Steve Yoo, also known as Yoo Seung-jun, has expressed discomfort over a petition submitted by some fans seeking to lift his entry ban to South Korea.
On the 13th, Yoo stated, "I never asked for a pardon, nor do I know the source of the petition. Even my official fan club claims it is not their stance and they are unaware of it. Why should I be inconvenienced by a statement submitted by someone I don't even know?"
He further emphasized, "I have no desire to earn money in Korea. Some people seem to believe that if I go there, someone will be waiting with a bundle of cash. I have no intention or desire to receive any benefits."
Yoo clarified, "I wanted to enter the country for the sake of restoring my honor. It's regrettable to be entangled in such issues." He added, "The law should be equal for everyone, and fairness should not be compromised."
Previously, on the 9th, individuals claiming to be Yoo's fans posted a statement on the 'Yoo Seung-jun Gallery' on DC Inside, expressing hope that the same leniency and fairness shown in the political pardon review process would be applied to Yoo. They argued that maintaining the entry ban, despite the Supreme Court ruling twice that the visa denial was illegal, contradicts the rule of law and fairness.
They stated, "Yoo Seung-jun has endured much criticism and sanctions over the years. This doesn't mean he was without fault, but he has borne the social responsibility. We hope the message of national unity seen in the pardons of politicians like former Jo Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang will also apply to Yoo, an ordinary citizen." They added, "We hope the President's decision will be an opportunity to realize the constitutional values of fairness and equity."
Yoo Seung-jun's entry to South Korea has been restricted since 2002 after he acquired U.S. citizenship to avoid mandatory military service. In 2015, he applied for a visa at the LA Consulate under the Overseas Korean status but was denied, leading to a lawsuit in which he ultimately won. However, the consulate again denied his visa, prompting a second lawsuit, which he also won in November last year. He has since applied for a visa a third time, which was again denied, and is currently in litigation.
Full Statement by Steve Yoo
I never asked for a pardon, nor do I know the source of the petition.
Even my official fan club claims it is not their stance and they are unaware of it. Why should I be inconvenienced by a statement submitted by someone I don't even know?
I have no desire to earn money in Korea.
Some people seem to believe that if I go there, someone will be waiting with a bundle of cash.
I have no intention or desire to receive any benefits.
I wanted to enter the country for the sake of restoring my honor.
It's regrettable to be entangled in such issues.
"In a world where the real becomes fake and the fake parades as real."
The law should be equal for everyone, and fairness should not be compromised.
Reporter: Ji-ye Choi, Ten Asia, wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr