Some fans of U.S.-born singer Yoo Seung-jun (Steve Yoo), who has faced restrictions on entering Korea for over 20 years due to draft evasion controversies, have requested President Lee Jae-myung implement 'equitable measures' such as a pardon or restoration.
On the 9th, some fans stated through a press release from the 'Yoo Seung-jun Gallery' on DC Inside, "We hope that the tolerance and equity displayed in the recent review process for the pardon of politicians will be applied to Yoo Seung-jun as well." They continued, "With the government reviewing pardons and restorations for politicians and public officials ahead of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day, the continued restrictions despite the Supreme Court ruling that the visa denial was illegal twice goes against equity and the rule of law."
The fans said, "Yoo Seung-jun has endured many criticisms and sanctions over the years. This does not mean he did nothing wrong, rather he has fully borne the social responsibility that comes with it." They added, "We hope that the national will for unity, as revealed in the pardons of politicians like former Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang, will also apply to ordinary citizens like Yoo Seung-jun." They further expressed, "We hope President Lee Jae-myung's decision will serve as an opportunity to realize the constitutional values of equity and fairness."
Yoo Seung-jun obtained U.S. citizenship after leaving Korea for a performance in 2002 and lost his Korean nationality, facing suspicions of draft evasion that have led to his entry ban for 23 years. While he has filed lawsuits to overturn the denial of the Overseas Korean (F-4) visa three times since 2015, he won his second victory in the Supreme Court in December 2023; however, the LA Consulate again denied his visa in June last year, and a third lawsuit is currently underway.
The following is the full statement from the Yoo Seung-jun Gallery.
Statement
Recently, news has emerged that the government is reviewing pardons and restorations for politicians and public officials ahead of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day. We deeply resonate with the notion that pardons are a system to reduce social conflict and achieve national unity.
We wish for this spirit of tolerance and inclusivity to be applied fairly to all citizens, not just politicians and public officials. In the case of Mr. Yoo Seung-jun, whose entry has been restricted for over 20 years due to military service issues, the Supreme Court has ruled on two occasions in 2019 and 2023 that the visa denial was illegal. Nevertheless, we believe the ongoing restrictions warrant reconsideration in light of the principles of equity and the spirit of the rule of law.
Mr. Yoo Seung-jun has endured much criticism and sanctions over the years. This does not imply that he did nothing wrong, but it's important to note that he has sufficiently shouldered the social responsibility that accompanies his actions. I believe now is the time to reflect on the past and provide opportunities for him to start anew within Korean society.
Therefore, we sincerely appeal to President Lee Jae-myung.
We hope the national will for unity and harmony, as demonstrated in the review of pardons for politicians like former Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang, will also apply to ordinary citizen Mr. Yoo Seung-jun. May the President's decision serve as an example of how constitutional values like equity and fairness can be realized and contribute to national unity.
Aug. 9, 2025
Fans of Yoo Seung-jun
[Photo] SNS
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