This "American car" is something of an anomaly. There are very few foreign cars in Korea. At one time, Koreans who bought foreign vehicles could expect to be harassed with tax audits (the presumption was that only the very wealthy could afford an import).

Offically, Korea has lifted trade barriers (and the government claims it no longer audits owners of Saabs and Mercedes). Now it's possible to find dealers selling American and European vehicles, at least in Seoul. However, Japanese vehicles are still officially banned, and the number of US- and European-made vehicles on Korean streets remains very small.