Singer Yoo Seung-jun, who has been embroiled in a military service controversy, was moved to tears after receiving encouragement from Korean fans.
On the 23rd, Yoo Seung-jun's YouTube channel featured a video titled 'What Happens When Yoo Seung-jun Suddenly Appears on Tae Jin-ah's Stage. An Unforeseen Reaction.' The video captures the scene from singer Tae Jin-ah's solo concert held at a resort in California, USA, in April last year.
During the performance, Tae Jin-ah introduced Yoo Seung-jun by saying, "When this singer first debuted, I told him, 'You will become a big star, so never give up and keep pushing forward.' Yoo Seung-jun, who lives in LA, is here."
Yoo Seung-jun, who was seated in the audience, stood up and bowed 90 degrees to greet the audience. The audience responded with applause, welcoming him warmly.
Particularly, the audience members around him patted Yoo Seung-jun on the shoulder, offering words of encouragement. Overwhelmed by the unexpected warm reception, Yoo Seung-jun was moved to tears.
Even after the greetings concluded, the support from the audience continued. An elderly fan expressed their sorrow by saying, "It breaks my heart every time I see you. Are you still unable to go to Korea?"
Yoo Seung-jun debuted in South Korea in 1997 and was active until he left the country in January 2002, citing a performance, after receiving a notice for public service duty. He later acquired U.S. citizenship, leading to suspicions of evading military service, and has been restricted from entering South Korea since 2002.
In 2015, he filed a lawsuit against the LA Consulate General to overturn the denial of his Overseas Korean (F-4) visa. Although the Supreme Court ruled in his favor twice, the LA Consulate General again denied the visa, and the third appeal is currently underway.
Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr