Will Steve Yoo Set Foot in Korea? Third Administrative Lawsuit Verdict Today Amid Draft Evasion Controversy

Won Two Previous Lawsuits, But Visa Still Denied
Authorities Cite "Impact on Military Morale and Draft Evasion Trends"

Singer Steve Seungjun Yoo (48) is set to receive a ruling on August 28 for his third administrative lawsuit after his visa issuance was denied, despite two Supreme Court decisions ordering a visa for his entry into South Korea. On this day, the Seoul Administrative Court's Division 5 (Presiding Judge Lee Jeongwon) will consecutively hold hearings for Yoo's lawsuits against the Ministry of Justice and the Los Angeles (LA) Consulate General: one seeking confirmation that there is no entry ban, and another seeking to overturn the visa issuance denial. While Yoo previously filed two administrative lawsuits against the LA Consulate General, this is his first lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice.

Singer Steve Seungjun Yoo (48) is set to receive a ruling on his third administrative lawsuit on the 28th after being denied a visa for entry into South Korea despite two Supreme Court decisions ordering the issuance of the visa. Photo by Steve Seungjun Yoo Instagram

Yoo's legal team argues that, in accordance with the two finalized Supreme Court decisions, the LA Consulate General’s refusal to issue a visa constitutes an abuse and overreach of discretion and should be overturned, and that the Ministry of Justice's entry ban decision from February 2002 is no longer valid. In contrast, the Ministry of Justice maintains that the need for an entry ban on Yoo still exists, as his entry could impact South Korea's public interest. The Ministry also expressed concern about how Yoo's team obtained the 'Guidelines for Handling Entry Restrictions,' noting, "If outsiders become aware of this, there will be more attempts to enter the country by exploiting these guidelines," and emphasized, "This could seriously harm social order and public safety."

Previously, Yoo became embroiled in controversy over draft evasion after he left the country in January 2002 for an overseas performance despite receiving a notice to serve as a public service worker, and subsequently acquired U.S. citizenship. He then attempted to enter South Korea using an Overseas Korean (F-4) visa, but when the LA Consulate General denied his visa application, he filed his first lawsuit. Although he lost in both the first and second trials, the Supreme Court overturned the rulings and sent the case back for retrial. On retrial, in line with the Supreme Court’s reasoning, Yoo won the case. An appeal was filed, but the Supreme Court dismissed it without review, finalizing the ruling in Yoo's favor.

Based on this outcome, Yoo applied for a second visa at the LA Consulate General, but when the consulate again denied his application, he filed another lawsuit. In this second case, the court ruled in Yoo's favor. While he lost in the first trial, the appellate court pointed out issues with the legal grounds the consulate had used to deny his visa and ruled in Yoo's favor. The Supreme Court later finalized this decision. However, in June of last year, the LA Consulate General once again denied his visa, this time citing the Ministry of Justice's 2002 decision, prompting Yoo to file his third lawsuit in September of the same year.