Day 497: Y-S

We had another Thursday Night Out a-la Sinchon tonight, and we had extra incentive to get down there as fast as we could. Tonight joining us for dinner was Michael and....Young-Seok!!! Yes, Michael's sweetheart boyfriend who was stolen from us by the Korean military a few months ago is out for a few days break. And will be with us tonight, in the flesh, for a few hours!

It was so exciting to see him again, and he looked healthy and tan and all buff and in-shape thanks to boot camp. And hey even with his short military buzz haircut he was still looking as handsome as ever. Over dinner at Ruby Tuesday's he told us all that he's been up to since joining the military. Yes, it sucks and he doesn't like it, but it's bareable and he'll survive. He's working in Supplies in the military, which seems like a safe enough job I guess. He's also going to be moved to a base near Suwon, just south of Seoul, so when the rare occasion comes up of him having time off he'll be close to visit his friends and family.

The one thing that really makes life difficult for him right now is how all the "first year's" get shit on by those in senior positions. Korea's military service is two years, three months long, and everyone in their second year gets to boss around all the newbies, order them around to do all the crap jobs that no one wants to do, and generally make their life difficult. It's stupid and it makes me pissed off, and I'm not even in the military! Y-S says he'll be alright, but we still worry about him. He's such a nice guy I can't imagine why fucked up seniors feel like they need to shit all over him just to make themselves feel cool. I'm so thankful I was born in a country that doesn't have required military service or a draft, or even a need for having a large military. Hooray for Canada!

Anyway, it was great to spend some time with Y-S and I hope I get to see him again before he has to go back. Take care, buddy!!! Only two years left, stay strong, chin up! :-)