사마다 F-1 visa, passport, I-20 를 확인 하는 절차는 저도 이미 알고있었기에 체크해주신점에 대해 다시 한번 감사드립니다. 여기서 제가 말씀하고자 하는건, 저는 미국에서 한국으로 나올때 미국 재 입국시에 문제가 없더록 모든 것에 있어서 철저한 대비 및 준비를 하였습니다. 여권 만료 날짜, F-1 Visa Stamp 만료 날짜, I-20 Travel Signature, EAD Card, 그리고 재직증명서, 월급 증명서 까지 모든 사항에 대해 문제가 없도록 확실시하여 한국에 입국하였습니다. 12월 4일 부산 김해 국제공항에 있는 이영애, 김현숙 직원분들 말씀에 의하면 저는 출국 및 미국으로 재입국이 어려운 상황 아니 불가능한 상황이라고 말씀해주셨습니다. 체크인 시 문제가 있어 대사관 직원과 연결을 하고 있는 중이었으며 체크인 에리아에서 20분간 대기한뒤 답이 없어 게이트에 가서 기다리고 있으면 문제가 있을시 연락을 주시겠다고 하셨습니다. 아니나다를까 제 짐에 문제가 있다고 하여 10번 게이트에서 대한항공 직원과 잠시 얘기를 나눴으며 저는 아주 작은 나이프(칼)이 가방에 들어있으니 그게 문제가되면 말씀해주신다고 다시 대기를 명령하셨습니다. 그러고 약 5분후 제가 체크인할때 도움주셨던 분(성함은 정확하지 않으나 이영애 김현숙 직원분들 성함은 기억합니다 정확히)과 키가 크신 40대~50대 남자직원분도 대동하셨습니다. 하신 말씀은 대사관 직원분 그리고 하와이에 계신 대사관 직원분들 모두가 제가 미국 재 입국에 문제가 있다고 하여 절 출국 금지 및 취소를 시키셨으며, 제 설명은 듣지도 않으시고 EAD 카드에 써있는 “NOT VALID FOR RE ENTRY TO THE US” 문구와 대사관 직원의 말을 믿으셔서 저와 제 짐을 결국엔 off-load 하셨습니다. 저는 김해에서 김포로 가는 표로 변경 요청 및 인천까지는 제가 직접 가겠다고 하였으며 그쪽에서도 OK 를 한 부분입니다. 김해 공항 직원분들은 책임을 지시기 싫으셔서 인천공항에 넘긴 부분이구요. 인천 공항에서도 똑같이 말씀하실거라고 출국 안되실건데 그래도 해보실거면 제 결정이라고 저한테 모든걸 떠넘긴 상황이었습니다. 그리고 그 키큰 남자 직원분께서는 저를 정말 벌레보듯이 보시며 짜증을 내시며 학교는 절대 재입국을 보증하지 않는다고 말씀하셨는데, 제가 세상에서 제일 머리 똑똑한 사람은 아니지만 그정도는 이미 알고있습니다. 근데 제가 이미 알고있는 정보를 저를 벌레보듯이 보시며 그것도 15만 마일이 있는 모닝캄 회원에게 그렇게 말씀하신 부분 정중한 사과 부탁드립니다. 이때까지 대한항공 땅콩사건을 비롯하여 말이 많았는데 저희는 항상 대한항공만 탔고 저는 델타도 타지 않았습니다. 그런데 VIP 회원에게 그렇게 대하신부분 정중한 사과 및 보상 요구합니다.
*여기서 보셔야 할 부분은 대사관 직원과 확인절차시에 제 개인정보가 담긴 (EAD card, VISA, Passport, I-20) 를 카카오톡으로 주고 받았다는 점입니다. 보안상 문제가 있는데 개인 정보를 이렇게 마음대로, 카카오톡으로 전송해도 되는지요? 여기에 대한 미래에 있을 피해 보상은 어떻게 진행하실건지요?
