Steve Yoo Reflects on Life and Gratitude Amid Legal Victory

Former singer Steve Yoo (48), also known as Yoo Seung-jun, shared a poignant message on his YouTube channel.

On October 31, a video titled 'Steve Yoo's Life Talk' was uploaded to his channel.

In the video, Yoo expressed, "Even in difficult situations, who you are with can make it beneficial," adding, "I can't speak without tears. Every time I talk, it becomes a 'Human Theater'."

Yoo reminisced about his past connection with Jackie Chan, saying, "Back when I was popular, I traveled with 30 to 40 people, including dancers, managers, and stylists. Jackie Chan once remarked, 'Who is that?' upon seeing us."

Later, when Yoo ventured into China, Jackie Chan reached out through a deacon from Yoo's church. Yoo expressed gratitude, saying, "While in China, Jackie Chan's support warmed my heart. He is a benefactor. Many people have helped me in such ways."

Yoo also shared his thoughts on tattoos, saying, "I have them, but I've told my kids not to get tattoos from a young age. Even if I have them, I hope my children don't. They are so beautiful and lovable in my eyes."

Reflecting on his eldest son, Yoo said, "He doesn't take after me. He's kind," and recalled, "I had him during a dark tunnel in my life. He was a light for me."

Having met his wife at 15 and been together for 34 years, Yoo reflected, "We've been through good and bad times, but it's hard to fathom the depths of one's heart. My wife must feel the same. After all, we're still individuals."

Yoo continued, "Everyone has their own perspective in life. I used to live thinking I was great and judged others, but I realized others are better than me. Now, I don't judge anyone. I realized I'm not someone who should judge others."

He added, "I used to judge and criticize others sharply with my own standards. Looking back, I knew nothing about their lives. Reflecting on myself, I realize how ignorant I was."

In a heartfelt message, Yoo stated, "The greatest blessing for me is having a loving wife and family. In that sense, I've gained everything. Even during painful times, my heart was always full and grateful."

He concluded, "How wonderful it would be to learn life without mistakes and regrets? It's only as wrinkles and white hairs increase that we begin to realize life. No one is an exception. It's only after losing something that we realize its value. I am truly a foolish person."

Meanwhile, on October 28, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of Yoo in a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Consulate General regarding the denial of his visa issuance. However, his lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice to confirm the non-existence of an entry ban was dismissed.

Yoo, once a top singer in Korea, had expressed his intention to enlist in the military but faced criticism for evading military service by acquiring U.S. citizenship. Consequently, he has been banned from entering Korea since 2002.

By Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr