“Of course I’m concerned about the safety of my relatives,” Paul Lee, junior, said. “They live very close to the border, and there is not much they can do to protect themselves.”

Lee immigrated with his family to the United States in January 2007. His grandparents, however, and those not in his immediate family remain in South Korea, living in the Incheon region.

“North Korea is out of control, mainly because of their leader,” Lee said.

Kim Jung II is the de facto leader of North Korea, and under his militaristic rule the country was declared a member of the “Axis of Evil,” by President George W. Bush in 2002, due to accusations of terrorist involvement and the seeking of nuclear weaponry.

Lee is a Korean citizen, but lives in the United States with a Visa pass.

“As a Korean man, I am obligated to serve in the military when I am older,” Lee said. “I am looking forward to serving. I feel a strong sense of patriotism about my country.”

Male citizens of South Korea must engage in 21 months of military service. Escalated tensions and the recent attack from North Korea may result in an increased duration, possibly 24 months, Lee said.

“I am fine about the escalated military service. Korea is still officially at war, and i am needed to serve and protect my country.”

Lee said his military service would include normal combat and marine training. He said that being away from his family for such an extended length of time would not bother him, because serving is “his duty.”