변경된 비행기표를 체크인 하러 국내선 터미널까지 짐 3개를 이동하여, 티켓팅 및 체크인을 하고 security 를 다시 한번 통과하고 게이트로 가서 기다렸습니다. 저희 아버지와 여동생은 저와 같이 타려고 했던 KE1406 에 몸을 실은채.. 저는 확답이 없는 상황에서 위험을 무릎쓰고 혼자의 결정으로, 대한항공 직원말씀을 듣지않고 움직인 부분입니다. 김포에서 부랴부랴 내려 짐을 찾고 택시를 타고 인천 공항으로 일단 갔습니다. 시간이 언제인지도 기억 안나는 부분은 미국에 있는 현지 상사와 연락 및 도움을 요청하고 있었고 이 당시에 저희 당뇨환자이신 아버지는 저혈당이 오셔서 극심한 스트레스 및 어지럼증을 겪으셨다고 합니다. 저희 가족 모두, 대만에서 여행하시고 계시는 저희 어머니, 다시 언제 볼지도 모를 여동생한테 인사도 하지 못한채 저는 혼자 스트레스 및 걱정을 하고 있는 상황이었습니다. 이미 게이트에 들어가신 아버지가 여동생을 혼자 쓸쓸히 기분 안좋은 상황, 몸이 안좋으신 상황에서 보냈고, 저는 인천 체크인 카운터에서 직원분과 이제 대화를 시작하려고 하고 있었습니다.
똑같이 말씀을 하시고 여기서 보실점은 인천 공항에 있던 직원은 규정이 담긴 책을 꺼내셨습니다. 부산 김해 국제공항 이영애 김현숙 직원분들은 그런 책들도 꺼내시지 않으시고 카톡으로 제 개인 정보가 담긴 사진들과 대화를 대사관 직원분들과 나누셨구요. 거기에 계신 키 크신 남자 책임자분이 보시더니 괜찮다고 보내드리라고 하셨습니다.
힘들게 또 시큐리티 및 짐을 붙이고, 다시 시큐리티를 통과 (오늘 3번째)하여 지치고 스트레스 받으신 저희 아버지 얼굴을 보는순간 대한항공에 너무나도 화가났습니다. 저희가 일부러 계획하여 인천 공항에서 같이 시간을 보내려고 한 계획 틀어지고, 기분 안좋아지고, 시간 낭비하고, 쇼핑 할 시간도 없고, 라운지에서 몇시간 보내려고했는데 1시간도 못있고 라면 하나 먹고 나오고, 살려던 물건들 사지도 못하고, 저희 아버지는 저혈당에 극심한 스트레스.. 저는 괜히 걱정되는 마음 그리고 스트레스. 10시간 동안 비행기 타고 올동안 내내 그 생각밖에 못했습니다. 제가 확실시 했지만 그래도 괜히 대사관 직원분 말을 들으니 걱정이 안되겠습니까? 정말 제 삶의 최악의 비행이었습니다. 그 직원분 하나때문에. 내려서 입국장에 가서 확인 한 결과, 저는 입국에 아무 문제가 없었습니다. 제 2 검사가 이루어진 이유는 OPT 를 소지하고 입국하는 분들이 많이 없으셔서 제 2의 검사장으로 가야만 검사가 이루어질 수 있다는 말이었고 결국엔 짐 찾아 미국 재 입국 아주 잘~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~했습니다. 대사관 분들의 말도 듣지 않고 대한항공 직원분들 말을 듣지않고 규정을 어기며 제가 출국을 한 이유는 대한항공 직원분들의 정보, 지식, 및 트레이닝이 잘 되어있지 않다는것아닐까요?
Attn: Korean Students in the United States of America that are currently searching/working for an OPT job
너무나도 화가나고 분하고 겁이 나서 두서없이 쓴점 양해드리고 한국말 어휘력이 중학생수준이라 못하는 영어로 적은점 이해해주시기 바랍니다. 멀리멀리 퍼트려주세요. 더이상 대한항공의 지식주순 때문에 소중한 미국에서의 기회가 날아가지 않게, 소중한 가족들과 한국에서 만나 힐링하고 충전해서 미국에 재 입국할수있게 널리널리 알려주세요 부탁드립니다.
