Singer Yoo Seung-jun (48, American name Steve Seung-jun Yoo) has officially started his third administrative lawsuit demanding the issuance of a domestic entry visa and the invalidation of the entry ban, and expressed his gratitude to his fans.
On the 21st, Yoo Seung-jun posted on Instagram, "Thank you. And I love you. Even after such a long time, I am so happy to have loving fans who have not forgotten me and have come to the court to support me, and to all of you who still remember and cheer for me."
He added, "I am always sorry that I can't do anything for you. I believe that one day there will be a day when I can repay that love. I love you all. I have loved you, I love you, and I will continue to love you, just as I always have."
Prior to this, Yoo Seung-jun left a meaningful message saying, "When one door closes, another opens, and when one door opens, another closes. It doesn't mean to go just because it's open, nor does it mean not to go just because it's closed. I just quietly walk the path my father told me to go. Whether people acknowledge it or not... it no longer matters to me."
Yoo Seung-jun debuted in 1997 and was loved for numerous hit songs such as 'Scissors', 'Passion', and 'Na Na Na', but he was banned from entering the country due to controversy over evading military service after obtaining U.S. citizenship before his enlistment in 2002.
After being unable to set foot in Korea for several years, he applied for an overseas Korean visa (F-4) in 2015 to enter the country, but when it was denied, he filed a lawsuit to cancel the denial and ultimately won. However, the LA Consulate General again refused to issue the visa, and Yoo Seung-jun filed a second cancellation lawsuit, winning again in the Supreme Court in November 2023.
However, in 2024, the LA Consulate General decided to ban Yoo Seung-jun's entry after reviewing with the Ministry of Justice, stating that his actions after July 2, 2020 (the date of the second denial) could harm the interests of South Korea in terms of national security, order maintenance, public welfare, and diplomatic relations.
In response, Yoo Seung-jun filed a lawsuit in September to cancel the denial and confirm the non-existence of the entry ban, initiating a third legal battle against the government.
On the 20th, the 5th Administrative Division of the Seoul Administrative Court held the first hearing for Yoo Seung-jun's lawsuit against the U.S. Los Angeles (LA) Consulate General and the Ministry of Justice regarding the cancellation of the visa denial and the confirmation of the non-existence of the entry ban.
