HAPPINESS: The Laon is Sebastian Warren, left, Hong An and Klemens Cathcart.

Hong An wants to make music, not war.

The lead vocalist in Christchurch band The Laon, An may have to return home to South Korea to serve two years of compulsory military service if he cannot get residency before November.

His friends have started a Facebook campaign to keep him in New Zealand.

An said he felt humbled by the campaign, and that he considered Christchurch his home.

"Before I came here I was shown a map of New Zealand by an adviser in South Korea."

"My finger landed on Christchurch. They tried to put me off and I was told that most people went to Auckland but I decided Christchurch was the place for me. For some reason I thought it would be awesome and I was right."

He arrived in New Zealand five years ago without knowing a word of English. He studied at the Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School, made friends, and formed his band The Laon, which means "happiness".

An said he felt he had a lot to offer the rebuild of the city and wanted to help.

"If I end up having to go back and have to be in the army compulsorily for two years then I will take it as my path.

"But the people I love are in Christchurch. Even my family back in Seoul want me to stay here, except for my nana, she wants me to marry a good Korean girl."

The Laon, finalists in several local band competitions, recently released their debut EP.

Alongside originals, it includes a cover of The Fourmyula's song Nature.

"I want to show people the power of music," An said.

There is also talk of a benefit concert, with the idea being to gather people from various cultures and let them experience the "peaceful and joyful co- existence with music and arts".

"As New Zealand is a multi- cultural country, we think this is very important for all those who live in New Zealand," An said.

He has taught his bandmates the Korean word for "bro" and said they were like his brothers now, brothers he didn't want to leave behind.

"If I go back they will want to make me hate North Korea but I want to make music not war," An said.

"I understand that they need their army but to me the idea of war is wrong.

"I don't agree with guns. To me it's evil to be trained to kill someone. We have been fighting each other for too long, there must be another way."