Hello, Korean friends that are in the United States of America! My name is JaeYoung Lee and I’m currently on OPT after completion of a 4 year degree. As most of you are aware, re-entering or even just entering into this country is very nerve-wrecking. You know you are clear and good to go, but it’s always somewhat stressful because you might get stopped for an additional information search in the secondary check area. That’s why all the F-1 Visa holders are always trying to be on top of all of our Visa d0cumentations and requirements. Just like any other F-1 Visa holders, I have been trying my best to stay on top of it as well so I don’t lose an opportunity in the States because of my small mistake or laziness. I graduated in March 2016 and my OPT started in May. I luckily ended up getting a job in the States which started in July. I really missed home at that time and I got my non-paid vacation approved by my managing director. After his approval, I made sure that it was okay for me to leave the country and re-enter while I’m still affiliated with the company that I’m working for. From I-20 travel signature, EAD card, F-1 Visa and passport expiration date check, employee verification letter, pay stubs, and my plane tickets. And the most important thing, that “90 day” regulation while you are on OPT as well. For those of who aren’t really familiar, during your 12 months of OPT, you are only allowed to be un-employed or out of the country upto 90 days. If you are un-employed or out of the country for more than 90 days, you are disqualified to be an OPT candidate and you must leave the country immediately or not be allowed back for re-entry even though you still have the job. (I’m not an expert or CBP officer so correct me if I’m wrong) This can be exempted I THINK, if those days out of the US is solely related to your OPT sponsor’s business trip.
I was very excited and happy to go back to the homeland because last time we gather altogether was back in December 2015 but that was for a couple days or even a day I can’t really recall. I’m not trying to complain or cry about not being able to see my family, but for us, it’s very important and valuable because one year not being able to see each other is huge, at least for us. My dad got his vacation days situation figured out, booked the tickets, my sister did the same while it was really hard for her to get that approved. FYI, my parents were in China at that time and sister lives in HongKong.
8 days together was very valuable and important to us. But we wanted to maximize our time together so we PURPOSELY booked the same ticket from Busan to Incheon when my dad and sister didn’t have to waste money and do that because they could have flown direct flights. I’m not able to fly out of Busan because my final destination is SFO. Our flight was KE1406 and we were all going to sit in the same row. Flying together and sitting together in a plane is like a dream for us, because how often does that happen for us? NEVER
It has become our final day together. I absolutely hate good-byes because my life has been full of them. We are used to it though, so we can handle it but we were planning on going to the Busan/Gimhae airport altogether in a four door sedan with 4 big luggage bags, 1 golf bag, 2 backpacks and 2 duffle bags including four people. It was hilarious and very surprising that we put all of those in one Sonata. It was annoying and tiring but it was also fun because we were doing that together while saving money for a long taxi ride. Finally got to the airport, said bye to our grandpa, went to the check-in area. Sister checked in, dad checked in, and it was my turn. They asked for my I-20 and Visa stamp as they always make sure before a passenger leaves to the United States. The person that was helping me at the desk seemed very confused. She said she needed to check this with her manager and her manager told me that she has to check this with her connection at an “embassy”. The reason why she said she is little bit worried about my I-20 and OPT Card (EAD), is because on my EAD card it says “NOT VALID FOR RE-ENTRY TO US”. I was very well aware of this phrase on the card because I knew it was just telling me that I cannot solely use this card for re-entry to US which means I need additional d0cuments and proofs to be able to make this EAD card valid. She took some pictures of my Visa, I-20, and passport WHICH holds my confidential personal information. KaKao talk is very convenient in Korea because pretty much everyone uses it. I’m not here to blame her that she used KaKao talk to contact her “connection at the embassy” but, sending pictures of my personal information via a messenger app….. didn’t seem too professional but what could I say? I needed them to verify as fast and surely as possible because I’m not losing my job and an opportunity in the United States because I don’t want my personal information to be floating around on the internet. Even though that really bothers me that my personal information could be hacked. She said her contact wasn’t responding so hang around for a bit until her contact responds. After about 15 minutes or so, not really sure, she said she will contact me if there’s any problem and if I don’t hear back from them I should be good to go. I was stressed but 100% confident because again, I made sure everything is valid and good to go. Went through security and immigration, grabbed a cup of coffee with the dad and sister joking around, taking selfies and absolutely enjoying our time. And here we go, they are looking for me. I went up to the Korean Air help desk at the gate and they asked me if I had any lighters, flammable stuff, or and tools(?) in the checked bags. I said I left a pocket knife in my bag. They said they are checking on it and will get back to me as soon as