Fans of Korean-American singer Steve Yoo, also known as Yoo Seung-jun, have issued a statement urging the lifting of his over 20-year entry ban to South Korea, which was imposed due to a military service evasion controversy.
In a statement posted on the 'Yoo Seung-jun Gallery' on DC Inside, the fans expressed their hope that the recent considerations of pardons for politicians would extend the same leniency and fairness to Yoo. They argued that despite the South Korean Supreme Court ruling twice that the visa denial was unlawful, the continued entry ban contradicts principles of justice and fairness, especially as the government reviews pardons for politicians and public officials ahead of Liberation Day.
The fans stated, "Yoo Seung-jun has endured significant criticism and sanctions over the years. This is not to say he was without fault, but he has borne the social responsibility for his actions." They further expressed their desire for the message of national unity seen in the pardons of figures like former Justice Party leader Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mee-hyang to be applied to Yoo as well. They added, "We hope the President's decision will serve as an opportunity to realize the constitutional values of fairness and equity."
Steve Yoo's entry to South Korea was restricted in 2002 after he acquired U.S. citizenship to avoid mandatory military service. In 2015, he applied for a visa at the Los Angeles Consulate under the Overseas Korean status but was denied. He filed a lawsuit and won, but the consulate denied his visa again, leading to a second lawsuit, which he also won in November last year. Despite this, his third visa application was denied, and the case is ongoing.
Recently, news has emerged that the government is considering pardons and reinstatements for politicians and public officials ahead of the August 15 Liberation Day. We deeply resonate with the idea that pardons are a system to reduce social conflict and achieve national unity.
We wish to convey our hope that this spirit of tolerance and inclusivity is applied fairly not only to politicians and public officials but to all citizens. In the case of Yoo Seung-jun, whose entry has been restricted for over 20 years due to military service issues, the Supreme Court has already ruled twice, in 2019 and 2023, that the visa denial was unlawful. Yet, the restriction continues, which we believe needs reevaluation in light of the principles of fairness and the rule of law.
Yoo Seung-jun has endured much criticism and sanctions over the years. This is not to say he was without fault, but he has borne the social responsibility for his actions. We believe it is time to look back on the past and grant him a new opportunity to live within Korean society.
Therefore, we, the fans of Yoo Seung-jun, earnestly appeal to President Lee Jae-myung.
We hope that the spirit of national unity and reconciliation seen in the consideration of pardons for figures like former Justice Party leader Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mee-hyang will be equally applied to Yoo Seung-jun, an ordinary citizen. We hope the President's decision will become an example of implementing the constitutional values of fairness and equity, serving as a catalyst for national unity.
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr