Steve Yoo Speaks Out Regarding Pardon To Lift Entry Ban To Korea
Singer Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung Jun) recently responded to online statements by fans urging Korea to lift his entry ban.
Steve Yoo was banned from Korea after obtaining a U.S. citizenship in 2002 to avoid military service. Although he stated that he would fulfill his military service, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Recently, it was reported that Steve Yoo fans have once again urged lifting the entry ban in light of the special pardon on Liberation Day.
It’s unfair to impose a harsh standard on Steve Yoo, an ordinary citizen, for over 20 years. Please lift the ban on him to allow him to step on Korean land again.
— DC Inside Yoo Seung-joon Gallery
However, most recently, Steve Yoo took to his Instagram to express his position on the pardon.
View this post on Instagram
“I have never sought a pardon and don’t know who submitted the statement. Even the official fan club claims it’s not their position and stated they have no knowledge of the matter. Why should I suffer this inconvenience because of a statement by someone I don’t know?
I don’t know why some people are trying to misinterpret the matter because that’s all they have in mind, but I have absolutely no desire to make money in Korea. They seem to believe someone will wait for me with a wad of cash if I go. I have no intention of receiving benefits, nor do I want any.
I sought to re-enter the country to restore my reputation. It is deeply regrettable that I am entangled in this issue. It is a scary world where the real becomes fake, and the fake is considered real. The law must be equal, and fairness should not be violated.”
— Steve Yoo
Meanwhile, Steve Yoo has been applying for a visa for overseas Koreans since 2015 but has been repeatedly denied visas by the LA Consulate General. He applied again last year and was denied once again. In September, he filed a third lawsuit to overrule the denial against the Military of Justice.