possible. Okay, back to coffee with the family and my dad says “oh oh… That’s the person that was checking my stuff with the embassy”. I looked around and there she comes with a tall gentlemen. She told me I’m not able to fly with KE 1406 today and I must remain in Korea today and go to the embassy to figure out my problem. The problem that she mentioned was because my I-20 (d0cument that goes along with the F-1 Visa this cannot expire just like F-1 Visa or Passport) expired back in March 2016. And I go, “Of course ma’am! I graduated in March and I’m currently on OPT and that’s the new I-20 that was issued by my school when I applied for OPT in February.” She says “Well, my contact at the embassy who is 100% sure about this said you are not getting on that flight sorry sir.” We went back and forth a several times explaining exact same stuff and the gentleman that showed up with her looked at me like I’m a shithead because he said school doesn’t guarantee my re-entry. And I’m so aware mister, thanks for the update and new information that I didn’t know. Okay I had to move quick and think quick. I said okay let me at least try Gimpo and I will take taxi on my own to Incheon and try there. She said they will exactly say the same thing so she isn’t sure if I can fly today. I was 100% confident that I’m clear and good to go. One thing that she said though, there was another person exactly in the same situation as me and wasn’t able to fly that day. I hope that was the first and last victim caused by Korean Air’s lack of information. Anyway, I pushed and got my bags out, went to the domestic terminal, got the ticket that was transferred. Flew at 11:45 and my flight to SFO starts boarding at 15:35. I was in a rush but I remained calm. I was just so stressed contacting my managing director and anyone in the States who could help me via messenger at that time. I don’t even remember what time I got to Incheon from Gimpo by taxi because I was looking at my phone contacting people. Got to the line for Korean Air, and explained the same thing at the desk. The lady that was at Incheon who helped me with my check-in, she pulled out a regulations book!!!! A book!!! A very official book with all the regulations!!! When the lady in Busan/Gimhae pulled out her phone and contacted her “contact at the embassy” via a phone messenger sending picture with my personal information in them. I was hoping that she would say that the lady was wrong in Busan airport. But oh no, it actually says there are two kinds of OPT, one is valid for re-entry and one isn’t. I was like okay I didn’t know that there were two types of OPT for re-entry but I’m 100% that I’m good to go. She found her manager and he looked at my EAD card, I-20, F-1, and passport and said I was good to go.
Thank god!! But hey guess what? Where is my time with my family which was purposely planned to spend a several hours at the airport?? My dad could have flown directly to Qingdao from Busan and not be tired. He is diabetic and his blood level went down really hard his hands were shaking and he was dizzy. The last day we are supposed to spend our last several hours together!!!! It makes me so mad that I did something un-necessary because of Korean Air Employees’ lack of knowledge and information. I literally thought I was about to lose my job if I didn’t fly out that day. I couldn’t spend more days in Korea as my 90 day limit is coming closer and closer. Where is my money that I spent on the taxi ride that didn’t really needed to occur? Where is my time to say goodbye to my sister in Incheon? I couldn’t even say bye to her and I don’t really know when I’m going to see her again. Where is the apology for my dad’s pain? Mentally and physically. Why does a Korean Air employee contact her “person at the embassy” unprofessionally via a KAKAO TALK? Why is she not aware that my personal information could be floating around ANYWHERE in the world? Would you be responsible for all of unknown credit card bills? What if someone gets my information and try to enter the United States? I don’t think Uncle Sam would be happy with her/us. I mean who is happy with Korea right now anyway? Who is happy with Korean Air nowadays? Even though there have been a lot of negative stuff going on with the Korean Air, but we, our family remained as loyal customers. I would never fly with Asiana or even Delta. I’m a morning calm member with 153,250 miles. But now, I’m not sure if I can fly with Korean Air anymore. Lack of inner communication, training, knowledge, professionalism, looking at me like I don’t know what I’m talking about probably because of my earrings and baggy clothing with my yeezys on, I know I totally look like a funboy but I ain’t stupid even though my GPA isn’t even 3.0. What If I totally trusted that employee and stayed in Busan? What would have I done? I don’t think I really know. I really don’t even want to think about it. What if?? What if??? I actually listened to your trustful employee? What IF…. I lost the job in the States. But I didn’t and I went against the Korean Air’s regulations and I still made it to the United States with NO PROBLEM AT ALL. I stayed in the secondary room because they needed to use a different computer system which doesn’t exist up at the first checking area.
I’m still shaking and pissed off because I could have lost this great opportunity that I deserve that I worked for….. Why didn’t I have any problems at the immigration when the embassy (her contact) and the embassy in Hawaii said I couldn’t enter the United States? Why am I more aware of this situation than those official government employees? Why are you contacting them anyway? Are you even allowed? What about my personal information? IF a terrorist tries to use my information that they hacked from the internet and enter the United States?
감사합니다.