Exception request for KEP-2033 (KubeletInUserNamespace)

[Akihiro Suda]

To sig-node, release-team, kubernetes-sig-release,

I'd like to request the following exception:

- Enhancement name: KubeletInUserNamespace
- Enhancement status (alpha/beta/stable): beta
- SIG: node
- k/enhancements repo issue #:
https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/issues/2033
- PR #’s: https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/pull/5694 ("KEP-2033: KubeletInUserNamespace: postpone beta to v1.36")
  - The k/k implementation PR 134639 was LGTMed on 2025-11-10 but it somehow didn't get further review for merging in v1.35.
    The k/e PR 5694 postpones it to v1.36. This PR was once LGTMed on 2025-11-22, but the LGTM was cancelled later for reviewing the API change. The PR was updated on 2025-11-26 to address the feedback.
- Additional time needed  (in calendar days, due end of day AoE): 7 days, for waiting review and addressing potential feedback. No task is pending on my side, since my last update on 2025-11-26.
- Reason this enhancement is critical for this milestone: The beta PR
extends the node label and `NodeSystemInfo` so that an admin can inspect whether a node
is running in UserNS
- Risks from adding code late: Low, as the amount of the code is small
- Risks from cutting enhancement: An admin cannot easily inspect
whether a node is running in UserNS

[Ryota]

Hi all,

Unfortunately, the release team is REJECTING this exception request.

As mentioned in the Slack thread[0], we did not receive further clarification nor any updates on the PR.

We look forward to seeing this KEP to land as a part of the next v1.37 or future release, where it can receive proper review and tracking in time.

Thanks for your understanding and contributions!

Thanks,
Ryota Sawada
v1.36 Release Team Lead

[0]: https://kubernetes.slack.com/archives/C2C40FMNF/p1770910139324329