"Yoo Seung-jun, 'Banned from Entry for 20 Years'... Visa Issuance Lawsuit to be Decided on the 14th of Next Month"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] The conclusion of the lawsuit filed by singer Yoo Seung-jun (45, U.S. name Steve Seung-jun Yoo), who has been indefinitely banned from entering Korea for 20 years, requesting the issuance of a Korean entry visa, will be announced on the 14th of next month.

The Administrative Court of Seoul, Administrative Division 5 (Chief Judge Jeong Sang-gyu) held the final hearing on the 17th for Yoo's lawsuit against the Consulate General in Los Angeles (LA), requesting the cancellation of the refusal to issue a passport and visa, and confirmed the final positions.

Yoo's legal representative argued, "Legally, acquiring foreign nationality was not for the purpose of evading military service," and added, "Compared to other cases with the intent to evade military service, this case is more favorable." He continued, "There are countless cases of acquiring foreign nationality to avoid military service and not serving in the military, but in all those cases, only Yoo Seung-jun has been banned from entering Korea for over 20 years."

In response, the defendant argued, "What the plaintiff requests is not a visitor visa but an overseas Korean visa that allows entertainment activities and provides the same benefits as Korean nationals, which undermines the value of fairness."

Yoo Seung-jun acquired U.S. citizenship to evade military duty and was restricted from entering Korea in 2002.

The court decided to receive additional materials submitted by both parties by the 28th of this month and to deliver the verdict on the 14th of next month.