"Difficult to Forgive, But Issue Steve Sueng Jun Yoo a Visa"... People Power Party Lawmaker Raises Issue at LA Audit

[Financial News] The issue of visa issuance for singer Steve Sueng Jun Yoo (48, American name: Steve Sueng Jun Yoo), who has been banned from entering Korea due to draft evasion, was raised during the National Assembly audit of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles.
On the 22nd (local time), during the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the National Assembly’s audit of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles and the Consulate General in San Francisco, Kim Tae-ho of the People Power Party stated, "The Supreme Court of Korea ruled in favor of Steve Sueng Jun Yoo in two lawsuits. Why, then, does the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles still refuse to issue him a visa?"
In response, Kim Young-wan, Consul General in Los Angeles, explained, "The Supreme Court of Korea pointed out different issues in each of the two lawsuits involving Steve Sueng Jun Yoo. Since there could be various similar cases, we believe further legal review by higher courts is necessary going forward."
Kim Tae-ho remarked, "While it is truly difficult to forgive Steve Sueng Jun Yoo’s original act of draft evasion, I believe he has endured tremendous psychological and practical hardships as an individual for the past 20 years. During that time, our Military Service Act has also undergone significant changes, including provisions for conscientious objectors and alternative service."
He further argued, "No one’s basic rights or right to equality, as guaranteed by law, should be infringed upon by excessive exercise of state power."
He added, "I understand that public sentiment is unfavorable and that the MMA also opposes it, but since the Supreme Court of Korea has ruled and considering the protection of an individual’s basic rights, a review is warranted."
In response, Kim Young-wan, Consul General in Los Angeles, stated, "We will actively cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the MMA going forward."
In August, Steve Sueng Jun Yoo won a lawsuit against the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles regarding the cancellation of a visa issuance refusal. At the time, the court determined, "Allowing Steve Sueng Jun Yoo to enter Korea does not pose a threat to public interest. Comparing the public interest gained from banning his entry with the personal interests of Steve Sueng Jun Yoo, the degree of infringement on his rights is greater, which violates the principle of proportionality."
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles has appealed the ruling.
In 2002, Steve Sueng Jun Yoo acquired U.S. citizenship just before his scheduled enlistment, leading to controversy over draft evasion and a ban on his entry into Korea.
According to the MMA, at the time, Steve Sueng Jun Yoo’s enlistment date had already been set, making overseas travel impossible. However, he boarded a plane under the return guarantee system, stating his intention to return within the period. He ultimately renounced returning to Korea by abruptly acquiring U.S. citizenship.
After being unable to set foot in Korea for several years, he applied for an F-4 Overseas Korean Visa in 2015 to re-enter the country, but was denied. He filed a lawsuit to overturn the decision and ultimately won. He also filed additional lawsuits in 2020 and 2023, both of which he won at the Supreme Court of Korea.
Nevertheless, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles reiterated its refusal, stating, "Steve Sueng Jun Yoo’s evasion of military duty could harm the national interest."
Despite repeated refusals, Steve Sueng Jun Yoo filed a third lawsuit in September last year against the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles to cancel the rejection, and also filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) seeking confirmation that no entry ban exists.
moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter