Denial of visa for singer Yoo Seung-jun questioned at National Assembly audit in LA

Singer Yoo Seung-jun, also known as Steve Yoo / Captured from his YouTube channel

Controversy over the government’s continued refusal to issue a visa to singer Yoo Seung-jun, also known as Steve Yoo, who renounced his Korean citizenship two decades ago to avoid mandatory military service, resurfaced during a National Assembly audit held at the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles.

Rep. Kim Tae-ho of the People Power Party on Wednesday (local time) pressed Consul General Kim Young-wan during the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee audit, saying, “The Supreme Court has ruled in Yoo’s favor twice. Why does the LA Consulate still refuse to issue his visa?"

Consul General Kim responded that “each Supreme Court ruling pointed out different legal issues,” adding that “since there could be similar cases, the government believes further judicial review by higher courts is needed.”

Lawmakers of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee conduct an audit of the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles and San Francisco on Wednesday. Yonhap

Rep. Kim acknowledged public resentment toward Yoo’s draft evasion but urged a more balanced approach.

“While it’s hard to forgive his initial act, he has endured immense psychological and social hardship for 20 years,” he said. “Korea’s military service law has also evolved, introducing alternative service for conscientious objectors. When state power is applied too harshly, it may infringe on basic constitutional rights and raise human rights concerns.”

Kim urged the consulate to consider Yoo’s basic rights and equality under the law despite lingering public sentiment.

In response, Consul General Kim said the consulate would “continue working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Military Manpower Administration.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.