After 21 years, exiled K-Pop star Yoo Seung-jun can finally return to South Korea
Yoo Seung Jun, a former K-Pop singer, recently won a lawsuit against the South Korean government over the denial of his visa. This victory comes after a 21-year ban from entering his homeland. The ban was imposed in 2002 when Yoo renounced his Korean citizenship to evade mandatory military service.
Why was he banned?
- Steve Sueng Jun Yoo, known as Yoo Seung-jun, rose to prominence in South Korea's K-pop scene in 1997 with the hit song "Gawi."
- However, in 2002, his music career halted due to allegations of dodging compulsory military service by acquiring US citizenship.
- Consequently, he became the sole individual in history barred from South Korea for obtaining another citizenship.
Current development
On November 30, the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of Yoo, granting him a visa to reside in Korea as an overseas Korean.
What now?
The Seoul High Court's decision favored Yoo in his legal dispute against the South Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, which had rejected his application for an F-4 visa.
The F4 visa, also known as the Overseas Korean (Gyopo) visa, is designed for people of Korean descent living abroad. It allows them extended stays in South Korea for purposes such as work or study, as part of efforts to engage overseas Koreans more in Korean society.
Implications
- Yoo can now enter, reside, and potentially work in his home country.
- The entry ban against him will be legally invalidated, although his immediate return awaits completion of legal formalities.
Timeline of Yoo's life post-banishment
- After his ban in 2002, Yoo was permitted a temporary two-day entry in 2003 for his father-in-law's funeral.
- Despite rumors in 2013 suggesting the ban was lifted, it was officially denied in 2014.
- Following a final appeal loss in 2017, he remained unable to return.
- Since 2002, Yoo has lived in Beijing and later Los Angeles, marrying Christine Oh in 2004 and raising four children.
- In June 2008, Yoo signed a 15-year contract with Jackie Chan's entertainment management firm, delving into acting.
- He aimed to establish himself in mainland China while continuing his singing and acting endeavors.
- In February 2010, Yoo debuted in the film scene with his role as Prince Wen in Jackie Chan's "Little Big Soldier."
- Yoo launched a YouTube channel in 2019, showcasing his daily workout routine.