First let me apologize for this post's title, which is: "In fair Seoul, where we lay our scene."

Wow, that hurt a little.

One of the third grade students (I don't teach third grade), Han Tae-Gyu (his name almost rhymes with Montague, which I think is why I remember it) snuck up behind me as I was leaving the subway this morning, pointed his fingers at me, and said "Freeze!" - then, was immediately concerned that I hadn't known he was joking.

He's one of my favorites. (Yes, I have favorites, okay?) I don't have class with him, but sometime last week he approached me (again, as we both exited the subway), asked if my name was "Pah-may-l(r)ah, right?" and introduced himself. "So, we are friends now?"

He's very eager, both to learn English and to teach me Korean. Unlike most of my first- and second-graders, he doesn't shut down completely when I misinterpret or fail to understand him, but (with a bit of encouragement) persists until we understand each other. It's. So. Refreshing. Today, he taught me 또바 (ddo-ba), an informal way to say goodbye between friends. It means "I will see you again."

He will graduate high school in February, then go to study at an electronics university in Seoul (this is unusual. Most of my students will not go to college - but Tae-Gyu seems to have a strong desire to learn and do well). Then, he will join the army after college for his mandatory military service. For two years. I'd almost forgotten that Korea has compulsory military service for men, but how lovely to be reminded that my students have yet another element of their lives that has been removed from their control.

Bitter, a little, and unwilling to delve into the multitudes of problems that come along with having a [gender-based] draft. But also remembering that SoKo still has good reason to maintain a strong national defense. 또바.