Controversy Arises as Yoo Seung-jun Collaborates on JUSTHIS's New Album Amidst Long-standing Ban

The participation of singer Yoo Seung-jun in rapper JUSTHIS's new album has sparked debate. Yoo, who has been banned from entering South Korea for 23 years following a military service evasion controversy, has made a rare collaboration with a domestic artist.

JUSTHIS released his second full-length album 'LIT' on the 20th. The album consists of 20 tracks featuring artists like Insooni, Bumkey, Ra.D, and DEAN. The final track, 'HOME HOME,' which critiques societal issues, has drawn attention. Fans noticed an unfamiliar voice alongside JUSTHIS, but no featuring artist was credited in the track information.

The mystery was solved when JUSTHIS shared a behind-the-scenes video on his YouTube channel, revealing Yoo Seung-jun recording in an overseas studio. The video shows Yoo in a white short-sleeve t-shirt and beanie, rapping, and sharing a hug with JUSTHIS. This marks Yoo's first known music project involvement since the 2002 controversy.

Reactions to Yoo's participation are mixed. Some argue that artistic endeavors should be viewed separately from past controversies, while others criticize the lack of credit for his feature. The music industry speculates that this collaboration might signal a potential return to domestic activities for Yoo.

Previously, Yoo Seung-jun was at the center of a 'military evasion' controversy in 2002 when he renounced his Korean citizenship for U.S. citizenship to avoid mandatory military service. The Military Manpower Administration and the Ministry of Justice have since restricted his entry under Article 11 of the Immigration Control Act.

In 2015, Yoo applied for an Overseas Korean Visa (F-4), but the LA Consulate General denied it. He filed a lawsuit to overturn the visa denial and won in the Supreme Court. However, the consulate cited procedural issues to deny the visa again, leading to a second lawsuit. Despite another Supreme Court ruling in 2020, the visa was denied once more, and a third appeal is currently underway.

By Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr