Singer Yoo Seung-jun (Steven Yoo) expressed displeasure over a request for clemency from some fans.
On the 13th, Yoo Seung-jun opened up through his personal account, saying, "I have never wanted clemency, and I do not even know who submitted the statement."
Yoo Seung-jun lamented, "The official fan club also says it's not their position and that they know nothing about it, but should I have to experience this discomfort because of a statement submitted by someone who doesn't even know who I am?"
He continued, "I have no desire to make money in Korea. It seems that some believe I will be waiting with a bundle of cash once I go there," and explained, "I have no intention of receiving benefits, nor do I want them."
He also emphasized, "I wanted to return to Korea for the restoration of my honor. It is very unfortunate to be involved in such an issue," adding, "The law should be equal for everyone, and fairness should not be violated."
Previously, Yoo Seung-jun's fans submitted a statement through an online community, requesting, "Just like the clemency cases for politicians, please apply fairness to Yoo Seung-jun as well," and hoped, "May the president's decision serve as a case where the constitutional values of fairness and justice are realized, and become a catalyst for national unity."
Yoo Seung-jun debuted as a singer in 1997 but came under scrutiny for evading military service after obtaining U.S. citizenship while abroad for a performance in 2002, losing his Korean citizenship. He has been banned from entering South Korea for 23 years and has filed lawsuits to cancel visa denials, winning twice, but has had his visa applications denied again, leading to a third lawsuit.
In light of Yoo Seung-jun's repeated visa denials, some fans sought clemency on his behalf, recalling a post from President Lee Jae-myung's social media from 10 years ago, placing Yoo Seung-jun at the center of the issue.
In response, some fans issued another statement on the 12th, asserting, "Please lift the entry ban on Mr. Yoo Seung-jun that has lasted over 20 years." They pointed out, "After the statement was released, President Lee Jae-myung's social media comments from 10 years ago were recalled. At that time, President Lee criticized Mr. Yoo Seung-jun as 'someone who abandoned his country to avoid his defense duties,' but this year's special clemency list includes cases that diverge from that stance."
He added, "This is not to criticize this decision, but to apply the same standard," further stating, "The true value of national unity lies not in excluding specific individuals, but in providing equal opportunities."
[Photo] SNS
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