Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung Joon) shares reflective post amidst continued entry ban to Korea

Steve Yoo, also known by his Korean name Yoo Seung Joon, posted a message of reflection and regret on his social media on October 1st, as he continues to face rejection from entering South Korea after choosing U.S. citizenship to avoid military service.

Yoo shared a photo with his family and wrote, “Why didn’t I understand it back then? I’m sorry for being so lacking. Even after all these years, I can’t forget you all. It seems like the love I received from you was much greater than the love I gave.”

He continued, “Someone asked why I can’t forget Korea. Would it be misunderstood if I said it’s because I miss and love it so much? I’m truly sorry for causing you pain. My shortcomings made time pass like this.” He further reflected, saying, “Looking back, not a single memory was guaranteed. Everything from the past, today, and tomorrow has been a blessing.”

Yoo then expressed, “For some reason, I’m shedding a lot of tears today—not out of pain, but gratitude. Thank you. I love you.”

Previously, on September 28th, Yoo shared a statement from his legal representative, lawyer Ryu Jung Seon of the law firm Innovation, on his social media.

According to the statement, the Los Angeles (LA) Consulate General recently rejected Yoo’s visa application, which he submitted in February. The consulate cited considerations regarding South Korea’s national security, public order, welfare, and diplomatic relations, following a review since the second visa rejection in 2020.

Yoo’s legal team argued that this decision violates human rights and undermines the rule of law. They have filed a lawsuit to cancel the third visa rejection and confirm that the entry ban is either non-existent or invalid.

This latest rejection prompted Yoo’s team to push back. Lawyer Ryu stated, “This is an example of administrative authorities disregarding even court rulings and continuing to make illegal decisions. It is not only a violation of Mr. Yoo’s human rights but also a serious issue that threatens the foundation of the rule of law.” He expressed concern over the Ministry of Justice and related administrative agencies repeatedly ignoring the court’s final rulings.

Ryu added, “After much deliberation, we decided to file a lawsuit to cancel the third rejection and challenge the existence or validity of the entry ban.”

In 2002, Yoo left South Korea for a performance and subsequently obtained U.S. citizenship, thereby losing his Korean nationality, which led to the Ministry of Justice barring his entry. In 2015, Yoo applied for a visa at the LA Consulate General under the status of a Korean overseas resident, but his request was denied. Yoo filed his first lawsuit to overturn the rejection, and the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in his favor.

However, the LA Consulate General once again rejected his visa, citing concerns that Yoo’s evasion of military duty could harm national interests. Yoo then filed a second lawsuit in 2020, winning a favorable ruling in the appellate court. The LA Consulate General appealed, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case, ruling that it did not warrant further review.

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