"I Am Not a Criminal" Yoo Seung-jun Appeals to Kang Kyung-hwa for 'Entry Permission'

Singer Yoo Seung-jun. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] On the 27th, singer Yoo Seung-jun left an appeal asking Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa, who has taken a hardline stance on not allowing visa issuance, to permit his entry into the country.

On that day, Yoo Seung-jun posted on his Instagram, "I received a lot of love and applause from people of all ages, but everything was shattered in an instant by a choice I made in February 2002," adding, "As a consequence of choosing U.S. citizenship, I was branded as a draft evader who harms the interests or public safety of the Republic of Korea and became subject to an indefinite entry ban."

He continued, "I still feel very sorry for not keeping my promise to fans that I would enlist in the military," and explained, "However, I was already a permanent resident who had immigrated to the U.S. with my family since my debut, and at that time, there was an unavoidable circumstance where if I did not acquire citizenship, I would even lose my permanent residency."

Yoo Seung-jun said, "I may be criticized for betraying the trust of my fans and choosing practical benefits in a cowardly manner, but at least I did not violate the Military Service Act," and added, "The decision I made was legal, and I believe that if it is not illegal, legal sanctions should not be imposed."

He also said, "I heard that during the recent National Assembly audit, the minister said she decided not to allow me to be issued a visa," and asked, "Do you see me as someone who poses a threat to the safety, order maintenance, public welfare, or diplomatic relations of the Republic of Korea?" He then stated, "I am just an ordinary entertainer without such influence or ability. I am neither a political prisoner, terrorist, nor criminal, and certainly not someone who would have a negative impact on Korea."

Furthermore, through comments on the post, he requested entry permission, saying, "I believe foreigners also have human rights, and criminals are punished only according to their crimes. Do you think it is appropriate to consider me as having acquired foreign citizenship for the purpose of draft evasion for 18 years and 8 months, be banned from entry, and be permanently banned from entry in the future? I think this is a clear human rights violation and an unfair judgment."

Earlier, Minister Kang said at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' National Assembly audit held on the 26th, regarding singer Yoo Seung-jun's entry issue, "It has been decided again not to allow visa issuance."

Minister Kang explained, "When the entry ban was first imposed, our Supreme Court ruled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not properly exercise its discretionary power, not that entry must be allowed, but that procedural requirements must be met," and added, "The court ruled that the Ministry's exercise of discretion was illegal."