Singer Yoo Seung-jun (48, Steve Yoo), who was banned from entering Korea due to allegations of dodging military service, has stated that he does not desire a pardon in response to some fans' demands for his entry to be allowed.
Yoo Seung-jun posted on Instagram on the 13th, capturing related articles, stating, "I have never wanted a pardon, and I do not even know who submitted that statement. The official fan club says it is not their position and that they have no knowledge of this matter. Am I to go through this discomfort because of a statement submitted by someone who doesn't even know who I am?"
He continued, "I have absolutely no desire to make money in Korea. It seems like people believe that if I go, someone will be waiting with a bundle of cash," and added, "I have no intention of receiving benefits, nor do I want to."
Yoo Seung-jun also said, "I wanted to enter Korea for the sake of restoring my honor," and remarked, "It is very regrettable to be involved in such an issue. The law should be equal for everyone, and there should not be a lack of fairness."
Earlier, some fans announced a statement through the online community DC Inside's Yoo Seung-jun gallery, arguing for the need to lift the entry ban on Yoo Seung-jun.
Fans pointed out that while President Lee Jae-myung recently granted a special pardon on Liberation Day to former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mee-hyang, it is unfair to apply a harsh standard to Yoo Seung-jun, a regular citizen, for over 20 years.
The statement conveyed, "We are not criticizing this decision (for pardon). Rather, we request that the justification and the greater good be applied equally to all citizens."
Previously, Yoo Seung-jun, who left the country for overseas performances just before his military enlistment in 2002, renounced his Korean citizenship and obtained U.S. citizenship. The Ministry of Justice added him to the entry ban list that same year.
Afterward, in 2015, he applied for an Overseas Korean (F-4) visa at the Los Angeles Consulate but was rejected, leading him to file a lawsuit to annul the visa denial. He won in both administrative lawsuits. However, as the visa issuance was still denied until recently, he filed a third lawsuit against the Los Angeles Consulate and the Minister of Justice. In the second hearing, the Ministry of Justice maintained its position, stating, "We cannot allow entry."