YOO SEUNG JUN
Will the former messages of South Korea’s new president, written when he was a mayor, affect his decision?
Fans of singer YOO SEUNG JUN (48, also known as Steve Yoo) have pleaded with President Lee Jae Myung for a pardon, while an old post in which the president criticized YOO SEUNG JUN has resurfaced.
Ten years ago, when Lee Jae Myung was mayor of Seongnam, he posted on social media a message criticizing YOO SEUNG JUN:
“He who abandoned his homeland to avoid his duty to the people… what do you have to say now?“
President Lee added:
“Mr. YOO SEUNG JUN, do you really want to return to the Republic of Korea, a harsh country where young men far worse off than you fulfill their military service and where some even lose their lives in firearms accidents today?“
He continued: “Do you need money from Korean citizens’ pockets? Or has your patriotism suddenly awakened?” He also wrote: “You sang in Korean, enjoyed all the benefits and privileges as a Korean citizen, but when it was time to fulfill your duties as a citizen, you chose to abandon Korea and become a foreigner.”
Finally, he asked: “Why should we grant special treatment again to you, who are a foreigner just because you physically resemble a Korean, and suffer feelings of relative deprivation and hurt?” And concluded: “This country already has enough high-ranking officials who dodge military service by all means while living large. It’s time for you to be loyal to your homeland and forget the Korea you betrayed and abandoned.”
On the “YOO SEUNG JUN” gallery on DC Inside, a statement titled “All Fans Loving Yoo Seung Jun” was posted on August 9, saying:
“Recently, news has circulated that the government is considering pardons and reinstatements for politicians and public officials ahead of August 15, Liberation Day. We hope this spirit of tolerance and inclusion will apply fairly not only to politicians and officials but also to all citizens.”
They added: “Regarding Yoo Seung Jun, whose entry to Korea has been restricted for over 20 years due to military service issues, the Supreme Court has already ruled twice, in 2019 and 2023, that denying his visa was unlawful. Despite this, restrictions continue, which we believe needs to be reviewed in light of fairness and the rule of law.”
They also stated: “We hope the will for national unity and harmony shown in the consideration of pardons for politicians like former Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mi Hyang will be equally applied to an ordinary citizen like Mr. YOO SEUNG JUN. We hope the president’s decision will set an example of upholding constitutional values of fairness and justice and become an opportunity for national unity.”
YOO SEUNG JUN left the country in 2002 before his enlistment, citing overseas concerts, acquired U.S. citizenship, and was thus exempted from military service. This raised suspicions of draft evasion, leading to his ban from entering Korea.
In 2015, YOO SEUNG JUN applied for an overseas Korean resident visa (F-4) at the Los Angeles consulate. However, the consulate refused, stating that “YOO SEUNG JUN’s evasion of military service could harm national interests.” In October 2020, Yoo Seung Jun filed an administrative lawsuit against the LA consulate. Although he won the second trial, the consulate continues to deny the visa. He is now pursuing a third administrative lawsuit against the government. The verdict for this case is scheduled for the 28th of this month.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS Lee Jae Myung, Yoo Seung Jun
