By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Exiled Korean singer Yoo Seung-jun is attempting to make a comeback in Korea. Yoo is releasing his seventh album ``Rebirth of YSJ'' in 10 Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia, this month.
Yoo, who is still banned from returning to Korea after dodging military enlistment, is releasing a special Korean version of his album, due to the request of his fans.
According to Yoo's agency S&J ToEnter, many fans requested that the album be released in Korea. Only 3,000 copies of ``Rebirth of YSJ'' will be sold in Korea.
The agency also said Yoo will not profit from the sale of his album in Korea. Instead, all the profits from the album will be donated to charitable causes.
``Rebirth of YSJ'' is Yoo's first album since 2001. The album is said to be Yoo's offering for his loyal fans who have stood by him throughout the years. Yoo worked with producers, lyricists, composers and rappers from Korea, China and the U.S. on the album's 11 tracks. The first single off the album is ``My World.''
Netizens are still divided on whether to allow Yoo to resume his music career in Korea. Some feel Yoo should be allowed to come back and promote his album, while others still don't want him to return.
Yoo was once considered a K-pop sensation. He was born in Seoul, but grew up in the U.S. He moved back to Korea, and made his debut in the music scene in 1997. He won over fans with his singing and dancing abilities. His ``West Side'' was a hit, which he followed up with five other albums.
In 2002, he avoided enlistment to the military by becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. His action prompted national ire because he had previously said that he would do his military service. The government considered this as ``military desertion'' and has banned Yoo from entering Korea. Many fans also turned against Yoo.
In 2005, music channel Mnet filmed a documentary about Yoo and his wife, but this was never shown because of the continued backlash against him. Yoo has been pursuing a music career in China for the past few years.