Yoo Seung-jun's comeback scrapped amid public outrage

Yoo Seung-jun's comeback is on hold amid strong public criticism. Hankook Ilbo file

By Lee Min-young

Plans for controversial singer Steven Yoo's comeback have been put on hold after a storm of public criticism.

Yoo, 41, better known as Yoo Seung-jun to Koreans, was to return with his first digital album in 11 years. But the distributor decided to suspend plans for the release following the outcry, according to a media report citing sources close to the matter.

The once highest-selling artist fell into disgrace after controversially acquiring U.S. citizenship in 2002 to dodge mandatory military service. The South Korean government deported him and banned him from entering the country. Ever since, he has pursued an acting career in the U.S. and China.

Yoo's controversial announcement on Weibo Wednesday that his prerelease track, “Another Day,” would be out the following day immediately drew outrage.

The teaser video of "Another Day," released Wednesday on YouTube, also was deleted.

Yoo's full album and music video were supposed to be available online on Dec. 5 but this remains uncertain.