Yoo Seung-jun's Fans Request 'Equitable Measures' from President Lee Jae-myung

Some fans of American-born singer Yoo Seung-jun (Steve Yoo), who has faced restrictions on entering Korea for over 20 years due to military evasion controversies, have requested 'equitable measures' such as a pardon and restoration of his rights from President Lee Jae-myung.

They argue that the leniency and equity shown during the review process of pardons for politicians should equally apply to Yoo Seung-jun.

On the 9th, some fans of Yoo Seung-jun released a statement through the 'Yoo Seung-jun Gallery' on DC Inside. They stated, "The government is reviewing pardons for politicians and public officials ahead of the August 15 Liberation Day," and emphasized that "the continued entry ban despite two Supreme Court rulings declaring the visa denial unlawful is inconsistent with equity and the rule of law."

Inconsistency with Equity and the Rule of Law

A 23-Year Ban on Yoo Seung-jun's Entry and Legal Battles

Yoo Seung-jun lost his Korean nationality after obtaining U.S. citizenship while departing Korea for a performance in 2002, and he has been banned from entering Korea for 23 years due to allegations of military evasion during this process.

Since 2015, he has filed three lawsuits against the denial of the Overseas Korean (F-4) visa issuance, winning in the Supreme Court for the second time in December 2023. However, the LA Consulate-General refused to issue his visa again in June last year, and a third lawsuit is currently in progress.

The fans claimed in their statement, "Yoo Seung-jun has endured much criticism and sanctions over the years," and argued, "This does not mean he was without fault, but he has sufficiently fulfilled his social responsibilities." They also requested, "Inspired by the will for national unity demonstrated in the pardon cases of former Democratic Party leader Jo Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang, we hope this can be applied to the ordinary citizen Yoo Seung-jun as well."

Finally, they added, "We hope that President Lee Jae-myung's decision can be an opportunity to embody the constitutional values of equity and fairness."

The issue of Yoo Seung-jun's entry ban has long been a contentious matter between military obligations and legal rulings, and interest is growing regarding the outcomes of this fan request.

Below is the full statement from Yoo Seung-jun's fans.

Image Source: youtube 'yoo seung jun official', President Lee Jae-myung / News1, Jo Kuk former leader of the Justice Party / News1