Korean-American singer Steve Yoo, aka Yoo Seung Jun, recently notched a big win in his own legal battle. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, overturning the initial denial of his F-4 visa and passport issuance. This decision upholds an earlier ruling by the Seoul High Court.
Korean descendants who are foreign nationals can work and live in South Korea using the F-4 visa. It’s a multiple entry visa that grants them the right to reside in Korea for three years. However, F-4 visa holders do not have the right to vote in national elections.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes after a lengthy legal battle. Yoo first filed a lawsuit in 2015 after the South Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles refused to issue him a visa. In 2020, the high court ruled that the refusal was procedurally flawed. When Yoo reapplied for a permit, the consulate general declined it again, prompting him to file a second suit in 2020 to reverse the decision.
Court rules gov’t refusal to issue visa to Steve Yoo should be reversed
A turning point for Steve Yoo
The Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders are expected to discuss follow-up measures. If Yoo applies for a visa again, it won’t be easy for the consulate general in Los Angeles to refuse it unless it provides other grounds for visa refusal other than his dodging of military service.
However, even if he receives a visa, if the Ministry of Justice doesn’t lift its entry ban on Yoo, he will not be able to come to South Korea. If the government approves visa issuance and lifts the entry ban, Yoo will get to go there for the first time in about 20 years.
음악캠프 – Steve Yoo – Passion, 유승준 – 열정, Music Camp 19990515
Born in Seoul in 1976, Steve Yoo moved to California with his family at 13. He debuted in South Korea in 1997. With his powerful dance music, he became quite popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, he renounced his Korean nationality to become a US citizen just before he was set to begin alternative military service. That led to the ban and subsequent public outcry, as all able-bodied South Korean men aged between 18 and 40 are required to serve.
This recent legal victory marks a potential turning point in his career and relationship with his home country. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: This ruling is a welcome development for the beleaguered singer. Source: X/@hjh1882.