[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Regarding singer Yoo Seung-jun (44, U.S. name Steven Yoo)'s entry ban situation, the Military Manpower Administration emphasized that if Yoo enters the country, the social impact would be significant due to the national sense of loss. The Military Manpower Administration repeatedly stressed that Yoo's name is not 'Yoo Seung-jun' but the American 'Steven Yoo.' The administration's position is that a public figure with great social influence openly evaded military service, thereby disrupting social order.
On the 28th, Mo Jong-hwa, head of the Military Manpower Administration, responded to a written inquiry from Lee Chae-ik, a member of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, stating, "There is no change in the position to ban singer Yoo Seung-jun (44, U.S. name Steven Yoo) from entering the country." Regarding Yoo, he referred to him as 'Steve Yoo' instead of 'Yoo Seung-jun,' emphasizing that he is a military service evader.
Mo pointed out, "Steve Yoo is a public figure with significant social influence who repeatedly promised to fulfill his military service obligations faithfully to the nation and its people but evaded military service by renouncing his Korean nationality." He added, "It is judged that if he engages in economic activities such as entertainment after entering the country, it will have a negative social impact," and said, "It is difficult to view this case the same as ordinary nationality changers due to the public's sense of loss caused by a public figure with great social influence deliberately evading military service, concerns about the trend of military service evasion, and disruption of social order."
He continued, "I do not want to use the term 'Yoo Seung-jun' and think of him as 'Steve Yoo.' Steve Yoo is not Korean but American," and emphasized, "Although he was assigned military service obligations in 2002, he obtained U.S. citizenship within a week after receiving permission to travel abroad, thereby evading military service, so I believe his entry should be banned."
He further stressed, "Steve Yoo repeatedly promised to fulfill his military service obligations faithfully but evaded them by renouncing his nationality," and added, "Even after more than ten years, many citizens are still angry about Steve Yoo's military service evasion, and the public's expectations for fair military service are increasing."
Regarding Han Woo-sung, chairman of the Overseas Koreans Foundation, who stated that "Yoo Seung-jun's entry should be allowed," Mo said, "I think opinions may differ individually," but firmly stated, "Considering public sentiment, the position to ban entry remains unchanged."
Meanwhile, Yoo posted on his Instagram on the 27th, claiming, "Although I made a mistake by not keeping my promise as an entertainer, the government's blocking me from setting foot in South Korea for decades is clear discrimination and a human rights violation."
Yoo appealed, saying, "Because I chose U.S. citizenship, I have been stigmatized as a military service evader who harms South Korea's interests and public safety and have become indefinitely banned from entering the country," and "I still feel very sorry for not keeping my promise to fans that I would enlist in the military."
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