Statement Calling for Yoo Seungjun's Pardon Posted on Community Site on August 9
Steve Yoo: "I Don't Know About This and Never Asked for It"
Singer Steve Yoo (Korean name Yoo Seungjun), who has been banned from entering South Korea due to allegations of military service evasion, has expressed his position regarding a fan statement recently posted on an online community. He questioned whether he should have to endure discomfort over something that is neither the official stance of his fan club nor something he himself was aware of.
On August 13, Steve Yoo stated via his social media (SNS), "I have never requested a pardon, nor do I know the source of the statement or who submitted it."
He continued, "Even the official fan club has said this is not their position and that they know nothing about it. Yet, do I have to be inconvenienced by a statement submitted by someone I don't even know? I don't understand why some people are so intent on distorting things, but I have absolutely no intention of making money in Korea. It seems some people believe that if I come, someone will be waiting with bundles of cash."
He added, "I have neither intended nor desired to receive any benefits. I only wanted to enter the country to restore my honor, and I deeply regret being entangled in this kind of issue. It's a frightening world where the real becomes fake and the fake parades as real. The law must be equal for everyone, and fairness should never be compromised."
Statement Released on August 9 in Steve Yoo Gallery...Appeal for Pardon to President Lee
On August 9, a statement titled "From All Fans Who Love Yoo Seungjun" was posted on the Steve Yoo Gallery on DC Inside. The statement expressed the hope that the same leniency and fairness shown during the government's recent review of political pardons would also be applied to Yoo Seungjun, who has been restricted from entering Korea for over 20 years due to military service issues.
Statement demanding apology from Steve Yoo posted on the Steve Yoo gallery. Screenshot from DC Inside
The statement read, "Recently, news has emerged that the government is considering pardons and reinstatements for politicians and public officials ahead of the August 15 Liberation Day. We wish to express our hope that such leniency will be applied fairly to all citizens." It continued, "In Yoo Seungjun's case, the Supreme Court has already ruled twice-in 2019 and 2023-that the refusal to issue a visa was unlawful. Despite this, the continued restrictions should be reconsidered in light of the rule of law."
The statement further said, "He has endured much criticism and sanctions over the years and has shouldered sufficient social responsibility. Now is the time to grant him a new opportunity to live within Korean society." It concluded, "We earnestly appeal to President Lee Jaemyung. We hope that the spirit of unity shown in the pardons of politicians such as former Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk and former lawmaker Yoon Mihyang will be equally applied to an ordinary citizen like Yoo Seungjun."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
