Singer Yoo Seung-jun (Steve Yoo·49) has appeared in music activities for the first time in effect since the controversy over evading military service. With his entry ban in its 23rd year, confirmation that he participated in a domestic artist's new album has produced mixed reactions online.
The final track of rapper JUSTHIS's new album released on the 20th, "Home Home," features Yoo Seung-jun's voice. His name was not listed in the track credits, but his participation as a featured artist was revealed when footage uploaded to JUSTHIS's YouTube channel captured Yoo Seung-jun recording in the studio.
In the video he appears in a white T-shirt and beanie, recording "Home Home." The project file name was "Home Home - YSJ - Acapella," confirming that "YSJ" were Yoo Seung-jun's English initials.
This is the first time in about seven years that Yoo Seung-jun's new music has been released in Korea since the 2019 album "Another Day." Online reactions, however, are cold. Comments include negative responses such as "the controversy over evading military service remains" and "isn't this a comeback to whitewash his image?"
Yoo Seung-jun rose to top-star status in the late 1990s with hits such as "Scissors" and "Na Na Na," but ahead of his 2002 enlistment he suddenly acquired U.S. citizenship, sparking controversy over evading military service. The Ministry of Justice later restricted his entry into Korea under Article 11 of the Immigration Control Act.
At age 38 in 2015, he applied to the Los Angeles consulate for an overseas Korean (F-4) visa but was denied. Yoo Seung-jun immediately filed a lawsuit and won twice in the Supreme Court, but the consulate again refused to issue the visa, saying "exemption from military service obligations could harm national interests." After he won a third lawsuit, the Los Angeles consulate filed an appeal and the legal battle has continued.
Given that the entry ban remains in place, the sudden resumption of music activities is expected to spark another controversy.<
[Photo] YouTube capture
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