Singer Yoo Seung-jun (Steve Yoo) has won again in his third legal battle. However, separate from the court's ruling, public opinion towards him remains cold, and there is interest in the reasons for this.
On the 28th, the 5th Administrative Division of the Seoul Administrative Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jung-won) ruled in favor of Yoo Seung-jun in the lawsuit against the Consulate General in Los Angeles regarding the refusal of visa issuance. With this ruling, Yoo Seung-jun has received recognition from the court after his third attempt, beginning with the first lawsuit in 2015.
The court stated, "It is difficult to see Yoo Seung-jun's actions and words as posing a serious threat to the security or order of Korea or diplomatic relations," and explained, "The refusal to issue a visa is judged to impose a greater disadvantage on the individual." It further noted, "Considering the matured level of national consciousness, the possibility that his entry would immediately lead to social chaos is also low," emphasizing the 'principle of proportionality.'
Previously, Yoo Seung-jun lost his Korean nationality when he acquired U.S. citizenship in 2002 and received a ban on entry from the Ministry of Justice amid accusations of evading military duty. Since then, he has been unable to step on Korean soil for 23 years and has been active only overseas. Ahead of Liberation Day, some fans released a statement saying, "The ban on entry that has lasted for over 20 years is excessive," but public opinion did not easily change. Yoo himself recently expressed his grievance through social media, saying, "I have no intention of making money in Korea. I only wished to enter to restore my honor."
However, the reactions from internet users are chilly. Regarding the news of this ruling, opinions among netizens were mixed, but generally indifferent. "Legally it might be correct, but the label of being a symbol of military duty evasion will never disappear." "He talks about restoring honor, but isn't it ultimately the path he chose?" "The court has sided with him three times, but it is worth considering why public opinion remains cold." On the other hand, some fans said, "It's been over 20 years. It's time to forgive."
Although he has secured a legal justification three times in a row, it remains uncertain whether Yoo Seung-jun will actually be able to set foot on his homeland. Moreover, regarding the 'lawsuit to confirm the non-existence of the entry ban' that was decided on the same day, the court dismissed it, stating, "This is not subject to the court's judgment." Thus, the court did not affirm his entry itself and drew a line regarding the moral controversy over evasion of military duty. Even after winning the third lawsuit, the social stigma of being a 'military duty evader' remains the highest wall for him, and there is increasing interest in his future actions.
[Photo] SNS
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