[2020 National Audit] Military Manpower Administration Chief: "Steve Yoo Continues to Be Banned from Entry"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]It appears that singer Yoo Seung-jun (44, U.S. name Steve Seung-jun Yoo)'s entry ban will continue to be maintained.

On the 13th, Mo Jong-hwa, Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, stated at the National Assembly National Defense Committee's audit, regarding Yoo Seung-jun's entry ban, "Steve Yoo voluntarily abandoned his sacred military duty and repeatedly promised the public that he would fulfill his military obligations fairly, yet he refused to do so," and emphasized, "If he enters the country and resumes his entertainment activities domestically, how much loss of morale would the soldiers currently fulfilling their military duties feel at this very moment?"

Regarding the criticism that "foreigners who have committed crimes can re-enter the country five years after deportation, so maintaining Yoo's entry ban is excessive," Commissioner Mo responded, "Fulfilling the sacred military duty is more important, so the entry ban must continue."

The Military Manpower Administration also refuted the claims recently made by Yoo's side in a lawsuit filed at the Seoul Administrative Court against the Consulate General in Los Angeles (LA), seeking cancellation of the passport and visa issuance refusal, in materials previously submitted to Assemblyman Lee Chae-ik.

Yoo's side argues, "It is illegal to impose an indefinite entry ban citing national security and other reasons, even though the only issue is failing to keep a promise as an entertainer, and to continue rejecting entry on the same grounds after 18 years and 7 months."

The Military Manpower Administration pointed out, "Allowing entry would shake the sacred value of fulfilling military duty among young men and cause great confusion."

Assemblyman Lee Chae-ik of the People Power Party, a member of the National Defense Committee, said, "If fairness and justice are compromised, the existence of the state and the security of the Republic of Korea are threatened," and added, "The entry ban is a proper measure because Yoo, who was once a national star, not only broke his promise to the people but also deliberately neglected his sacred national defense duty."

Although Yoo won a final ruling at the Supreme Court in March, he recently filed another lawsuit after the LA Consulate General again refused to issue a visa in July.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.